7 Things About Pet Insurance You Might Not Be Aware Of

June 28 is National Insurance Awareness Day, a perfect reminder to evaluate your coverage—including your pet’s! While car, home, and health insurance are top of mind for most people, pet insurance is an often-overlooked but incredibly valuable tool that helps protect your furry family member’s health and your wallet.

In honor of this awareness-raising day, here are 7 things you might not know about pet insurance, including how it works, surprising benefits, and why it’s worth considering—especially before unexpected issues arise.

1. It’s Not Just for Emergencies

Many pet parents assume pet insurance is only helpful in worst-case scenarios, like accidents or life-threatening illness. While those events are absolutely covered under accident and illness plans, many policies also cover:

• Chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis
• Diagnostic tests including bloodwork, MRIs, and X-rays
• Surgeries and hospital stays

• Prescription medications

Some insurers even offer wellness add-ons that reimburse for routine care like vaccinations, flea prevention, and annual checkups.

If you think pet insurance only helps in a rare emergency, think again—it’s a safety net for everyday vet care, too.

2. Pet Insurance Lets You Choose Any Vet

Unlike human health insurance with its in-network requirements, pet insurance is typically reimbursement-based. That means you can take your pet to any licensed veterinarian, including specialists and emergency clinics. You pay the bill up front, submit the claim, and get reimbursed—often quickly.

This freedom is especially helpful if you travel, move often, or need access to a specific specialist.

3. You Can Lock In Coverage Before Health Issues Start

Here’s something not everyone realizes: pet insurance won’t cover pre-existing conditions. But if you sign up while your pet is young and healthy, you can lock in coverage for life—even if they develop chronic issues later on.

For example, if your 1-year-old dog is insured before developing hip dysplasia or allergies, future treatments for those conditions may be eligible for reimbursement. Wait until after diagnosis, and you’re on your own.

So, the earlier you enroll, the more comprehensive your long-term coverage can be.

4. There Are Breed-Specific Considerations

Certain dog and cat breeds are prone to genetic health issues that can lead to frequent or expensive vet visits. For instance:

• Bulldogs and Pugs often suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome
• Golden Retrievers have higher rates of cancer
• Persian cats may face kidney and respiratory issues

Pet insurance helps offset the cost of treating these inherited conditions—but only if you enroll before symptoms emerge. Knowing your pet’s breed risks and planning ahead can be a financial lifesaver.

5. Some Pet Insurance Plans Cover Behavioral Therapy

This one surprises a lot of pet parents: some pet insurance plans now reimburse for behavioral therapy. That includes treatment for:

• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Obsessive behaviors (like tail-chasing or over-grooming)

If your pet’s mental health is affecting their quality of life—or yours—having access to a trainer or veterinary behaviorist can make a huge difference. Check for behavioral care in your plan options if this is important to you.

6. Coverage Includes More Than Just Dogs and Cats

While most pet insurance plans are designed for dogs and cats, some providers are expanding their coverage to include exotic pets like:

• Birds
• Rabbits
• Ferrets
• Reptiles
  If you have a non-traditional pet, insurance options may be more limited, but they do exist—and they can be a critical backup when exotic vet bills run high.

7. It Can Help You Avoid Heartbreaking Decisions

This is the benefit that matters most to many pet parents: pet insurance gives you options when it matters most.

When your pet needs urgent surgery or treatment costing thousands of dollars, the last thing you want is to choose between your pet’s life and your finances. With insurance, you can focus on care—not cost.

Having a policy in place empowers you to make the best medical decisions for your pet without second-guessing every dollar.

Watch how pet insurance helped Erin save her dog’s life!

Bonus Tip: Not All Pet Insurance Is Created Equal

Just like human insurance, not all pet insurance companies offer the same coverage, customer service, or payout speeds. When choosing a plan, compare:

• Coverage limits (per year, per condition, or for life)
• Deductible and reimbursement percentage
• Waiting periods
• Customer reviews and claim processing times

Some top-rated pet insurance providers include Healthy Paws, Trupanion, Lemonade, Fetch by The Dodo, and Figo—but the best plan for you depends on your pet’s needs and your budget.

Final Thoughts: Protect Their Health and Your Peace of Mind

National Insurance Awareness Day isn’t just about revisiting your car or health policy—it’s the perfect reminder to think about your pet’s well-being, too.

Whether you have a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or a senior companion who’s been by your side for years, pet insurance provides peace of mind and financial support when you need it most.

Don’t wait for a crisis to start thinking about coverage. Enrolling early ensures better protection, fewer exclusions, and more flexibility in your pet’s care. The best time to sign up? Before you need it.

Ready to Get Started?

Celebrate National Insurance Awareness Day by taking the next step toward protecting your pet. Explore top-rated plans, compare coverage, and sign up today. Your pet’s health—and your wallet—will thank you.

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.