How to shop for pet insurance

When shopping for a pet insurance plan, you should consider what injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions your pet may be vulnerable to based on their breed or age. The type of plan and its overall cost are also important factors to consider so you can ensure it covers what your pet needs and also fits your budget.

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What to look for when buying pet insurance

The best pet insurance policy for your dog or cat is the one that meets their needs and your budget. When shopping for a pet policy, you should consider the following factors:

1. Research conditions your pet may develop

If your dog or cat's breed is susceptible to certain diseases or conditions, you should look for a plan that will cover them. German shepherds, for example, may suffer from hip dysplasia later in life. By researching which ailments your pet is likely to develop, you can proactively make sure the treatment they'll need is covered.

2. Find the right type of plan for your pet

There are generally three types of pet insurance coverage: pet wellness plans that pay for routine checkups and vaccinations, accident-only plans that cover treatment for injuries, and comprehensive plans that cover injuries and illnesses (typically excluding pre-existing conditions). Accident-only plans, as well as wellness and routine care plans, tend to be more affordable than comprehensive plans because they cover smaller categories of medical expenses. The best option for your pet will depend on your budget and your pet's medical needs.

3. Consider the plan's deductible, premium, and more

With pet insurance, you pay a premium monthly or annually, and you typically need to meet an out-of-pocket deductible on your pet insurance plan before your insurer starts paying for a portion of your vet bills. Depending on your plan, you may have an annual deductible or a per-incident deductible that applies to each claim you file.

Most pet insurance policies also use a reimbursement system, which means you pay the vet bill out of pocket and then file a claim with your insurer to get reimbursed for a pre-determined percentage of the eligible items on the bill. In general, pet insurance plans with a high deductible and low reimbursement percentage have lower premiums than plans with a low deductible and high reimbursement percentage. The type of plan is also a big factor; comprehensive plans generally cost more than accident-only or wellness plans.

Learn more about factors that impact the cost of pet insurance.

BUY PET INSURANCE EARLY

You can usually purchase pet insurance once your pet is eight weeks old. It's often ideal to purchase a plan as soon as possible because pet insurance policies typically don't cover pre-existing conditions. Some companies may also have an age cap for enrolling older pets due to the increased health risks associated with older dogs and cats. Learn more about insuring an older dog or cat.

4. Check the plan's waiting periods

Most pet insurance plans have waiting periods — a predetermined amount of time after purchasing a policy during which you have limited or no coverage. Other plans may allow you to use coverage immediately. For example, Progressive Pet Insurance by Pets Best has a 3-day waiting period for accidents in most states, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, and no waiting period for routine care (if you add that coverage).* Waiting periods are put in place to prevent someone from purchasing pet insurance when a medical issue happens and using it immediately. When you quote pet insurance, you'll be able to see how long the waiting periods would be for each coverage your plan includes.

How to purchase pet insurance

Once you've done the research, quoted a few plans, and found the right one, you're ready to give your four-legged friend the protection they need. With Progressive Pet Insurance by Pets Best, you can easily quote and buy coverage online or over the phone:

Online

Get a quote from Progressive Pet Insurance by Pets Best.

Call a rep

Call 1-877-298-0639 and speak with a representative from Progressive Pet Insurance by Pets Best.

Get a quote for pet health insurance today

Learn more about our pet insurance policies.

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Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

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Progressive Advantage Agency, Inc. refers consumers seeking Progressive® Pet Insurance to Companion Protect and to ORIC for such coverage. Neither Companion Protect nor ORIC is affiliated with Progressive.

“Progressive Pet Insurance” is administered by Companion Protect Agency, LLC, a licensed insurance agency known nationwide (except in CA) as “Companion Protect Agency, LLC” (Iowa license #1002314428) (FL License # L106403); in California, it is known as “CP Pet Insurance Services, LLC” (CA license #0N14138). It is located at 11460 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Ste 300, Leawood, KS 66211. Companion Protect receives a commission on policies underwritten in this program. Premium is paid monthly in advance of coverage. A service or payment fee may also apply if premium is paid by credit/debit card. (See your billing statement.) A deductible and copay are applied to claims. Policyholders have the option of an annual coverage benefit of $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000. You can cancel coverage at any time; a pro-rated refund may apply. For a copy of Companion Protect’s privacy policy, please visit your customer portal at progressive-my.petscovered.com.

The insurer of this program is Old Republic Insurance Company (“ORIC”). This description of the pet insurance coverage provided by ORIC is for informational purposes only. No representation is made with respect to coverage in any specific fact, situation, or circumstance. Companion Protect underwrites and adjusts claims on behalf of ORIC under this program. ORIC’s program administered by Companion Protect is not offered by or sponsored by Companion Life Insurance Company or its affiliated companies.

PAA receives compensation from Companion Protect that may vary based on the policy you buy. Call Progressive at 855-347-3139 for more details.

Discounts vary based upon eligibility. Discounts may not be cumulative. Price, coverage, and coverage terms vary by state and depend upon policy provisions. Please refer to your policy for details.

Progressive Advantage Agency, Inc. (PAA) refers consumers to Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC who offer and administer pet insurance coverages underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S. Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108, or Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Pets Best (CA agency #0F37530) is a licensed insurance agency located at 10840 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28277. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Terms and conditions apply. See your policy for details. Pets Best and the insurers are not affiliated with Progressive.

PAA and Progressive are not responsible for insurer or coverage selections, policies issued, claims, the content or operation of others' websites, or how others handle or use your information. Information you provide to others is subject to their privacy policies and website terms of use, and may be shared with us.

PAA receives compensation from Pets Best that may vary based on the policy you buy. Call Progressive at 855-347-3139 for more details.

Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits, and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit www.petsbest.com/policy. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. More information is available at checkout.

Price, coverage, and coverage terms and conditions may vary between insurers. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states and situations. Eligible expenses and coverages may vary, depending on your plan selection. All coverage is subject to policy terms and conditions.

*Waiting periods for most states. Specific waiting periods for a given state may vary.