What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance helps cover the cost of unexpected veterinary care when your pet becomes sick or injured. It can help make treatment more affordable, allowing you to focus on your pet’s health and recovery rather than the financial impact of care. Coverage is available for many types of dogs and cats and plans vary based on your pet’s age, breed and health history.
What can pet insurance cover?
- Accidents and injuries
- Illnesses and infections
- Specialist visits
- Emergency veterinary visits
- Diagnostic tests and imaging
- Surgeries and hospitalizations
- Prescription medications
- Certain hereditary or chronic conditions
Some plans may also offer optional wellness coverage for routine care such as vaccinations, annual exams and preventive treatments.
How pet insurance works
If your pet experiences a covered accident or illness:
Visit a licensed veterinarian
Pay for your pet's treatment
Submit a claim to your insurance provider
Receive reimbursement for eligible expenses*
*Based on your policy's coverage, deductible, and reimbursement percentage
When should you consider pet insurance?
Many pet owners choose to explore coverage when they’re:
- Bringing home a new puppy or kitten
- Adopting a rescue pet
- Adding another pet to the family
- Looking for protection against unexpected veterinary expenses
- Caring for a pet with breed-specific health risks
- Planning for their pet’s long-term health needs
Because pets can develop health conditions as they age, many owners find it beneficial to explore coverage while their pets are young and healthy.
Understanding deductibles and reimbursements
Most pet insurance plans include a deductible, which is the amount you’re responsible for paying before coverage begins.
Many plans also include a reimbursement percentage. For example, if your plan reimburses 80% of eligible expenses, the insurer may pay 80% of covered costs after any deductible is met, while you’re responsible for the remaining portion.
Understanding these costs can help you choose a plan that fits both your budget and your pet’s needs.
Is pet insurance right for you?
The right coverage depends on factors such as your pet’s age, breed, health history and your comfort with unexpected veterinary expenses.
Pet insurance can provide added peace of mind by helping you prepare for the unexpected and making it easier to access care when your pet needs it most.
Your AAA agent can help you evaluate your options and understand which coverages may be appropriate for your situation.
FAQ
Get answers to common pet insurance questions
A pet insurance policy can help reimburse you for eligible pet care costs.
When it’s time to choose pet insurance, we hope you’ll choose AAA. We value our members and work with you to tailor coverages to meet your needs. Visit AAA.com/insurance, call a AAA Insurance Agent, or stop by your local AAA branch to explore coverage options and receive a personalized quote.
Yes, unlike human health insurance, pet insurance only requires you use a licensed veterinarian in the U.S.
Pet insurance typically doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions or non-veterinarian care including grooming, boarding and training.
