Best pet insurance in California in 2023

Q: How much does pet insurance cost in California?

The average cost of pet insurance in California is $27.64 per month for a policy with a $5,000 annual limit, $250 deductible, and 90% reimbursement level. For an unlimited annual limit with the same deductible and reimbursement level, the average cost is $42.18 per month. The cost of pet insurance in California depends on your ZIP code, your pet’s age, breed, species, gender, and size. Learn more: How to compare pet insurance quotes

Embrace is the best pet insurance company in California, according to our analysis. We evaluated pet insurance company data — from rates to plan benefits offered — to help you find the best pet insurance in California for your pet.

Why trust our pet insurance experts

Our team of pet insurance experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

30 California pet insurance rates reviewed.
360 coverage details evaluated.
5 levels of fact-checking.

The best pet insurance companies in California

Embrace
Healthy Paws
Lemonade
ManyPets
Fetch
Figo

Top-rated pet insurance companies in California of 2023

Blueprint Rating

Compare quotes

Via Petted's Website

What you should know

With some pet insurance companies, coverage is fairly limited. More advanced treatments, such as mobility aids or behavioral care, are excluded. But that’s not the case with Embrace. It covers added services like rehabilitative therapy, prosthetic devices and dental illness care.

Pros and cons

Pros

Diminishing deductible. For each year that you go without filing a claim, Embrace will reduce your deductible by $50.
Coverage for vet exams. While many companies exclude veterinary exams, Embrace will reimburse exams related to a covered injury or illness.
Coverage for behavioral treatments. Pet insurance doesn’t always cover behavioral treatments, but Embrace will cover medication and other therapies prescribed by a veterinarian to treat behavioral issues.

Cons

Lengthy waiting periods. Embrace has 14-day waiting periods for illnesses. For orthopedic conditions, its waiting period is six months.
Physical examinations required. A medical exam is required 12 months before the policy’s effective date or within 14 days after the effective date. Otherwise, any claims will not be paid.
Claims can take 10 to 15 days. While other companies may reimburse your claims within a few days, Embrace typically takes 10 to 15. If you have significant veterinary expenses, waiting for the reimbursement could become a financial hardship.

Types of coverage

Embrace offers three forms of coverage:

Accident and illness

Deductible: $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000.
Coverage limits: $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80%, or 90%.

Embrace’s policy covers the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses. It also provides up to $1,000 per year in treatments for dental diseases or injuries, and it covers prescription medications and behavioral treatments.

Accident only

Deductible: $100.
Coverage limits: $5,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 90%.

Embrace’s accident-only policy may be a cost-effective choice for senior pets or those with pre-existing conditions.

Wellness

You can choose an allowance of $250 to $650 per year to reimburse you for eligible preventative care expenses, such as vaccinations, bloodwork, and dental cleanings.

Rates

In California, an Embrace unlimited accident and illness plan for a dog costs about $40 per month. We found Embrace to be slightly more expensive than the average for other companies, particularly for older pets.

Blueprint Rating

Compare quotes

Via Petted's Website

What you should know

Healthy Paws has no annual or lifetime limits on pet insurance coverage for accidents and illnesses. You’re not locked into the same deductible and reimbursement percentage choices you made at enrollment because Healthy Paws allows you to make adjustments at any time.

Pros and cons

Pros

Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts: There is no limit to the amount Healthy Paws will reimburse you for your pet’s eligible vet expenses.
Customizable coverage: If your budget changes before you file your first claim, you can increase your reimbursement percentage or decrease the deductible to save on premium. After submitting a claim, you still have the option to increase the deductible or decrease the reimbursement level.
24/7 pet health line: Access and answers to your questions from licensed veterinary professionals, including whether you should get medical attention for your pet.

Cons

No accident-only plan: Healthy Paws only offers accident and illness coverage, so if you want an accident-only plan, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
No wellness plan: Healthy Paws also doesn’t have a wellness plan option to cover preventive and routine care like other pet insurance companies do.
Exams fees aren’t covered: There is no coverage for office visit exam fees, rechecks, consultations, office calls, or emergency exam fees.

