Is pet insurance worth it in Pennsylvania?
Pet insurance has many benefits, especially since you never know what the future holds for your pet. The purpose of pet insurance is to ensure that you can cater to your pets in the event of a medical emergency such as an accident or illness. It’s also important to recognize the risks surrounding your pet in the state including timber rattlesnakes and coyotes.
With pet insurance, you can feel protected against unexpected veterinary costs. Medical bills can be quite high and difficult to pay off, especially if you have other financial obligations. Pet insurance is one way to keep your pet’s health in check while staying within your budget. More so, you can also access wellness care so your pet has routine check-ups to help maintain its health.
What types of pet insurance plans are in Pennsylvania?
The following are the most common types of pet insurance plans in Pennsylvania:
- Accident-only plan: This plan reimburses the cost related to an unexpected medical emergency due to an accident. It is one of the more affordable types of pet insurance and covers medications, hospitalizations, and treatment related to the accident.
- Accident and illness plan: This is considered the most popular plan for residents of Pennsylvania. Accident and illness insurance covers a wide range of conditions, from vomiting and diarrhea to more serious conditions such as cancer. This plan will cover injury, illness, or accident-related services including emergency hospital visits, surgery, and medications.
- Wellness plan: This plan is available as an add-on or “rider” to a broader policy or as stand-alone insurance with some carriers. A wellness plan aims to improve a pet’s overall health in all aspects of his or her life. It also takes preventative measures to help maintain your pet’s health. Vaccinations, dental care, flea/tick, and heartworm preventatives, are examples of what might be covered under this plan.
- Comprehensive plan: This plan is a combination of accident and illness coverage along with wellness care. If you are seeking more holistic care for your pet, this plan would be most suitable for you.
What does pet insurance cover and exclude?
The following are most commonly covered under pet insurance policies:
- Vaccinations: Most insurers cover annual vaccines against core diseases like rabies, canine distemper, and feline panleukopenia. Some also cover vaccinations for other conditions such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
- Treatment for illness or injury: This includes emergency medical treatment for an illness or injury. This policy also covers x-rays, medications, and surgery.
- Routine and preventative care: This includes wellness exams, routine lab tests, and other regular maintenance services you may be seeking for your pet. Heartworm testing and flea/tick preventatives are also included.
- Diagnostic testing: This includes imaging such as ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and more.
The following is a list of exclusions you should be aware of when looking at pet insurance policies:
- Treatment or diagnosis of pre-existing conditions: Pet insurance will not cover the cost for treatment or the diagnosis of pre-existing conditions.
- Injury or illness with intent to cause harm: Pet insurance will not cover injuries or illnesses that were provoked by abuse, neglect, self-mutilation, or any other intentional act on the pet owner’s part.
- Breeding, pregnancy, and whelping: Pet insurance does not cover expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, or the whelps (i.e., newborn pups) if the mother dog dies during pregnancy or the whelping process. This would include transportation costs to and from the veterinary clinic, medications, and surgeries related to whelping.
- Additional veterinary facility fees: If your veterinarian charges more than the fee agreed upon in your policy, pet insurance will not cover the difference.
- Elective veterinary procedures: Any elective veterinary procedures will not be covered by the insurer in a basic plan. Examples of these procedures include dental care, routine surgeries such as spaying (for females), neutering (for males), and declawing. However, many policies do offer an add-on option if you would like to have coverage for elective care.
How much does pet insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the cost of pet insurance varies from provider to provider. It is calculated based on factors such as your pet’s age, breed, location, and type of species. The average monthly expenditures in Pennsylvania, for example, are based on an 80% reimbursement rate, unrestricted coverage, and a $500 deductible.
The following are some examples of an estimated monthly cost for these types of pets:
| Species | Age | Breed | Monthly cost |
| Cat | 5 years | Maine Coon | $18 to $45 |
| Dog | 6 months | Chihuahua | $17 to $56 |
| Dog | 5 years | Chihuahua | $21 to $67 |
| Dog | 6 months | Golden Retriever | $28 to $90 |
| Cat | 5 years | Domestic Shorthair | $15 to $40 |
What are the veterinary costs in Pennsylvania?
In the state of Pennsylvania, veterinary treatment for a pet might $2,000 or more, depending on the species. However, cats are less expensive, with an average cost of $1,174. Veterinary costs also vary based on the veterinarian you seek services from. A surgery appointment will be substantially more expensive than a wellness checkup and frequent treatments.
Many of the services below are covered by pet insurance, which will repay you for a portion of your out-of-pocket costs after you’ve paid your veterinarian.
| Veterinary service | Cost |
| Routine check-ups | $50-$250 |
| Spay/neuter | $160-$220 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
| Bloodwork | $80-$200 |
| X-ray exam | $150-$250 |
| Ultrasound | $$60-$300 |
| Physical exam | $45-$55 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Wound treatment | $800-$2,500 |
| Emergency surgery | $1,500-$5000 |
| Oxygen therapy | $500-$3000 |
How to choose the best pet insurance in Pennsylvania
When choosing pet insurance, keep a few of these factors in mind so you can make an informative decision for your pet:
- Understanding the terms of the policy: By taking the time to thoroughly review your policy, you will know what kind of services will be covered and what will be excluded. You can also assess if your pet requires basic insurance or potentially add-on options such as wellness and preventative care.
- Knowing your pet’s health history: When searching for an insurance policy, keep your pet’s medical history in mind, including any surgeries or illnesses they’ve had and whether they’re spayed or neutered. With all this information, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about which pet insurance plan is right for your pet.
- Customer reviews: Check what other customers have to say about an insurance agency you’re considering. Read reviews about the customer’s experience, their service, and how they handle their claims process. This will make it easier for you to come to a decision.