Our pets are family, so when they get sick or injured, we want to do everything we can to make them feel better. To do that, we need to be financially prepared to handle treatment plans. Just like humans, medical costs can carry a hefty price tag, so you need to shop around for the most suitable health insurance plan to help ease the financial burden. Pet insurance is the best option for pet owners who want to be prepared for anything that comes their way.

Since not all pet insurance carriers are created equally, we've reviewed and rated them based on policies offered, time it takes to pay out the claim, customer service, and much more. These are all essential comparison points that you should take into consideration when it comes to your budget and your pet's breed, specific needs, and necessary treatment plans. Depending on the plan you choose, you can opt to cover medications, diagnostic tests, alternative medicine visits and other health-related visits. Just compare the plans and choose the one that's best for you and your pet.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Whether you're looking for lower monthly premiums or larger vet reimbursements, there is the perfect plan out there for you and your pet. Pet insurance acts similarly to health insurance for humans except with just a fraction of most premiums. On most pet insurance sites, you can fill out a quick form to get a quote for your pet's insurance. In most cases, you'll pay a monthly fee and you'll be given a deductible that must be met before insurance covers the rest of the costs. When your pet needs treatment, having pet insurance helps the hospital or vet clinic move forward with treatment plans, regardless of whether you have the lump sum of money ready for payment. Rather than paying for a treatment completely out of pocket, your pet insurance will help cover a large portion of the vet bill, potentially saving you thousands.

In the shopping process, you want to look at the deductible, reimbursement level, and the annual max. To break it down: The deductible will be how much upfront cost of the bill you'll have to pay before the insurance company jumps in, reimbursement level is the percentage of the vet bill you can expect to be handled by the insurer, and the annual max will be the limit of how much a pet insurance provider will cover in one year.

What if my Pet has Hereditary or Chronic Conditions?

Some breeds of dogs and cats are particularly prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, or cancer. Treatments for these conditions can get pricey very quickly, especially if your pet lives with them for a long time. Not only that, but it can be tough to find pet insurance coverage that will cover these types of conditions.

If your pet is a breed that is susceptible to chronic conditions, pet insurance can save you thousands by helping with medications, vet check-ins, routine tests, and more. Several of the pet insurance plans we've reviewed do cover hereditary and chronic conditions, so you can be sure your pet is covered no matter what they might come down with. However, you will have to make sure that these conditions are covered – make sure you read exactly what is covered under each plan if your pet has a certain condition. It's best to get insurance right away if your pet is a susceptible breed, because many insurance plans won't cover pets with pre-existing conditions.

Why is Customer Service so Important?

If you've ever dealt with health insurance claims, you'll know the importance of having a responsive, communicative, and understanding agent on the other end of the line. In an emergency, it's important to know which pet insurance carrier you can count on to answer your questions so you can focus on your pet's health rather than the vet bills.

What if I Have an Older Pet?

Every pet will have different medical needs depending on their age. For younger animals, you'll want to focus on preventing accidents and getting them up to date on all their check-ups and shots. For older pets, common issues like arthritis or bi-annual check-ins are par for the course, so investing in pet insurance is, simply put, the smart solution. Look for the plans that specialize in geriatric or senior care so that you can get the plans that zoom in on your pet's needs. Maybe you can guarantee that your dog will not be jumping fences or chasing cars any time soon, but they still need exams to make sure they're aging healthily and comfortably.

How Easy is it to Sign Up?

With services like mobile apps and 24/7 online availability, pet insurance carriers were built in the digital age. You can get a simple quote based on the age and needs of your pet, and from there, it's simple to sign up and get started.

Take a look at our top picks for pet insurance carriers and breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to vet bills for your four-legged family member.