Types of coverage

Healthy Paws offers one form of pet insurance coverage:

Accident and illness

Deductible: $50, $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000.
Coverage limits: Unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%.

Besides the normal accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats, Healthy Paws also covers alternative care treatments. These treatments include acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, homeopathy, and veterinary herbal therapy.

Discounts

Healthy Paws does not offer any discounts. They will donate $25 to homeless pets in your name through their refer-a-friend program for every completed referral you receive.

Customer satisfaction

Healthy Paws pet insurance reviews on Trustpilot have earned the provider an excellent rating after over 1,800 reviewers give them 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Happy customers remark about their fast and easy claims process and coverage for their pet’s conditions, from laryngeal paralysis in someone’s cat to lymphoma cancer in another’s dog.

However, there are negative comments about having a hard time canceling the policy after a pet’s death or surrender and frustrations with claims denials, even after submitting the requested paperwork.

Blueprint Rating

Compare quotes

Via Petted's Website

What you should know

Lemonade offers some of the fastest claims response and reimbursement in the industry. Thanks to artificial intelligence chatbot Jim, most pet owners can submit a claim in a few minutes, get it approved in seconds, and be on their way to getting reimbursed for eligible expenses. Some claims can take longer if a human has to manually process it.

Pros and cons

Pros

Fast claims processing and direct deposit: Most claims can be processed in just a few minutes. As part of the claims process, you’ll enter your bank information and Lemonade will issue payment upon approval.
Low price for young pets: If you’re insuring a young pet, we found Lemonade to be among the cheapest of all the carriers we analyzed.
Short accident waiting period: Lemonade only has a two-day waiting period for accidents.

Cons

6-month waiting period for cruciate tears: Although Lemonade doesn’t have an orthopedic condition waiting period like other companies, there is a six-month waiting period for any cruciate ligament tears.
No 24/7 telehealth: Unlike some other carriers, Lemonade doesn’t have a 24/7 vet telehealth like available, which can cut down on unnecessary vet visits and expenses.
Lacking popular coverages: Unless you purchase the wellness plan or another rider, lemonade doesn’t offer coverage for behavioral therapy, microchipping, or prescription food.

Types of coverage

Accident and illness

Deductible: $100, $250, or $500.
Coverage limit: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80%, or 90%.

Lemonade accident and illness coverage is standard, providing coverage for diagnostic and blood testing, urinalysis, labwork, procedures, and medication.

Wellness

Lemonade’s preventive care plan will cover vaccines, microchipping, spay or neuter surgery, two wellness visits, plus, flea, tick, and heartworm preventives.

Riders available

There are several rider add-ons available through Lemonade:

Vet visit fees.
Dental illness.
Physical therapy.
Behavioral conditions.
End-of-life and remembrance.

Discounts

Lemonade offers several discounts. You can save 5% by insuring multiple pets, get a 5% annual discount and save 10% if you bundle pet insurance with home or renters insurance from Lemonade.

Customer satisfaction

With nearly 1,000 reviews, Lemonade has an excellent score on Trustpilot with 4.4 out of 5 stars, but this is for all insurance products the carrier offers — not just pet insurance.

Although most pet insurance reviews are positive, some customers say they have difficulties with what is considered a pre-existing condition. One example includes diarrhea, which is a common curable pre-existing condition other carriers will cover after a specific period being symptom- and treatment-free.

Blueprint Rating

Compare quotes

Via Petted's Website

What you should know

ManyPets offers accident and illness policies for dogs and cats.

With most insurers, exam fees aren’t coverable expenses. But with ManyPets, exam fees to diagnose or treat your pet for a qualifying condition are reimbursable.

It also covers prescription medications and holistic therapies — including acupuncture and chiropractic therapy — as long as it’s prescribed by a veterinarian.

