Pet Insurance: Is It Worth It?
As veterinary medicine becomes more advanced — and more costly — many pet owners wonder if pet insurance is truly worth the investment. At Pawsh Veterinary Clinic in Maize, KS, we help families compare pet insurance every day. With so many options available, including popular companies like Pets Best, Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Nationwide, it can be hard to know which plan is the best fit for your dog or cat.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance helps reimburse you for unexpected veterinary bills. Most companies have you pay your bill upfront, then submit a claim after the visit.
Common coverage includes:
• Emergencies
• Surgeries
• Illnesses and injuries
• Diagnostics (bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound)
• Chronic condition management
• Hospitalization
• Medications (varies by plan)
Some plans also offer optional wellness add-ons for vaccines, flea/tick prevention, and annual care.
Why Pet Insurance Is Becoming More Popular
1. Peace of mind during emergencies
Unexpected injuries and illnesses can cost thousands. Insurance helps make decisions based on your pet’s needs — not finances.
2. Advanced veterinary care is more available
Specialty surgery, internal medicine, advanced imaging, and emergency care save lives but come with higher costs.
3. Chronic conditions can be expensive
Allergies, arthritis, endocrine disease, and GI issues often require lifelong management. Coverage helps reduce long-term expenses.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
For most pet owners, yes — especially when enrolled young. Insurance works best before your pet develops any health issues, since pre-existing conditions are rarely covered.
Pet insurance is especially helpful for:
• Puppies and kittens
• High-risk or large-breed dogs
• Pets prone to orthopedic issues
• Active dogs and outdoor cats
• Families wanting predictable pet-care costs
Popular Pet Insurance Companies We Hear About Most
While Pawsh doesn’t endorse any single company, these are the providers we frequently hear clients talk about:
⭐ Trupanion (Unique direct-to-vet payment option)
Trupanion stands out because they can pay veterinary hospitals directly at checkout, reducing the need for owners to pay up front and wait for reimbursement. This is a major advantage in emergencies or when costs are significant.
• No payout caps
• Typically covers 90% of eligible expenses
• Great for pets prone to chronic or orthopedic conditions
⭐ Pets Best
A widely used, budget-friendly option with flexible plans.
• Multiple deductible and reimbursement options
• Often one of the more affordable choices
• Good for multi-pet families
⭐ Healthy Paws
A popular choice for dogs and cats needing ongoing or long-term care.
• No annual caps
• Simple, straightforward plan structure
⭐ Nationwide Pet Insurance
One of the only pet insurance companies to offer exotic pet coverage in addition to dogs and cats.
• Wellness add-ons available
• Wide range of policy tiers
⭐ Lemonade / Embrace / ASPCA
These companies also have strong followings and offer customizable plans, wellness riders, and user-friendly claim apps.
What Pet Insurance Usually Does NOT Cover
Coverage exclusions vary, but most policies do not include:
• Pre-existing conditions
• Elective/cosmetic procedures
• Breeding or pregnancy care
• Food and supplements (unless prescribed and covered)
• Routine care unless a wellness plan is added
How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance
✔ Reimbursement rate
Typically 70%, 80%, or 90%.
✔ Deductible type
Annual deductibles (most common) vs. per-condition deductibles (like Trupanion).
✔ Annual or lifetime limits
Plans with no caps provide the most financial protection.
✔ How claims are paid
Trupanion offers one of the only direct-pay-to-vet setups. Others require reimbursement.
✔ Customer service & claim turnaround times
✔ Whether wellness coverage matters to you
Pet Insurance vs. Wellness Plans at Pawsh
Our Pawsh Wellness Plans are designed to help families budget for routine preventive care such as:
• Annual exams
• Vaccines
• Heartworm testing
• Deworming
• Monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention
Wellness plans are not insurance.
They pair well with pet insurance for full preventive + emergency coverage.
Final Verdict: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
If you want financial protection from unexpected veterinary bills, pet insurance is absolutely worth considering. It helps you plan for emergencies, chronic conditions, and major surgeries — while reducing stress during difficult moments.
At Pawsh Veterinary Clinic in Maize, KS, we’re always happy to help compare companies like Pets Best, Trupanion, and others to help you choose the best policy for your pet.
Have Questions About Pet Insurance?
Our team is happy to talk through policy differences or help you understand how coverage works. Just ask us at your next visit or give us a call anytime!
