Glossary

Pet insurance

A policy that reimburses a share of veterinary bills for covered accidents and illnesses in return for a monthly premium.

Also called: dog insurance, pet health insurance, vet insurance, accident and illness coverage

Pet insurance is a contract in which you pay a monthly or annual premium and the insurer repays part of your dog's covered vet bills. Most plans work by reimbursement. You pay the clinic first, then claim back a percentage, after you have paid the deductible. A few policies pay the clinic directly.

Plans differ in what they cover. Accident-only plans are the cheapest. Accident and illness plans also cover things like infections, cancer and chronic illness, and optional add-ons may cover routine care or alternative treatments. Plans often exclude pre-existing conditions, have waiting periods, and may cap yearly or lifetime payouts.

Premiums depend on breed, age and location, and usually climb as the dog ages. Compare the policy wording, not just the price. Buying while a puppy is healthy gives the widest cover.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Deductible The amount you pay toward covered vet bills before pet insurance begins to reimburse you. Reimbursement rate The percentage of a covered vet bill that a pet insurer repays after the deductible, often 70, 80 or 90 percent. Pre-existing condition An illness, injury or sign that a dog had before pet insurance began or during the waiting period, and which a policy usually will not cover. Waiting period The time after a pet insurance policy starts, often a few days to several months, during which some or all claims are not covered.