Pros and cons

Pros

Quick claims processing. ManyPets offers faster-than-usual reimbursement. According to the company, most claims are processed within 48 hours.
Short waiting periods. Manypets’ waiting period is just 15 days for both accidents and illnesses. And it will waive the waiting period if you can prove that your pet was covered by another insurance company before the new policy’s effective date.

Cons

Hip dysplasia not covered in pets enrolled at 6 or older. ManyPets doesn’t cover treatments for hip dysplasia in pets that were enrolled at the age of 6 or older, even if they’ve never shown any signs of the condition before.
Up to 18 months of pet records required to submit your first claim. When you file your first claim, ManyPets requires you to submit your pet’s medical records from the past 18 months. If you don’t have that information handy, it can delay your claim as you work with your previous vets to track down those records.

Types of coverage

ManyPets sells an accident and illness plan with an optional wellness add-on.

Accident and illness

Deductibles: $500.
Coverage limits: Unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70% or 80%.

Accident and illness coverage, sometimes referred to as major medical insurance, covers veterinary expenses to diagnose and treat unexpected injuries or illnesses.

Wellness

Wellness plans are add-on benefits. While they aren’t insurance, they reimburse you — up to an annual maximum — for routine or preventative veterinary expenses, such as vaccines or wellness exams.

Customer satisfaction

ManyPets has strong customer reviews. On Trustpilot, it has a score of 4.7 out of five (excellent) based on more than 1,600 reviews.

Customers frequently praised the company for quickly processing claims and responsive customer support.

Blueprint Rating

Compare quotes

Via Petted's Website

What you should know

Although Fetch Pet Insurance doesn’t offer a wellness plan, its comprehensive pet insurance coverage has several extras that can be valuable. Its accident and illness plan covers virtual and in-home visits, exam fees for illnesses, aggression and separation anxiety treatment, as well as boarding and advertising for lost pets with a reward. Fetch has a strict 90-day limit on claim filings.

Pros and cons

Pros

Many coverage features: If you buy pet insurance from Fetch, you’ll get coverage for boarding fees, lost pet rewards and advertising, sick-visit exam fees, supplements and more.
Healthy pet credit: If you go a year without filing a claim or reaching your deductible, Fetch Pet Insurance will credit up to 15% of your premium. The credit goes up to 30% if you go a second year without hitting your deductible.
Military discount: Pet parents who are active military or veterans can save up to 10% on their monthly pet insurance premiums with Fetch Pet Insurance.

Cons

No wellness plan: There is no optional coverage for routine and preventive care, like dental cleanings, vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm medications.
Lengthy waiting periods: 15-day waiting periods for accidents and illnesses, and six-month waiting periods for hip and knee injuries.
Low annual coverage cap: Unlike some pet insurers that offer an unlimited annual cap on covered expenses, Fetch will only cover up to $15,000 per year.
No multi-pet discount: If you have more than one pet to insure, you won’t get a multi-pet discount from Fetch.

Types of coverage

Fetch Pet Insurance only offers one form of coverage.

Accident and illness

Deductible: $300, $500, or $700.
Coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80% or 90%.

Get standard accident and illness coverage from Fetch Pet Insurance, plus some extra features like virtual and in-home visit coverage, acupuncture and chiropractic care, and treatment for aggression and separation anxiety.

Discounts

Although Fetch Pet Insurance doesn’t have a multi-pet discount, it offers up to 10% savings for active duty military and veterans.

Customers who don’t reach their deductible in a policy year can save up to 15% on premiums, while those who go two years can save up to 30% with the Healthy Pet Credit.

Customer satisfaction

Fetch Pet Insurance reviews earn the carrier an excellent rating on Trustpilot. Based on more than 700 reviews, Fetch has 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Many reviewers remark on positive customer service experiences and an easy claims process. However, some complain about not getting the right reimbursement for claims, long processing times, and high premiums for little added benefit.

Blueprint Rating

Compare quotes

Via Petted's Website

What you should know

Most pet insurance companies cap the reimbursement percentage at 90% of the vet bills, but Figo is one of the few that offers up to 100% reimbursement.

