Pet insurance can save you thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, but only if you choose the right plan. Many pet owners sign up without fully understanding coverage details, exclusions, or long-term costs. The result? Denied claims, unexpected out-of-pocket fees, or policies that don’t match their pet’s needs.
Use this guide to learn the most common mistakes pet owners make when buying pet insurance—and how to avoid them so your pet gets the best protection possible.
1. Don’t Wait Until Your Pet Is Older
One of the biggest mistakes is waiting until pets develop health issues or reach senior age. By then:
- Policies cost significantly more
- Many conditions are considered pre-existing
- Some insurers won’t accept older pets
- Coverage options become limited
The best time to buy pet insurance is when your pet is young and healthy.
2. Don’t Choose the Cheapest Policy Automatically
Low premiums are tempting, but cheaper plans often include:
- High deductibles
- Low annual limits
- No coverage for hereditary conditions
- Limited reimbursement percentages
- Fewer diagnostic or treatment options
In many cases, the cheapest plan ends up costing more over time.
3. Don’t Overlook Deductible and Reimbursement Options
Pet insurance policies vary widely in how much they reimburse after a claim. Key decisions include:
- Reimbursement percentage (usually 70%, 80%, or 90%)
- Annual deductible (high vs. low)
- Annual or per-condition limits
Choosing the wrong combination can significantly affect your actual out-of-pocket cost.
4. Don’t Ignore Pre-Existing Condition Rules
Pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Many owners don’t understand that conditions become “pre-existing” if:
- Symptoms appeared before coverage
- Vet records show early signs
- The pet was diagnosed before enrollment
Not knowing these rules can lead to surprise claim denials.
5. Don’t Assume Wellness Care Is Automatically Included
Routine and preventive care—such as checkups, vaccines, dental cleanings, and flea medication—are usually not included in standard accident + illness policies.
You may need a separate wellness plan or rider to cover routine care.
6. Don’t Skip Reading the Illness and Accident Definitions
Not all policies define conditions the same way. Important distinctions include:
- Acute vs. chronic illnesses
- Congenital conditions
- Breed-specific hereditary conditions
- Bilateral conditions (ex: hip dysplasia)
- Accidents vs. injuries
Some policies exclude or limit coverage for certain breeds entirely.
7. Don’t Forget to Check Waiting Periods
All pet insurance plans have waiting periods, including:
- General waiting period (often 14 days)
- Orthopedic or cruciate ligament waiting period (up to 6 months)
- Illness waiting period
Accidents or illnesses that occur during these waiting periods are not covered.
8. Don’t Assume All Vets Accept All Pet Insurance
Pet insurance usually works on a reimbursement model, so you can visit any licensed vet. But some policies have:
- Restrictions for specialists
- Required pre-authorization for major procedures
- Different reimbursement rates based on the vet type
Understanding these rules will help you avoid billing surprises.
9. Don’t Overlook Annual or Lifetime Payout Limits
Some insurance plans cap how much they will pay:
- Per year
- Per condition
- Over the pet’s lifetime
Choosing limits that are too low can leave you exposed to high costs during major medical events.
10. Don’t Forget About Chronic Condition Coverage
If your pet develops a long-term illness—such as diabetes, allergies, arthritis, or heart disease—it’s essential that the policy includes chronic condition coverage that renews annually.
Some low-cost plans exclude chronic conditions or limit how long they will pay for them.
11. Don’t Ignore Dental Coverage Details
Dental illness coverage often requires:
- Proof of annual cleanings
- No prior dental disease
- Full vet documentation
Some policies only cover dental accidents, not dental diseases.
12. Don’t Forget to Consider Breed-Specific Risks
Certain breeds are prone to specific hereditary or congenital issues. Before choosing a policy, check whether the insurer covers:
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Heart conditions
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Genetic eye conditions
Breed exclusions are more common than pet owners realize.
13. Don’t Assume Your Coverage Stays the Same Forever
Premiums often increase annually due to:
- Pet’s age
- Rising veterinary costs
- Claims history
- Insurer pricing changes
It’s important to budget for future premium increases and review your policy during each renewal.
14. Don’t Forget to Read the Fine Print
Pet insurance contracts can be long and detailed, but reviewing them prevents surprises. Pay attention to:
- Exclusions
- Reimbursement rules
- Requirements for exams and diagnostics
- Claim filing deadlines
- Co-payment structures
Understanding these details ensures your policy performs as expected.
15. Don’t Delay Filing Claims
Some insurers require claims to be filed within:
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
Missing that deadline can result in denied claims—even if the care itself was eligible.
Final Thoughts
Buying pet insurance doesn’t have to be confusing, but overlooking key details can leave you unprotected when your pet needs care most. By understanding exclusions, waiting periods, reimbursement structures, and breed-specific risks, you can choose a policy that protects both your pet and your budget.
Smart pet owners prepare before illness or injury happens—not after.