Let’s be real: getting a pet is one of the most exciting parts of adulting. Whether you’re team cat, team dog, or team “I have a lizard and he’s basically my child,” pets are family. But with great snuggles come great responsibilities—and one of the biggest (and most overlooked) is vet bills.
So… is pet insurance actually worth it? Or is it just another monthly cost trying to sneak into your budget?
Spoiler: it might actually save you thousands. Here's the tea.
Pets don’t have health insurance by default—and vet care isn’t cheap. A surprise trip to the emergency vet could cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000+ depending on what’s going on.
Got a dog who eats socks for fun? A cat who parkours off the cabinets? Accidents (and unexpected illnesses) happen more than you think.
Pet insurance can help cover things like:
Emergency surgeries
Broken bones
Allergies and chronic conditions
Cancer treatments
Medications and diagnostics
Basically, all the stuff you don’t want to be Googling at 3AM while trying to figure out if your pet’s limp is “serious” or “they just stepped weird.”
Most basic pet insurance plans start around $20–$50/month, depending on your pet’s age, breed, and coverage.
That’s like:
3 coffee runs
One night of DoorDash
A tiny price to pay for peace of mind
And the earlier you sign up (especially while your pet is young and healthy), the better the coverage and lower the price.
Your pet is young and active (aka: chaotic and accident-prone)
You don’t have a big emergency fund
You want to avoid choosing between your savings and your pet’s health
You’d rather budget a small amount each month than gamble with a massive vet bill
Your pet is older with pre-existing conditions (many plans won’t cover those)
You already have a solid emergency fund set aside
You’re okay paying out-of-pocket for occasional vet visits
That said, even older pets can benefit from accident-only coverage in case of sudden injuries.
If you're a planner, a worrier, or just someone who really loves their fur baby—then yes, pet insurance is absolutely worth looking into. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens.
Because adulting is already hard. Choosing between a $3,000 vet bill and your rent? Yeah—harder.
Not sure where to start? Not into reading 14 comparison charts? We got you.
At Wells Insurance, we’ll help you compare pet insurance options that actually make sense for your lifestyle and your budget—no fluff, just facts. And if you want to bundle it with renters or auto? Even better.
Head over to our Personal Insurance page to learn more and get started today. Your future self (and your pet) will thank you. 🐾💙