Pros and cons

Pros

Up to 100% reimbursement: Figo allows you to choose up to 100% reimbursement.
No upper age limit: Figo doesn’t have an upper age limit making it a good choice for older pets.
Multiple deductible options: Figo allows you to pick a deductible between $100 and $750.

Cons

Strict exclusions for hereditary conditions: Figo has strict requirements for hereditary conditions, such as requiring senior wellness plans for dogs over 8, annual exams, and excluding treatments for some ailments if pets are enrolled past a certain age. The requirements can vary by state, so review your policy carefully.
Veterinary exams not covered: Figo doesn’t cover veterinary exams without a rider.
Holistic or alternative therapies not covered: Figo doesn’t cover complementary or rehabilitative therapies unless you add an additional rider to your coverage.

Types of coverage

Accident and illness

Deductible: $100, $250, $500, or $750.
Coverage limit: $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Reimbursement percentage: 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%.

Figo offers multiple tiers of coverage for accident and illness insurance for dogs and cats. The tiers cover the same tests and treatments but vary by reimbursement limit.

Wellness

Figo offers wellness plans for an additional fee. It reimburses you for routine care.

Riders available

Figo offers several riders in addition to the Wellness plan:

Veterinary exam fees: This rider provides coverage for exam fees related to the diagnosis and treatment of covered conditions.
Extra care: The extra care rider covers other pet-related expenses such as rewards for lost pets and vacation cancellation due to a pet’s illness.

Customer satisfaction

Figo has a 3.6 out of five (average) score on Trustpilot based on more than 1,100 reviews. While that’s lower than some of the companies on our list, many of the complaints focus on annual premium increases. Unfortunately, it’s normal for pet insurance companies to raise rates as pets age, as older pets are more likely to develop health issues.

Compare the best pet insurance companies in California

Here’s how the best pet insurance companies in California compare.

Company	California rating	Average monthly cost	Annual coverage limit	Reimbursement options	Deductible choices	Learn more CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
Embrace	5 stars	$40	$5,000, $8,000, $10,000 or unlimited	70%, 80%, 90%	$100, $250, $500, $750 or $1,000	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Healthy Paws	4.5 stars	$28	Unlimited	50%, 60%70%, 80%, 90%	$50, $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Lemonade	4.5 stars	$20	$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000 or $100,000	70%, 80%, 90%	$100, $250, $500	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
ManyPets	4.5 stars	$37	Unlimited	70%, 80%	$500 or $750	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Fetch	4 stars	$31	$5,000, $10,000 or $15,000	70%, 80%, 90%	$300, $500 or $700	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Figo	4 stars	$44	$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited	70%, 80%, 90%, 100%	$100, $250, $500, $750	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
MetLife	3.5 stars	$58	$2,000, $5,000 or $10,000	70%, 80%, 90%	$50, $100, $250 or $500	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Trupanion	3.5 stars	$78	Unlimited	-	$100 to $1,000	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website

^{Average monthly premiums assume unlimited reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $500 deductible and a 90% reimbursement percentage.}

Methodology

We analyzed 12 pet insurance companies in California using data from Petinsurer.com.

For this analysis, average rates are based on accident and illness plans, which account for 98% of pet insurance policies purchased, according to data from the North American Health Pet Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Rates are also based on insuring dogs, as dogs make up 85% of insured pets, per NAPHIA.

Each pet insurance company was eligible for up to 100 points, based on its performance in the following key categories:

Cost: 50 points. We calculated average rates for accident and illness pet insurance plans for a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog at two different ages in California, with unlimited annual reimbursement (or the highest level offered by that company), a $250 deductible, and a 90% reimbursement percentage. The lower the average rate, the higher the number of points.
Annual coverage limits: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer annual reimbursement of up to $100,000, or unlimited annual coverage scored in this category.
24/7 vet line: 10 points. Insurance companies that offer access to a 24/7 vet line earned points. Being able to call for medical advice might save you money on vet visits.
Routine wellness plan: 10 points. Pet insurance companies that offer an optional wellness plan add-on scored points. Wellness plans can reimburse you for preventative care for your pet.
Pays vet exam fees: 10 points. If a pet insurance plan includes pet exam fees, the insurer received 10 points. If this is offered as a coverage add on, the insurer received 5 points.
Behavioral therapy: 5 points. If an insurance company covers behavior therapy in its pet insurance plans, it scored points.
Euthanasia or end of life expenses included: 5 points. If euthanasia or other end of life expenses are covered in pet insurance plans, an insurance company scored in this category.

