Pet insurance prices can vary a lot depending on your pet’s age, breed, health, coverage level, and the insurer you choose. Because plans often look similar at first glance, comparing them can feel confusing—but once you understand what affects cost and how to evaluate quotes correctly, finding the best value becomes simple. This guide explains how to compare pet insurance prices the right way so you can get strong protection without overpaying.
Understand What Affects Pet Insurance Prices
Before you begin comparing quotes, it helps to know the main factors influencing your premium:
- Pet type (dog vs. cat—dogs cost more)
- Breed (certain breeds have higher hereditary risks)
- Age (older pets cost more to insure)
- Location (vet costs vary by region)
- Policy type (accident-only vs. accident & illness)
- Reimbursement level (70%, 80%, 90%)
- Deductible amount
- Annual payout limit
- Pre-existing conditions
Understanding these factors helps you interpret why one insurer may quote a much higher—or much lower—price than another.
Compare the Same Coverage Type Across All Quotes
To accurately compare prices, make sure every quote uses the same:
Coverage type
- Accident-only
- Accident & illness
- Accident, illness & wellness
Accident & illness is the most common and gives the most accurate comparison.
Annual deductible
Common deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $1,000
Higher deductible = lower monthly premium.
Reimbursement rate
Typical options: 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement.
Annual payout limit
Options range from $5,000 to unlimited.
Unlimited coverage costs more—but protects you from catastrophic bills.
If these details aren’t aligned, you won’t be comparing equivalent protection.
Review What’s Covered—and What’s Not
Some lower-priced plans exclude important areas of coverage.
Compare:
- Hereditary and congenital conditions
- Chronic conditions
- Cancer treatments
- Dental illness vs. dental injury
- Behavioral therapy
- Alternative therapies (acupuncture, hydrotherapy, rehab)
- Prescription medications
- Emergency care
- Specialist visits
A cheaper plan may exclude hereditary conditions—something crucial for breeds like Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, or German Shepherds.
Evaluate Waiting Periods and Restrictions
Waiting periods vary widely and can influence your decision:
- Accidents: typically 1–5 days
- Illnesses: 10–14 days
- Orthopedic issues: 6–12 months (breed-dependent)
Some insurers offer orthopedic exam waivers to reduce long waiting periods—compare this carefully.
Compare Optional Add-Ons and Riders
Add-ons can significantly change both pricing and value.
Common add-ons include:
- Wellness care (vaccines, exams, flea/tick prevention)
- Dental care
- Physical therapy or rehab
- Behavioral therapy
- End-of-life care
- Hereditary condition upgrades
Make sure all quotes include or exclude the same add-ons before comparing price.
Look at the Insurer’s Reputation and Claims Process
A lower price doesn’t help if filing a claim becomes difficult.
Compare companies based on:
- Customer reviews
- Claims turnaround time
- App or online claims submission
- Customer support availability
- Direct vet payment options
- Transparency about exclusions
A small price difference may be worth it for better systems and service.
Examine the Total Annual Cost, Not Just the Monthly Premium
When comparing the real cost of pet insurance, evaluate:
- Annual premium
- Deductible amount
- Reimbursement difference for typical vet bills
- Annual payout limit
- Out-of-pocket maximum for emergencies
- Price increases as your pet ages
Looking at the full-year cost gives you an accurate comparison.
Get at Least Three Quotes
To compare effectively:
- Gather quotes from at least three insurers
- Use the same pet info and coverage levels
- Make sure waiting periods and exclusions match
- Compare optional add-ons
- Review total annual cost
This helps you find the best value—not just the cheapest price.
Reevaluate Coverage as Your Pet Ages
Pet insurance prices rise with age, so it’s helpful to:
- Review your policy every year
- Adjust deductible or reimbursement levels
- Add riders your pet now needs
- Shop around for better value (before new conditions appear)
Staying proactive helps you keep costs manageable over time.