Is accident only or accident and illness pet insurance right for you?

Pet insurance companies typically offer two types of plans: accident-only coverage and accident and illness coverage. But what do these options cover, and how do you choose between them?

Both accident-only or accident and illness pet insurance can ease the financial strain of unexpected vet bills and prevent a delay in getting your pet the healthcare they need. Choosing the best option comes down to your pet’s needs, along with your budget and risk tolerance.

What is accident-only pet insurance?

Accident-only pet insurance covers your pet exclusively for emergencies and accidents, such as when your dog suffers an injury at the dog park or your cat chews the leaves of a poisonous plant. Each pet insurance company has its interpretation of “accident,” spelling out exactly what accidental injuries entail so you’re not surprised when the bill comes.

For example, ASPCA Pet Insurance considers the following incidents as accidents:

• Bite wounds
• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Fractured teeth
• Swallowed objects
• Toxic ingestions

Some accident-only pet insurance plans cover diagnostic services and treatments related to accidents. This may include:

• Blood work
• Hospitalization
• Medications
• MRIs
• Sutures
• Surgery
• Ultrasounds
• X-rays

Generally, these plans are less expensive because of their limited coverage. According to ASPCA sample quotes pulled by Bankrate, accident-only pet insurance for a five-year-old medium mixed-breed male dog in Arizona costs between $16.77 to $79.80 a month depending on the annual reimbursement limit, reimbursement percentage and annual deductible.

Pros of accident-only pet insurance

• Cost-effective premiums: This coverage typically has lower monthly premiums because it applies to a narrower scope of services than comprehensive plans.
• Straightforward coverage: These policies are simple. They cover only accidents and avoid the complexities of defining and excluding illnesses.
• Peace of mind: Accident insurance offers reassurance that your wallet won’t have to bear the entire cost of your pets’ recklessness.
• Protection for healthy pets: Accident-only plans cover most unexpected veterinary expenses for young and healthy pets.

Cons of accident-only pet insurance

• Coverage caps: Accident-only plans often have financial caps on the reimbursement amount per claim, which may not cover the entire treatment or therapy.
• Limited scope of protection: Accident-only is not comprehensive. It does not cover pre-existing conditions, chronic conditions, dental issues, diseases or cancer. Many of these conditions are common depending on your pet’s breed and age.
• Potential coverage disputes: Even though companies provide a list of covered injuries or accidents, there could still be conflicts over what qualifies, leading to denied claims.
• Potential for higher out-of-pocket costs: If your pet develops a life-threatening illness like cancer, chronic conditions like diabetes or age-related issues like arthritis, you are responsible for the full cost of treatment.

What is accident and illness pet insurance?

Accident and illness pet insurance is a more comprehensive protection plan for your dog or cat — but with a higher price tag. Coverage extends beyond accidents to include various chronic and sudden illnesses and emergencies.

For example, accident and illness pet insurance from Embrace includes:

• Bloat
• Broken bones
• Cancer treatment
• Congenital conditions
• Cuts and lacerations
• Dental trauma (not to be confused with annual teeth cleanings)
• Foreign body ingestion
• Genetic conditions
• General, specialist and emergency care
• Chronic conditions
• Orthopedic conditions
• Physical therapy
• Prescription drugs and medications relating to accidents or illness

According to Embrace example quotes pulled by Bankrate, accident and illness pet insurance for a five-year-old medium mixed-breed male dog in Arizona costs between $24.73 and $124.43 a month, depending on the annual reimbursement limit, reimbursement percentage and annual deductible. With Embrace, you can also add exam fee reimbursement from $3.71-$18.66 a month or prescription drugs for $3.96-$19.90 a month.

Pros of accident and illness pet insurance

• Access to more treatment options: Knowing they have some financial protection, pet owners can consider more extensive or advanced therapies that may otherwise fall outside their budget.
• Comprehensive coverage: It includes both accidents and a broad array of illnesses, ensuring your pet is protected from most unpredictable health events.
• Coverage for chronic conditions: This type of policy typically insures chronic conditions that may arise following an accident or illness, provided they didn’t exist before the policy was taken out.
• Financial relief: Though accident and illness plans cost more than accident-only options, they can save pet parents significant money on unexpected vet bills over time.

