2025 Update: How Pet Insurance Saves Your Pet’s Life & Your Budget
Pet insurance can be a lifeline, ensuring your pet gets the best care without financial stress.
Owning a pet means signing up for unconditional love, tail wags, and the occasional chewed-up shoe. It also means something else…responsibility. Because no matter how well you care for them, accidents happen. Illnesses strike. And suddenly, you’re standing in a vet’s office, staring at a bill that makes your stomach drop.
What do you do? Dig into your savings? Open a new credit card?
This is why pet insurance exists. It’s a lifeline for pet parents who want to give their furry family members the best care without financial panic. And in 2025, as veterinary costs continue to climb, having a plan in place isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “Is pet insurance worth it?”—we’re here to break it down.
Why Are Vet Bills So High in 2025?
Rising costs of high-quality equipment and specialized care contribute to higher vet bills.
It’s a gut punch. One minute, you’re focused on helping your pet feel better, and the next, you’re staring at a bill that could wipe out your savings. Veterinary costs have nearly doubled since 2004, and in the past year alone, they’ve risen 7.3%—outpacing overall inflation and leaving many pet owners struggling to afford care. (AAHA)
So, what’s driving these skyrocketing prices? Why does even a routine visit feel more expensive than ever? There are a few major reasons why this is happening.
Advanced Medical Technology
Just like human healthcare, veterinary medicine has come a long way. MRIs, CT scans, and specialized treatments mean better care for your pet—but that cutting-edge technology comes at a cost. (Pet Vet Magazine)
Big Corporations Taking Over
More and more independent vet clinics are being bought by large corporations, which often means higher prices and less competition. (The Atlantic)
Everything Costs More
From medications to medical supplies to rent, vet clinics are dealing with rising expenses across the board. Just like grocery prices, pet care costs are going up, too. (Brownsburg Animal Clinic)
A Vet Shortage = Higher Wages
There aren’t enough veterinarians to meet demand, meaning clinics pay more to keep talented vets and staff on board. (Pet Vet Magazine)
At the end of the day, most veterinarians aren’t setting high prices just to profit. They’re doing what’s necessary to keep their clinics running and provide the best care possible. Between rising costs, staff wages, and the expense of advanced medical treatments, pricing reflects the reality of what it takes to deliver quality veterinary care.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
No matter how much you love your pet, some things are out of your control. Puppies swallow things they shouldn’t. Cats take risky leaps. And as pets age, medical needs increase.
If your pet needs ongoing medical care, insurance can save you thousands.
If you want to avoid a financial crisis when an accident or illness strikes, insurance is worth it.
If you want peace of mind knowing you can say “yes” to treatment, insurance makes that possible.
A sudden emergency could cost $3,000–$5,000 or more without insurance. With the right plan, a significant portion—or even all—of that can be reimbursed.
Pet insurance isn’t just an expense; it’s a safeguard that ensures your pet gets the best care without breaking the bank. If you want to give your pet a happy, healthy life without financial stress, the answer is yes—pet insurance is worth it.
What to Consider Before Saying “Yes” to Treatment
Before committing to treatment, consider all options, costs, and your pet’s long-term care needs.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we believe cost should never be the reason your pet doesn’t get the care it needs. That’s why we focus on helping you make informed, financially sound decisions about your pet’s health.
A recent study found that 28% of pet owners struggle to afford veterinary care (TalkPoverty.org). It’s difficult to be in that situation.
While MRI and CT scans provide answers, diagnostics are just one part of the journey. We may recommend skipping imaging to avoid unnecessary costs if treatment isn't an option.
Pet insurance can help bridge the gap, ensuring financial concerns never stand in the way of care. If possible, we recommend enrolling before your pet needs treatment.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance works a lot like your own health insurance. Policies include reimbursement rates, payout limits, deductibles, waiting periods, and exclusions that apply before coverage kicks in.
The biggest difference is you pay the vet upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Unlike human health insurance, vets don’t bill insurance providers directly. If needed, options like CareCredit can help spread out payments over time.