Compare the best pet insurance rates in California

Cost of pet insurance in California with $5,000 annual maximum coverage

Company	Monthly cost	Learn more CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
Lemonade	$10	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Fetch	$25	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Embrace	$28	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Figo	$33	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Healthy Paws	-	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
ManyPets	-	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website

^{Source: PetInsurer.com. Monthly rates are for a plan with a $5,000 annual coverage maximum, a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace), and 90% reimbursement level.}

Cost of pet insurance in California with unlimited annual maximum coverage

Company	Monthly cost in California	Learn more CTA text	Learn more CTA below text
Lemonade	$20	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Healthy Paws	$28	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Fetch	$31	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
ManyPets	$37	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Embrace	$40	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website
Figo	$44	Compare Rates	Via Petted's Website

^{Source: PetInsurer.com. Monthly rates are for a plan with unlimited annual coverage ($30,000 for Embrace and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($200 for Embrace), and 90% reimbursement level.}

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a medical plan designed to reimburse pet owners for a portion of their pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses that require veterinary care. You don’t have to worry about finding a vet in-network as you do with human health insurance.

Since most pet insurance companies reimburse for covered expenses, you can likely see any licensed veterinarian in California. Pet insurance works nationwide, so even if you’re on vacation, your pet will be covered under your pet insurance plan.

Types of pet insurance plans

When you buy pet insurance, you can choose from accident and illness or a more basic accident only plan. You may have the option to add a wellness plan to your accident and illness plan, depending on the pet insurance company.

Accident and illness

Offering the broadest coverage, accident, and illness pet insurance is the most common type of coverage pet owners buy. It covers accidents like broken bones, lacerations, hospital stays, and diagnostic testing. It also covers illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory infections, and hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia.

Accident only

If you don’t want coverage for illnesses, you can buy the cheaper option, which is accident-only pet insurance. This plan will only cover accidents, like snake bites, getting hit by a car, or breaking a tooth while chewing on a bone.

Wellness plan

A wellness plan provides coverage for preventive and routine care. Since pet insurance doesn’t cover these expenses, most companies offer wellness coverage as a supplemental rider. A routine care plan can reimburse you for microchipping, annual exam fees, vaccinations and spay and neuter surgery.

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for some of your pet’s medical expenses. You typically pay the bill in full after your pet receives veterinary care, then the company will reimburse you for an amount based on your coverage choices.

Annual maximum limit. The annual maximum is the most the pet insurance company will pay toward your pet’s eligible expenses in a plan year. Annual maximum limits are usually between $5,000 and $20,000, though some carriers offer $50,000, $100,000, and an unlimited option.

Deductible. Similar to human health insurance, the deductible is the amount you pay before the pet insurance company will start reimbursing for covered vet costs. Deductibles range from $50 to $1,000, with higher amounts lowering your premium.

Reimbursement percentage. The reimbursement percentage is the coinsurance amount or the portion of covered expenses the pet insurance company will pay after you meet the deductible. The most common reimbursement percentages are 70%, 80%, or 90%, but can be anywhere from 50% to 100%.

How to find the best pet insurance in California

When comparing quotes to find the best pet insurance in California, consider:

A pet insurance plan with a 24/7 vet helpline: You’ll get advice and answers to your questions from licensed veterinary professionals, including whether you should get medical attention.
A direct pay option: Pet insurance companies offering direct pay allow you to only pay your portion of the vet costs upfront, rather than pay in full and wait for reimbursement. Some Pets Best plans offer direct pay.
A plan with discounts: If you have more than one pet, you could save on premiums with a multi-pet discount. You could also receive a discount for if you pay your premiums in full, your employer offers pet insurance benefits, you work in animal welfare or you are part of the military.
Plans with a routine wellness rider: A wellness plan will provide some coverage for routine and preventive care your pet receives regularly, like annual checkups and vaccinations.