Cons of accident and illness pet insurance

• Complex policy terms: With more illnesses and conditions covered, understanding the exclusions, limits and deductibles can be more complicated than with an accident-only policy.
• Exclusions: Many accident and illness insurance plans don’t cover certain elective procedures or pre-existing conditions. Accident and illness insurance plans may be comprehensive, but they don’t cover preventive care. For that, you’d want to consider a pet wellness plan.
• Higher cost: Because these plans cover a multitude of medical conditions, they are more expensive than accident-only insurance, especially when you take into account premiums, deductibles, copays and more.
• Reimbursement policies: In addition to higher premiums, be prepared to pay up front. Some companies require you to pay the initial bill and then submit a reimbursement claim.

How do costs compare for accident-only or accident and illness pet insurance plans?

Each plan offers different coverage and pricing. While exact costs vary, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association reports the following average costs for cats and dogs with both types of coverage:

• $56.30 for dogs with accident and illness coverage
• $17.01 for dogs with accident-only coverage
• $31.94 for cats with accident and illness coverage
• $9.68 for cats with accident-only coverage

Understanding the specifics of each policy can help you choose the right option for your pet’s needs and your budget. The following variables can impact your exclusions, restrictions and discounts for pet insurance:

Pre-existing conditions

Whether you choose accident-only or accident and illness pet insurance, very few pet insurance companies cover pre-existing conditions. Some companies, such as Embrace Pet Insurance, will cover pre-existing conditions that are curable, symptom-free and treatment-free for a set period.

Animal breed

Both accident-only and accident and illness pet insurance may cost more depending on your dog’s breed. For example, a five-year-old French bulldog will cost more per month compared to lower-maintenance breeds due to their unique genetic makeup. They are susceptible to certain health conditions such as brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia and skin fold dermatitis.

Stage of life

It costs more to insure an older dog or cat, and many companies have age restrictions for new accident and illness pet insurance policies.

Location

Where you live affects your pet insurance cost. Cities with higher vet fees and accident risks usually have higher premiums, while rural areas tend to be cheaper. Some regions also have more pet health risks, like Lyme disease in wooded areas, which can impact prices. State rules and overall living costs also play a role, so pet insurance tends to be more expensive in high-cost areas.

For instance, the average estimated cost for Lemonade Pet Insurance is as follows for the listed areas:

• Virginia Beach, Virginia: $35 to $39 a month
• Upper Darby, Pennsylvania: $25 to $29 a month
• Stockton, California: $40 to $44 a month
• St. Petersburg, Florida: $35 to $39 a month

When should you choose accident-only coverage?

Remember, accident-only pet insurance only covers accidental injuries as described by the insurance company. Opting for accident-only coverage may be a better option if:

• You have outdoor or active pets. If your furbabies spend a lot of time outside, are highly active or tend to play rough, accident-only insurance is a cost-effective option for added peace of mind.
• You have senior pets. Pets older than nine often don’t qualify for accident and illness insurance, but many pet parents can still get accident-only insurance. This could protect animals with limited visibility or movement, making them more prone to accidents.
• Your pet is young and healthy. Generally, young pets are less prone to illness, making an accident-only plan a reasonable risk at this stage.
• You want to cover major emergencies. This plan is appropriate if you’re primarily concerned about unexpected (and high) vet bills for emergency medical intervention after accidents.
• You’re on a budget. If you have limited financial resources but still want some protection, the lower premiums of accident-only coverage can be an excellent option.

When should you choose accident and illness coverage?

Accident and illness insurance gives pet parents a little more breathing room when it comes to unexpected vet bills, covering many conditions and diseases. This comprehensive coverage is likely the better choice if:

• You have financial flexibility. If you can afford higher premiums, the broad protection can save you thousands of dollars when your pet is diagnosed with serious, life-threatening health issues or chronic conditions.
• Your pet is aging. As pets age, their risk of illness rises. Comprehensive coverage could be crucial for pet parents managing ongoing treatments and therapies.
• Your pet is at risk for breed-related illnesses. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to certain illnesses. Accident-and-illness policy may provide tailored protection before these conditions arise.
• You want comprehensive coverage. While it may cost more, there’s peace of mind in knowing that most types of medical issues, conditions, diseases and accidents are covered through customized options.
• You want more treatment options. You may be able to consider more extensive or advanced treatment options you would not otherwise be able to afford.

The bottom line

All pet insurance plans can provide a safety net for the financial blows of unexpected events. But the choice you make between an accident-only or accident and illness plan can impact coverage specifics and costs.

Deciding whether accident-only or accident and illness pet insurance is right for you depends on your financial risk assessments. Reading the fine print and considering variables such as covered conditions, annual limits, deductibles and reimbursement amounts is an important next step to help you choose.

To get started, compare plans and coverage from some of the best pet insurance companies.