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Here is a quick look at the key topics we cover below:
How pet insurance works: The basic breakdown of premiums, deductibles and reimbursement.
What is covered (and what isn't): Clear answers on surgeries, dental care, vaccines, cancer treatments and pre-existing conditions.
The real cost of coverage: How much policies typically cost and how to determine if a plan is worth it for you.
How to get started: Easy, step-by-step instructions on choosing a plan, plus details on how AAA Members can save up to 20% through Spot Pet Insurance.
If you've ever faced an unexpected vet bill, you know how quickly costs can add up. Enter: pet insurance.
It can help cover the cost of veterinary care when your pet is injured or becomes ill, so you can focus on getting your furry friend better and not stressing about the bill.
Whether you're a first-time pet owner or just reconsidering your current coverage, read on for answers to the most common questions about how pet insurance works, what it covers and how much it costs.
AAA Member benefit...
As a AAA Member, you can protect your furry family member and keep more money in your pocket.
A: Pet insurance is a health coverage plan for your cat or dog (and sometimes other animals) that helps offset the cost of veterinary bills. You pay a monthly or annual premium and when your pet needs care, you typically pay the vet upfront, then submit a claim for reimbursement minus your deductible and any co-pay.
Most plans fall into two categories:
A: The cost of pet insurance varies based on several factors, including your pet's species, breed, age, health status and your location. As a general benchmark:
Annual premiums typically range from less than $100 to more than $700 per year.
Paying annually often results in a lower overall rate compared to paying monthly.
Multi-pet discounts may be available if you insure more than one animal under the same plan.
When comparing plans, ask yourself:
Which expenses are covered and which are excluded?
Are any pre-existing conditions eligible for coverage?
Is my regular veterinarian in-network?
AAA Members can save on pet insurance and more. Explore discounts designed to keep your furry friends healthy and your wallet happy.
Explore AAA Pet Discounts
A: For most pet owners, yes. Especially if you have a young pet, a breed prone to health issues or limited financial flexibility for unexpected vet bills. Rather than facing a surprise $3,000 emergency surgery bill, a monthly premium keeps costs predictable.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, approximately 7.6 million pets were insured in North America at the end of 2025—an 8.5% increase from the 7.03 million pets insured in 2024. That steady growth reflects just how many pet owners are recognizing the financial value of coverage.
Pet insurance is particularly worth considering if:
Your pet is a puppy or kitten (premiums are lower when pets are young and healthy)
You own a breed with known hereditary health conditions
A: Pet insurance typically covers unexpected accidents and illnesses. Most standard plans include:
Prescription medications
Supplements
Hospitalizations and surgeries
Vaccinations
Injuries and trauma
Illnesses (including cancer)
Tooth extractions
IV fluids and medications
Diagnostic exams and lab work
Coverage varies by plan, so always review your policy details before enrolling.
A: Most pet insurance plans do not cover:
Pre-existing conditions: Any illness or injury your pet had before the policy start date is generally excluded. One exception may be genetic conditions that were undetected at the time of enrollment.
Routine wellness care: Standard checkups, grooming and elective procedures are typically not included (these may be covered under a separate *pet wellness plan).
Cosmetic procedures: Ear cropping, tail docking and similar non-medical treatments.
Experimental treatments: Procedures not yet widely accepted in veterinary medicine.
*Pet insurance vs. pet wellness plan: A pet wellness plan covers expected routine costs (checkups, vaccines, spay/neuter). Pet health insurance covers unexpected accidents and illnesses. Some providers offer both as a bundle.
A: Generally, no. Most pet insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions which means any health issue your pet had before coverage began. However, some providers may cover curable pre-existing conditions after a symptom-free waiting period, and certain genetic conditions that were undetected at enrollment may also qualify. Always check your specific policy terms.
A: Yes, in most cases. Tooth extractions resulting from accidents or illness are commonly covered under standard pet insurance plans. However, routine dental cleanings and preventive dental care are typically not covered, and those may fall under a wellness add-on.
A: Yes. Surgery is one of the core benefits of most pet insurance plans. Whether your pet needs emergency surgery after an accident or an operation to treat an illness, eligible surgical costs—including anesthesia, hospitalization and follow-up care—are generally reimbursable.
A: Standard pet insurance plans typically do not cover spaying or neutering, as these are considered elective procedures. However, some pet wellness plans or optional wellness add-ons do include spay/neuter coverage. If this is important to you, look for a provider that offers a bundled wellness plan alongside standard insurance.
A: Routine vaccinations are usually not covered by standard pet health insurance plans. They're considered preventive care and are more commonly included in pet wellness plans. That said, if a vaccine-related complication or illness arises, treatment for that condition may be covered under a standard policy.
A: Yes. Most Accident & Illness plans cover cancer treatment, which can include diagnostics, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and medications. Cancer treatment for pets can be extremely costly, making this one of the most valuable aspects of comprehensive pet insurance coverage.
A: Yes. Prescription medications are typically covered under most pet insurance plans, as long as they're prescribed to treat a covered condition. Over-the-counter supplements may also be covered depending on the plan.
A: Most pet insurance plans are not tied to a specific veterinary network, which means you can visit any licensed veterinarian, including specialists and emergency clinics. You pay the vet directly, then submit a claim for reimbursement. This is different from human health insurance, where in-network providers often determine your out-of-pocket costs. Always confirm your provider's reimbursement process before your pet's first visit.
A: Getting pet insurance is straightforward:
A: If you're a AAA Member, you can save even more. AAA has partnered with Spot Pet Insurance to offer members discounts of up to 20% on eligible pet insurance plans, plus 24/7 access to the Pet Health Helpline.
Spot offers two plan options:
Accident-only: Covers eligible diagnostics and treatment for unexpected accidents.
Accident and illness: Covers accidents plus illnesses, including cancer, infections and chronic conditions.
Learn more about Spot Pet Insurance for AAA Members.
Pet insurance is one of the smartest investments you can make for your furry family member. From unexpected accidents to serious illnesses like cancer, having the right coverage means you can make decisions based on what's best for your pet, not only what your wallet can handle.
AAA Member benefit...
As a AAA Member, you can protect your furry family member and keep more money in your pocket.
