For many pet owners, ensuring a beloved animal receives the proper care—especially during a medical emergency—is a top priority. This concern has led to a steady rise in the popularity of pet insurance as a way to manage veterinary care costs and provide peace of mind. In fact, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), in 2023, over 6.25 million pets were insured across North America. The NAPHIA states U.S. pet owners spent over $4.2 billion on pet insurance premiums in 2023, reflecting the growing demand for reliable pet healthcare coverage.

With costs continuing to rise, you may be wondering: Is pet insurance worth it for your family and your pet in order to avoid surprise vet bills? Revival Animal Health has partnered with Pets Best Insurance to offer an exclusive discount, along with flexible coverage options. In this article, we’ll explore the details of the offer and help you decide if pet insurance is the right choice for you and your pet.

What is Pet Insurance?

It’s important to understand that pet insurance works differently than human health insurance, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable. In fact, being informed about what your plan covers helps you make the most of your investment in your pet’s care. While pet insurance is categorized under “property and casualty” rather than traditional health insurance, it still offers essential financial protection when unexpected veterinary costs arise. Policies typically include deductibles, co-pays, and annual coverage limits, so it’s smart to review the details and choose a plan that fits your needs.

Additionally, pet insurance pays out differently than human health insurance. You’ll pay a monthly premium, and when your pet needs veterinary care, you’ll cover the cost upfront. Then, you simply submit the bill to your insurer for reimbursement. Many providers, like Pets Best, offer quick and direct deposit options, making the process smooth and efficient. With the right plan, pet insurance can be a powerful tool for managing healthcare expenses and ensuring your pet receives the care they need without delay.

How Much Does it Cost?

It all depends on factors like your pet’s age and breed, the cost of veterinary care where you live and the insurance policy you choose.

But just to give you an idea:

According to NAPHIA data from 2023, the average monthly cost for an accident and illness policy is about $56 for dogs and $32 for cats.

An accident-only policy is less expensive: Around $17 for dogs and $10 for cats each month. Emergency pet insurance like this covers you if your pet chokes on something or is hit by a car, etc. But you’re not covered if your dog or cat gets sick.

In addition to these costs, your rates will probably increase as your pet gets older and is more prone to health issues.

Most policies come with an annual deductible (the amount you have to pay for before the insurer starts paying). Once you’ve met your deductible, most plans pay out a percentage of your vet bill (70%, 80% or 90%). You may be subject to an annual maximum payout. Keep in mind that rates and coverage details can vary between providers, so it’s important to review the specifics with the pet insurance company you’re considering before enrolling.

Understanding Pets Best Pet Insurance and How Revival Animal Health Customers Can Save 10%

When considering pet insurance, it’s important to understand the range of coverage options available and how different providers operate. Pets Best Pet Insurance offers a variety of plans designed to meet the needs of both cats and dogs, from routine care to more serious medical conditions. The provider is known for its streamlined claims process, which allows for direct deposit of reimbursement payments, making it easier for pet owners to manage veterinary expenses. Additionally, Revival Animal Health customers can take advantage of an special discount (up to 10%)* when enrolling in a Pets Best plan. Pets Best plans helps cover pets as young as seven weeks old, with no upper age limit, and also offers a multi-pet discount for families with more than one pet.

*5% discount applies to Accident & Illness plans; discount not available in AK, FL, HI, or TN. Additional 5% discount applied if insuring more than one pet. Multi-pet discount applies to Accident & Illness plans and all plans in WA state.

Pros of Getting Pet Insurance for Dogs and Cats

• Pet insurance offers some financial protection. You won’t get caught with surprise and sometimes pricey vet bills. It helps cover unexpected veterinary expenses, which can be a big help when you have large bills in case of accidents or sudden illnesses.
• You may experience more peace of mind. When you’ve bought the best pet insurance for your dog or cat, you feel more at ease knowing many unexpected bills will be covered. So your companion’s healthcare decisions can be based on what’s best for them, not just what you can afford.
• There are customizable plans to choose from. For example, Pet’s Best offers various plans and coverage options. From basic for routine visits and annual shots, to more comprehensive options for surgical procedures and prescriptions. You know your pets and your situation and what kind of protection they’ll likely need. This will help you buy the right kind for your budget and your pet(s).
• You don’t have to change veterinarians. With pet insurance, there are no “in-network” providers (like there are for human health plans). So you won’t have to search for a new vet who accepts the insurance, as the coverage is dependent on the insurance company, not the vet.

Cons of Getting Pet Insurance

• Pet insurance premiums can be expensive. Especially if you’re buying their more comprehensive coverage, coverage for senior pets or if you’re buying pet insurance for multiple pets.
• Make sure you understand what your insurance will and won’t pay for. It almost never covers pre-existing conditions. If your pet is a puppy with no health issues, it might be cost-effective for handling emergencies. But as your pet matures and problems crop up like diabetes or other chronic illness, prices rise and less is covered.
• You’ll still have to pay out-of-pocket: Under typical pet insurance policies, you’ll still have to pay for veterinary expenses upfront. Then you’ll submit a claim for reimbursement.

What If You’d Rather Not Buy Pet Insurance?

You have some options:

• Pay out of pocket for everything, or keep your fingers crossed that your dogs and cats stay relatively healthy.
• Ask for help from your vet. If you can’t afford treatment for your pet, talk to your vet. He or she may be willing to negotiate a payment plan. Or you might find another clinic that charges less for your pet’s treatment.
• Try crowdfunding. A crowdfunding campaign enlists the help and support of friends and family to raise the money you need.

Bottom Line: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Here are some guidelines that might help in making your decision:

It can be, if:

• Your pet is young and healthy.
• Having insurance coverage gives you peace of mind.
• You can’t cover a hefty vet bill in case of emergencies or illnesses (that aren’t pre-existing).

It might not be, if: 

• Your pet is older or has pre-existing health conditions.
• You’d rather risk getting an expensive vet bill than pay for insurance.
• You can afford an expensive vet bill.

In conclusion, understanding your options when it comes to pet insurance is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of your pet. Your decision should take into account your pet’s health, your financial situation, and your risk tolerance. If you decide to move forward, be sure to carefully research different plans and know what benefits you’ll receive. It pays to take the time to find the best pet insurance for your pet.

Pets Best Pet Insurance offers a range of plans with flexible coverage options that can be tailored to meet your pet’s specific needs. Revival Animal Health is proud to partner with Pets Best Pet Insurance to offer customers access to customizable pet insurance plans—plus up to a 10% discount* on coverage. By exploring these options, you can make an informed decision that best supports your pet’s healthcare needs and your budget.

Click here to learn more about Pets Best Pet Insurance.

Details Regarding Pets Best Pet Insurance

*5% discount applies to Accident & Illness plans; discount not available in AK, FL, HI, or TN. Additional 5% discount applied if insuring more than one pet. Multi-pet discount applies to Accident & Illness plans and all plans in WA state.

Revival Animal Health Insurance Agency, LLC (NPN: 20664735; CA license # 6010806) is a licensed insurance agency. Revival Animal Health Insurance Agency, LLC does not underwrite pet insurance or pay claims but receives compensation on sale and/or renewal.

Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits, and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit www.petsbest.com/policy. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address.

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company (NAIC #12190), a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S. Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108, or Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581), a Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC (NPN #8889658, CA agency #0F37530) is a licensed insurance agency located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, #160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Terms and conditions apply. See your policy for details.