What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a health coverage policy for your cat or dog that helps pay for a portion of their medical expenses. It's often overlooked by pet owners, but it can be the difference between making a difficult treatment decision based on your pet's health versus your bank account. No one plans for their pet to get sick or injured - pet insurance exists to help you prepare for that possibility.
Not all pet insurance policies are created equal. Understanding exactly what's covered - and what isn't - before choosing a policy is essential to making sure your pet has the protection you expect.
Do I Need Pet Insurance?
Pets are part of the family, and like any family member, they can get sick or injured unexpectedly. A significant portion of pets will require emergency veterinary treatment at some point in their lifetime - and most pet owners aren't financially prepared for a sudden, high-cost vet bill.
- Emergency veterinary treatment is common over a pet's lifetime and can be financially significant.
- Unexpected illness or injury can require thousands of dollars in diagnostic testing, treatment, and surgery.
- Pet insurance helps you make medical decisions for your pet based on what's best for their health - not just what you can afford in the moment.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance operates on a premium-and-reimbursement model. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and in exchange, your insurer reimburses a portion of your pet's covered medical expenses. Most policies require you to pay your veterinarian directly at the time of service, then submit a claim for reimbursement.
Deductible
The amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins reimbursing claims. Deductibles can apply annually (paid once per policy year) or per incident (paid for each new medical condition). For example, if your first covered claim totals $500 and your annual deductible is $250, you pay the $250 deductible plus any percentage not covered by your reimbursement rate. Once an annual deductible is met, you won't pay it again until renewal.
Reimbursement Rate
The percentage of a covered vet bill your insurer pays after your deductible is met. Most insurers offer rates between 70% and 100%. A higher reimbursement rate generally means a higher premium, but a larger payout per claim. For example, with an 80% reimbursement rate on a $100 covered claim, you'd be reimbursed $80 and responsible for the remaining $20.
Annual Limit
The maximum amount your insurer will pay out for covered expenses within a single policy year. Limits range from a few thousand dollars to unlimited coverage depending on the plan. If your annual limit is $5,000 and your pet needs a $7,000 surgery, your insurer reimburses up to the $5,000 limit at your chosen percentage - you're responsible for anything beyond that.
Many insurers do not allow you to change your deductible, reimbursement rate, or annual limit until your policy renews - typically one year after your start date. Choose these elements carefully at enrollment.
How the Claims Process Works
Visit the Veterinarian
Take your pet to a licensed veterinarian for treatment and pay for services upfront.
Collect Documentation
Obtain an itemized receipt or invoice detailing the services provided and their costs.
Submit Your Claim
File your claim along with the documentation through your insurer's claims process.
Claim Review
Your insurer reviews the claim to determine which expenses are covered under your policy.
Reimbursement
Once approved, you're reimbursed for eligible expenses based on your reimbursement rate, after any applicable deductible has been met. If your deductible hasn't been met yet, the reimbursement amount is applied toward it first.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
The Fortis Insurance helps you build a pet insurance plan around your specific needs - choosing your payout limit, deductible, and reimbursement percentage while your pet enjoys broad coverage and the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian you choose.
Covered Treatments & Services
Types of Pet Insurance Plans
Pet insurance plans generally fall into three categories, each offering a different scope of protection depending on your pet's needs and your budget.
Accident-Only Plans
Covers injuries resulting from accidents - broken bones, cuts, foreign object ingestion, and similar incidents. Illnesses and routine care are not included. This plan type is well-suited for active or accident-prone pets that are otherwise in good health.
Accident-Illness Plans
Covers both accidental injuries and a wide range of illnesses, including chronic conditions, infections, and hereditary diseases. Typically includes diagnostic testing, treatment, surgery, and medications. This is the right choice for owners who want comprehensive protection against the full spectrum of potential veterinary expenses.
Accident-Illness Plans with Wellness Care
Combines accident and illness coverage with routine preventive care - vaccinations, annual exams, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings. Wellness coverage is an optional add-on purchased as a separate plan and may have different limits than the rest of your policy, so review the terms carefully before enrolling.
Cost, Coverage Duration & Exclusions
What Affects Pet Insurance Cost
The Fortis Insurance helps you build a customizable plan that fits your budget without sacrificing meaningful coverage. Beyond your chosen deductible, reimbursement rate, and payout limit, pricing is also influenced by:
Will My Pet Be Covered for Life?
Yes. If your pet qualifies for accident and illness coverage at enrollment, that level of protection continues for as long as your pet remains insured under the policy.
What's Typically Not Covered
- Pre-existing conditions - any accident, injury, or illness showing signs or symptoms before your policy's start date and any applicable waiting periods
- Routine wellness care, unless you've added an optional wellness rider
- Costs exceeding your selected annual limit
- Specific exclusions vary by policy, so reviewing your plan's terms is essential
Frequently Asked Questions
Protect your furry friend
YOUR PET'S HEALTH SHOULDN'T COME WITH FINANCIAL STRESS.
The Fortis Insurance makes it simple to build a pet insurance plan that fits your budget and protects your furry family member - from accidents and illness to optional wellness coverage.
Get a Pet Insurance Quote