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What is a typical deductible for pet insurance?

Close-up on a beautiful dog at the vet
When it comes to pet insurance, there isn't a one-size-fits-all plan.  Getty Images

Pets can be pricey, so you're probably wondering if the added expense of pet insurance is worth it. After all, you're already paying for food, accessories and other items your dog or cat may need.

Pet insurance may save you time and money in the long run so it's at least worth considering, particularly if you have a breed that's prone to issues. For example, English bulldogs, Frenchies and similar dogs are more likely to suffer from Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS). With that said, costs can vary based on animal type, breed, age and a variety of other factors

Ultimately, the choice to purchase pet insurance is up to you. If you're a pet owner, then you should carefully compare pet insurance providers and shop quotes to view affordable options to protect your furry friend in the event of an emergency.

How much does pet insurance cost?

When it comes to pet insurance, there isn't a one-size-fits-all plan. Every pet is unique and so are insurance plans. So, make sure you do your homework before picking your plan.

With most pet insurance providers, you'll typically pay between $30 to $70 per month for a dog and $15 to $40 per month for a cat. Fetch by The Dodo estimates the cost to be even lower - with pet insurance for dogs averaging around $35 per month and $25 per month for cats. 

It all depends on your pet's age, breed and location. Younger pets typically cost less to insure because they're less of a risk (and usually have fewer health issues). If you're a new pet owner, then get pet insurance today to see how you can snag a lower price.

Some pet insurance companies (like Fetch by The Dodo, for example) allow customers to choose their own payment plans, which can be monthly, quarterly or annually. So, if you want to make a lump sum payment and skip another recurring monthly bill then you can go that route. 

What is a pet insurance deductible?

Like health insurance for humans, pet insurance also has a deductible, which is the portion of the veterinarian bill you need to pay out of pocket before the insurance company can reimburse you for your claims. 

Choosing a higher deductible (meaning, you're agreeing to pay more of the vet costs yourself before the insurance provider starts to contribute), will lower the price of your pet insurance. Deductibles are commonly applied on an annual basis.

"The lower your deductible, the quicker you can cover it and the sooner you'll get paid back. However, a lower deductible can also lead to a higher premium. A higher deductible will reduce your premium since it'll take longer until you get paid back," Fetch by The Dodo explains online.

What is a typical deductible for pet insurance?

Again, your deductible options can change based on your dog or cat's age, breed and your location. So your cost could be significantly higher or lower than other pet owners. 

Most pet insurance companies will offer you several deductible options, ranging from $100 or as high as $1,000. Fetch by The Dodo, for example, offers deductibles that start at $250 and go up to $700. The most common deductibles appear to be in the $250 to $500 range.

Before picking a pet insurance plan, make sure you compare deductibles and other offerings to find an option right for you.

To get a free quote, simply provide your email and then share the following details:

  • Insert the date you want the plan to start
  • Pet's name
  • Choose dog or cat
  • Insert breed 
  • Insert age

Once you complete the forms online, the insurance company will crunch the numbers for you and give you an estimated payment based on the most popular plans for similar pets. For example, a small mixed-breed dog (up to 22 pounds) that's 1-year-old with a plan set to start in late October 2022 will cost around $21.93 per month. 

Fetch by The Dodo
The insurance company will give you an estimated monthly payment based on the information you provided. fetchpet.com

You're not necessarily tied to that price, though. You have the option to customize what you pay. You can choose between three deductible options, max annual payouts and reimbursement percentage.

Pet insurance Fetch
Customize your price by picking between your max annual payout, deductibles and reimbursement. fetchpet.com


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