Emergency Pet Insurance: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
An emergency vet visit can cost thousands. But pet insurance covers sudden accidents and illnesses, so cost doesn’t delay your pet’s care.
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Written byLindsay Frankel
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Lindsay Frankel is a personal finance and insurance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Investopedia, LendingTree, The Balance, SFGate, Bankrate, and FinanceBuzz.
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Edited byLequita Westbrooks
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Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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In This Article
Picture this: Your cat has swallowed a rubber band and is suddenly refusing food and showing signs of pain by hiding more than usual. Naturally, the panic sets in, and you rush your cat to the vet. You may be taken aback by the treatment estimate.
Minor pet accidents can lead to costly emergency vet bills. For example, surgery to remove a foreign object costs an average of $1,260 — without including imaging and exam fees.[1] Luckily, pet insurance covers emergency treatment for a range of conditions.
A comprehensive pet policy ensures you can afford veterinary treatment when your pet needs it most. This allows you to focus on your furry friend instead of worrying about your bank account. We’ll explain what pet insurance covers, explore its typical costs, and highlight the top pet insurance companies to help you choose the right plan.
Key Takeaways
A standard accident and illness policy covers treatment for a wide range of pet emergencies, including car accidents, infections, and bloat.
A single pet emergency can cost several thousand dollars, but the average monthly pet insurance premium is just $43 for dogs and $23 for cats.
Before choosing an emergency pet insurer, consider factors like cost, coverage, claims process, reimbursement options, and customer satisfaction.
What Is Emergency Pet Insurance?
Emergency pet insurance reimburses you when your pet needs veterinary treatment for an unexpected illness or injury. Also called accident and illness insurance, this coverage differs from routine care insurance, which helps pay for predictable veterinary expenses, like annual exams and vaccines.
With an accident and illness policy, you typically file a claim after you pay a licensed vet, and the insurance company reimburses you for a percentage of the cost.
Coverage varies from one policy to the next, but standard pet insurance plans commonly include:[2]
Accidents such as broken bones and swallowed objects
Acute and chronic illnesses
Laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRI, etc.)
Surgery and hospitalization
Prescription medication
Why Pet Insurance Matters
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Every pet parent wants to prioritize their pet’s health in an emergency. But some emergency procedures can cost thousands of dollars, forcing pet owners to choose between delaying treatment and taking on debt. A comprehensive pet insurance policy provides peace of mind because the insurance company reimburses you for a large share of the veterinary bill.
While there’s no guarantee that pet health insurance will save you money, it often does. For example, the average annual cost of care for a medium mixed-breed dog with at least one emergency vet visit ranges from $1,556 to $3,153, while the average annual cost for a domestic shorthair cat ranges from $1,051 to $1,583, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).[3]
Meanwhile, the average annual pet insurance premium is just $43 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats, according to Compare.com data.
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How Much Emergency Vet Care Costs
Emergency vet care costs depend on your pet’s condition and the treatment your vet recommends. While an emergency room (ER) exam for a dog costs $125 on average, surgery to treat a stomach blockage costs an average of $3,681, according to CareCredit. Additional care services, like IV fluids or pain medication, can significantly increase the total bill.
The table below shows some common emergency treatments, the average cost range for cats and dogs, and the policy type.
Treatment Type  | Average Cost | Coverage Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infection | $151–$680 |
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| Upper respiratory infection | $101–$2,076 |
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| Bite-wound treatment | $236–$570 |
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| Foreign-body removal or stomach blockage surgery | $1,260–$3,681 |
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| Bladder stone surgery | $1,439–$1,821 |
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| Feline leukemia virus | $633 |
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| ER exam | $121–$125 |
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| Hospitalization (emergency clinic) | $72–$722 |
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| Sedation | $94–$161 |
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Most emergency pet insurance plans cover between 70% and 90% of these costs after you meet the deductible. Many pet insurance companies allow you to choose your reimbursement rate and policy limits.
What Emergency Pet Insurance Covers
Pet insurance coverage and exclusions vary by company and policy. Most accident and illness plans cover a wide range of emergencies, including sudden injuries and unexpected illnesses that require immediate treatment.
