Thinking about getting pet insurance but not sure where to start?
Worried you’ll sign up and then find out something critical isn’t covered?
Not sure if it’s worth the cost—or if it’s just another monthly bill?
You’re not alone.
We talk to owners every week at Apollo Animal Hospital who are trying to figure out the same thing.
September is National Pet Insurance Month, so there’s no better time to get real about what pet insurance actually covers, what it doesn’t, and how to avoid being caught off guard during an emergency.
What Is Pet Insurance, Really?
Pet insurance is not a luxury—it’s a safety net.
It helps cover the cost of unexpected vet bills like surgeries, illnesses, accidents, or emergency care.
Unlike human healthcare, you pay upfront, then submit a claim to get reimbursed.
But here’s the catch:
Not all policies are the same.
And unfortunately, not all policies cover what you think they do.
Why Pet Insurance Matters More Than Ever
At Apollo, we’ve seen it too many times:
- A dog swallows a toy and needs surgery—$4,000+
- A cat is diagnosed with diabetes—lifelong treatment and monitoring
- A sudden accident on a weekend—emergency fees on top of regular care
These aren’t rare cases.
They’re weekly realities for vets and pet parents alike.
Pet insurance can make the difference between choosing the best care or having to make painful compromises.
What Does Pet Insurance Usually Cover?
Most pet insurance plans include:
- Accident coverage – broken bones, cuts, swallowing foreign objects
- Illnesses – infections, digestive issues, chronic conditions like allergies or arthritis
- Emergency care – after-hours vet visits, hospital stays, diagnostics
- Surgeries – including emergency and elective procedures
- Diagnostics – blood work, x-rays, ultrasounds
What’s Not Covered?
This is where most pet parents get tripped up.
Here’s what’s often excluded:
- Pre-existing conditions – if your pet had symptoms before you signed up
- Routine care – like check-ups, dental cleanings, or vaccinations (unless you add a wellness plan)
- Spay/neuter surgery – unless it’s included in an optional rider
- Cosmetic procedures – ear cropping, tail docking, etc.
Also, many plans have:
- Waiting periods – usually 14 to 30 days before coverage kicks in
- Breed-specific exclusions – especially for things like hip dysplasia or heart issues in high-risk breeds
Always read the fine print. It matters.
What Should You Look for in a Pet Insurance Plan?
Before signing up, ask yourself:
- Does it cover emergency care? This is one of the biggest costs pet owners face
- What’s the reimbursement rate? 70%, 80%, or 90%—it affects your out-of-pocket
- Is there an annual or per-condition limit? You don’t want to hit a cap mid-treatment
- What’s the deductible? Higher deductibles mean lower monthly fees, but bigger bills before insurance kicks in
- Does it include wellness care? Some plans bundle in check-ups, dental, and vaccinations
Real Talk: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Let’s say your pet is generally healthy.
Is insurance still worth it?
Yes. Here’s why:
You’re not just paying for what happens today.
You’re protecting yourself from the unknowns tomorrow.
Accidents happen. Illnesses come out of nowhere.
And vet costs have gone up across the board—not just at Apollo, but everywhere.
Having a policy in place means:
- You won’t delay care because of money
- You can focus on your pet’s recovery—not the bill
- You’re more likely to catch and treat issues early with regular vet visits
How Apollo Animal Hospital Can Help
We’re not here to sell you insurance.
But we are here to help you make the best decision for your pet.
At Apollo, we:
- Work directly with most major pet insurance providers
- Provide detailed invoices and medical records to support your claims
- Help you understand what treatments may be covered
- Offer preventive pet care services that complement insurance plans
- Support your pet in both emergency and routine care—with or without coverage
Our Tip: Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem
The best time to get pet insurance?
When your pet is healthy and young.
Because once a condition is diagnosed, it’s too late to get it covered.
Even if your pet is older, there are plans that still offer great value for accidents and emergencies.
Talk to your vet during your next check-up.
We can walk you through what’s typical for your pet’s breed, age, and health risks—and even recommend questions to ask the insurance provider.
This National Pet Insurance Month, take the guesswork out of your decision.
Give us a call or book an appointment at Apollo Animal Hospital to chat about your options, review your pet’s health history, and plan for whatever comes next.
Your pet deserves the best care—and you deserve peace of mind.
Pet insurance may not be exciting, but it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make. And there’s no better time to look into it than right now, during National Pet Insurance Month.