Here’s what to know before choosing a plan:
Deductible – The amount you pay before your provider starts reimbursing expenses.
Annual Limits vs. Unlimited Payouts – Some plans cap how much they’ll reimburse yearly, while unlimited plans cover more significant costs.
Waiting Periods – Coverage doesn’t start immediately. Some conditions may have a 15-day wait, while pre-existing injuries could require 12 months before eligibility.
Exclusions & Fine Print – Always check what’s covered. Some plans won’t cover certain conditions or treatments. Reading the fine print ensures you understand your pet’s coverage and avoid surprises when they need care.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
Pet insurance costs vary, but the right plan can fit your budget and protect your pet’s health.
Pet insurance prices vary widely based on several factors. When calculating your premium, providers typically consider:
Your pet’s age, breed, and size – Older pets and certain breeds may have higher premiums.
Where you live – Veterinary costs differ by state and region.
Pre-existing conditions – Pets with medical histories may have limited coverage options.
Preventative & wellness care – Plans that include routine check-ups, vaccines, and dental care cost more but offer broader protection.
Comparing plans and customizing coverage based on your pet’s needs can help you find the best balance between affordability and protection.
Pawlicy.com has a great chart that compares pet insurance costs based on breed, age & state, giving an accurate look into the varying costs you might encounter.
Understanding Your Options for Pet Insurance
Remember, each plan is different. You usually have some control over the reimbursement percentage and deductible that is offered. Changing these options will directly affect the final cost.
Some plans can hit up to $300-$500 a month, depending on the level of care you need. On the other hand, a basic plan that only covers emergencies can be as low as $20 a month. It all depends on what your pet needs.
Low Credit Score?
If a low credit score is keeping you from applying for pet insurance, there are still options for you. The insurance market has expanded greatly to meet the increasing and new demands of pet owners seeking affordable care.
ManyPets.com offers low-premium insurance plans with no credit check required.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance can cover dental care, helping with treatment costs for common oral health issues.
Pet insurance coverage varies by provider, but most plans include accidents, illnesses, and chronic conditions that require veterinary care. Here’s what’s typically covered:
Accidental Injuries – Foreign object ingestion, broken bones, bite wounds
Unexpected Illnesses – Skin allergies, gastrointestinal issues, glaucoma
Chronic Diseases – Diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions
Dental Illnesses – Periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth resorption
Hereditary Conditions – Hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, von Willebrand disease
Surgery – Bloat, cruciate ligament conditions, cataracts
Cancer Treatment – Diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation
Prescription Medications – Medications prescribed by your vet
Diagnostic Testing – Fecal exams, allergy tests, x-rays, bloodwork, MRIs
Emergency Exam Fees – Costs for urgent care visits
Many low-cost plans cover essential treatments, but some conditions and services aren’t included.
What Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover
While pet insurance helps with major medical costs, it won’t cover everything. These are common exclusions:
Pre-existing conditions
Routine care & wellness exams (unless added to your plan)
Spay/Neuter & Vaccinations
Elective or Cosmetic Procedures
Pet Supplies – Food, toys, treats
Boarding or Daycare Fees
Pet Property Damage & Personal Liability Claims
The good news? Some plans do cover treatable conditions after a short waiting period, as long as your pet has no recurring symptoms. Many providers also offer add-ons for wellness care, routine visits, and other services, giving you the flexibility to build a plan that fits your pet’s needs.
Get Answers & Peace of Mind
Expert pet imaging is closer than you think. Visit our Sandy, Utah clinic for advanced veterinary care.
Sage Veterinary Imaging has been operating in Round Rock, Texas for over 10 years. With a second location in Sandy, Utah, we’re here to help get answers for your pet.
When your pet is acting differently and showing signs of distress, it may need a CT or MRI scan. The radiologists, surgeons, and veterinarians on our team are able to see more of your pet’s complete health profile - with twice the resolution and in half the time. Ultimately, our goal is to make the most informed decisions to help your pet.