Most accident and illness plans cover the following emergency conditions, provided they aren’t pre-existing:
Bite wounds or animal attacks
Broken bones or fractures
Cuts and lacerations
Swallowed objects or foreign-body obstructions
Digestive emergencies
Respiratory distress or acute infections
Dental trauma from accidents
Poisoning or toxic ingestion
Heatstroke or hypothermia
Some pet insurance policies also offer coverage for dental illness, congenital and hereditary conditions, and behavioral problems, either as part of the base plan or as an optional add-on for an additional premium. Coverage varies by company, so make sure to always read your policy agreement carefully to understand exclusions and limits.
We’ll cover the most common exclusions in the next section.
What emergency pet insurance doesn’t cover
Every pet insurance policy has exclusions, and these are the most common:
Pre-existing conditions
Preventive care (unless you add a wellness plan)
Cosmetic or elective procedures, like declawing and ear cropping
Grooming and boarding
Issues related to breeding and pregnancy
Administrative fees and taxes
Injuries due to abuse or neglect
Emergency pet insurance coverage limits
Even with pet insurance, you’ll have some out-of-pocket costs when your pet needs care. The following factors determine how much your insurer will pay when you file a claim:[4]
Deductible: The fixed amount you pay per year or per condition before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Reimbursement rate: The share of eligible veterinary expenses your insurance plan covers after the deductible. You pay the remaining share, known as co-insurance.
Lifetime or annual coverage limits: The maximum your insurer will pay per year, per condition, or over your pet’s lifetime. Some pet insurance companies offer an unlimited lifetime benefit plan.
You can typically choose your policy limits, which will affect your premium. Be sure to review details like your deductible reimbursement rate and waiting periods, and weigh the monthly cost against the out-of-pocket cost should your pet need emergency care.
How to Choose the Right Emergency Pet Insurance Plan
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You won’t find one perfect policy for every pet owner. Follow these steps to find the right pet insurance plan for your furry friend.
Consider your pet’s age and health. If you have an older pet, pay attention to age restrictions. If your pet has a history of health problems, consider a policy with a short waiting period for cured pre-existing conditions, an affordable plan without bells and whistles, or an accident-only policy.
Compare quotes and research insurance companies. Get personalized pet insurance quotes, compare coverages, and read customer reviews. Pay attention to customization options, reimbursement methods, and how the company calculates annual premium increases.
Pick your policy features. Customize your reimbursement level, deductible, and annual limit to ensure you’ll have enough coverage in an emergency, along with a premium you can afford.
Read your policy agreement. Make sure you understand your policy limits, exclusions, waiting periods, claims process, and how to reach customer support. Then, sign the agreement and pay your first premium to enroll.
Compare Top Emergency Pet Insurance Companies
While the best pet insurance company for you will depend on your pet’s needs, these insurers stand out for providing comprehensive emergency coverage with fast reimbursement and excellent customer service. Policy availability may vary by state, age, breed, and other factors.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 80%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 60%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$30,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$100,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $0 to $950 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$1,000 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions Not coveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Data in this table has been sourced from Compare users who received a pet insurance quote from our partner Fletch.
Pumpkin
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Pumpkin is the top-rated pet insurance company on Trustpilot.[5] The insurer offers comprehensive and customizable policies that cover up to 90% of vet bills for a relatively affordable price.
Its PumpkinNow Urgent pay service can even pay qualifying emergency claims of $1,000 or more within about 15 minutes after approval. But like most insurers, there’s a 14-day waiting period before accident and illness coverage begins.
Pros
Quick urgent pay claims service
No upper age limits
Coverage includes exam fees and virtual visits
Cons
No accident-only plan
No mobile app claims
14-day waiting period
Trupanion
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Trupanion is one of the only companies that can pay your bill directly at checkout with no prior authorization, eliminating the need to file a reimbursement claim. Thousands of vets and animal hospitals across the U.S. and Canada participate in the VetDirect Pay program.
While Trupanion’s coverage is unlimited and includes no annual or lifetime caps, its premiums are higher than most competitors.
Pros
Can pay participating vets directly
No annual or lifetime payout limits
Highly rated on Trustpilot[6]
Cons
Higher-than-average premiums
Doesn’t cover exam fees
No wellness or preventive care add-on
Embrace
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Embrace stands out for having the shortest waiting period for accidents in the industry, allowing coverage to start right away. The company offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses with flexible policy options and add-ons for exam fees and prescription medications. But premiums can be expensive, and Embrace doesn’t offer the ability to pay your vet directly.