Common California pet injuries and illnesses

California is a diverse state, with potential dangers lurking in each county. Here are some common pet injuries and illnesses, and how pet insurance can help cover the cost of prevention or treatment.

Dog flu

Across the state, dog flu strains H3N2 and H3N8 cause consistent outbreaks. A pet wellness plan can help cover the cost of flu vaccines to limit your dog’s risk of catching a strain. If your dog does get sick, having pet insurance can pay some of the vet care costs you incur.

Gila monster bites

These venomous lizards are the only ones of their kind in California. If one bites your pet, you may need an experienced veterinarian to pry the lizard off them. Your pet would likely require treatment for its wounds, including IV fluids and antibiotics, which pet insurance would cover.

Leptospirosis

If you board your pet or send it to daycare, it is more prone to this contagious bacterial infection. Lepto can cause diarrhea, high fevers, jaundice, and vomiting. Pet insurance may cover the antibiotics to improve your pet’s health and a wellness plan might cover the vaccine to prevent infection.

Rattlesnake bites

There are close to 50 types of snakes in California, and at least seven of them are venomous. If a venomous snake bites your pet, it’ll need immediate emergency care. Accident pet insurance could save you thousands, allowing you to focus on your pet’s care rather than the financial burden of medical treatment.

Valley fever

If you live near the California desert, this fungal lung infection could infect your dog. Antifungal medications and a vet visit should be all you need to get your pup healthy again, which pet insurance can help pay for.

California pet laws

If you own a pet in California, you should know some laws that could affect you and your beloved companion:

You must vaccinate all dogs over the age of 4 months against rabies and have a California license. The license must be kept up to date for the rest of your pet’s life.
It is illegal to own gerbils, hedgehogs, monkeys, and squirrels in California.
Parties in a divorce can request joint or full custody of their pets during proceedings.
It’s illegal to purchase a rabbit, dog, or cat from a pet store in California. Californians looking for a specific breed can buy from a breeder registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or a training facility.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The average cost of pet insurance in California is $27.64 per month for a policy with a $5,000 annual limit, $250 deductible, and 90% reimbursement level.

For an unlimited annual limit with the same deductible and reimbursement level, the average cost is $42.18 per month. The cost of pet insurance in California depends on your ZIP code, your pet’s age, breed, species, gender, and size.

Learn more: How to compare pet insurance quotes

The best pet insurance coverage is a comprehensive accident and illness plan with unlimited annual coverage limit and a wellness plan add-on. This would provide the most coverage for your pet each year, whether it gets injured or sick. The wellness plan rider would provide some coverage for preventive and routine care, such as vaccinations, titers, and flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.

Whether it is better to save or get pet insurance is a personal choice. Enrolling your pet in an insurance plan still comes with out-of-pocket costs, so it’s best to have some money set aside, even if you buy pet insurance. A savings account strictly for your pet can help you pay for the deductible and your portion of co-insurance that the company doesn’t reimburse.

Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it?

One disadvantage of pet insurance is that there is no coverage for routine and preventive care unless you buy a wellness plan add-on. Other downsides are that pet insurance doesn’t cover non-curable, pre-existing conditions, and there are still out-of-pocket costs, even after you meet the deductible.

However, having pet insurance can offset the costs of emergency care for accidents and illnesses, which could be thousands of dollars and may lead to lifelong veterinary care. For instance, if your cat develops diabetes, testing supplies and vet visits can run between $30 and $100 per month. Prescription diet food can cost up to $80 monthly. And if you don’t manage your pet’s diabetes properly, it could lead to a host of expensive complications, like liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, and blindness.

Learn more: What does pet insurance cover?