Pros
No waiting period for accidents
24/7 pet telehealth
Can customize coverage and deductible
Cons
$1,000 annual sublimit for dental illness care
Separate waiting period for orthopedic conditions
Wellness plan offers limited savings
Lemonade Insurance
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Lemonade offers some of the cheapest coverage in the industry, as well as several discounts for multi-pet households and annual payments. Its base policy covers diagnostics, procedures, and medication for many common pet emergencies.
The Lemonade app, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), can process claims in seconds. But the base policy includes numerous exclusions, and some add-ons for expanded coverage are expensive.
Pros
Fast mobile app claims
Cheap premiums for base policy
Wellness packages available for puppies and kittens
Cons
Extra cost for certain conditions and treatments
Limited eligibility for senior pets
No option to pay vet directly
Dutch
Pros
Cheap monthly premiums
Accident coverage and unlimited telehealth
Can pay vet directly
Cons
No coverage for illnesses
$10,000 annual limit
No in-person wellness exams
Dutch is a telehealth membership plan that provides unlimited virtual vet visits and free prescription delivery for up to five pets. The company’s protector plan, offered in partnership with Pets Best, adds $10,000 in annual accident-only coverage for one pet.
It allows you to visit an emergency clinic for poisoning, broken bones, and other serious accidents. Dutch’s plans are affordable but don’t cover in-person illness visits.
Is Pet Insurance for Emergencies Worth It?
Pet emergencies can be costly, and a single hospitalization can be a major out-of-pocket expense. For example, Figo estimates that treating a bile-duct rupture can cost up to $6,000. If you can’t cover an expensive vet bill, pet insurance can be a financial lifesaver. In some cases, the reimbursement from just one emergency visit can potentially offset several years of pet insurance premiums.
The average pet insurance premium for dogs costs around $43 per month, and pet insurance for cats costs an average of $${PET_AVERAGE_CAT_STATE_US per month, according to our data. But it’s possible to find more affordable coverage — especially if you have a young cat or dog. With the right pet insurance policy, you won’t have to delay or decline pet care for financial reasons.
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Emergency Pet Insurance FAQs
You have a lot to consider before choosing an emergency pet insurance policy, so make sure to review the most common questions pet parents ask about coverage.
Can you get emergency pet insurance immediately?
While it’s often quick and easy to enroll in pet insurance coverage, most policies have a waiting period before certain coverages take effect. A few pet insurers offer accident coverage with no waiting period, but most companies have at least a 14-day waiting period for illnesses.
Does emergency pet insurance cover all vet bills?
No. Emergency pet insurance doesn’t cover every vet bill. Every emergency pet policy has exclusions. For example, most policies don’t cover treatment for pre-existing conditions.
What do you do if you can’t afford emergency vet care?
If you can’t afford emergency vet care, consider asking your veterinarian about payment plans or financing options. While it’s best to buy pet insurance coverage in advance, you can also check with charitable organizations that offer financial assistance. Additionally, crowdfunding or local rescue groups can help if an emergency occurs before you have coverage.
Is accident-only pet insurance enough?
Not usually. Accident-only pet insurance is an affordable option for older pets or those with multiple pre-existing conditions. But accident insurance doesn’t cover acute or chronic conditions like infections, allergies, and cancer, which can lead to expensive, ongoing treatment costs.
Does your pet’s age affect coverage?
Your pet’s age can affect both eligibility for a new policy and the cost of a policy. But your pet’s age doesn’t typically affect your benefits once coverage starts.
Sources
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs."
- American Animal Hospital Association. "How Does Pet Insurance Work."
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). "Calculate the Expected Cost Pet Veterinary Care."
- American Animal Hospital Association. "How Do I Choose the Right Pet Insurance?."
- Trustpilot. "Best in Pet Insurance Company."
- Trustpilot. "Trupanion."
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Lindsay FrankelInsurance Writer
Lindsay Frankel is a personal finance and insurance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Investopedia, LendingTree, The Balance, SFGate, Bankrate, and FinanceBuzz.
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
