Pet Insurance 101: 5 Reasons Why You Need It & How It Works

Is pet insurance necessary? Any pet parent who’s taken a surprise trip to the emergency room and found themselves staring at a bill ending in one too many zeros knows the answer is yes, your pet needs coverage. Pet insurance allows pet parents to make the best medical decisions for their pets without concerns for the costs. Here’s everything you need to know about pet insurance for when your dog or cat needs more than snuggles.

Why you need pet insurance

Accidents happen

You’ve got a healthy diet, exercise, and plenty of love covered. But the truth is, no matter how proactive you are about your pet’s well-being, life happens. Your dog could tear their ACL at the dog park. Your cat could chew on those Valentine’s Day flowers. Or worse, your newest friend could be diagnosed with cancer.

• One in three pets will need urgent vet care this year.

• Every six seconds, a pet parent faces a vet bill of more than $1,000.

Save up to 90% on vet bills with affordable plans

Lemonade offers a number of preventative care options, including a package designed especially for puppies and kittens. Save on vaccines, wellness visits, and so much more.

Get a free quote

To get ahead of pre-existing conditions

Your dog or cat’s genetics are also something to consider. Many breeds (especially purebreds) are predisposed to hereditary health conditions that you may want to get ahead of. Pre-existing conditions typically aren’t covered by pet insurers. Enroll your newest family member when they’re young and healthy now to help ensure maximum lifelong coverage.

To make the best health decisions for your pet

Veterinary care has never been better or more accessible. But all great care comes with a cost. Some common issues your pet may face that can cost thousands to treat:

• Hip Dysplasia: $4,000 – $6,000

• Stomach Issues: $200 – $5,000

• Torn Ligament: $3,000 – $6,000

• Cancer: $5,000 – $20,000

• Broken Bone: $200 – $5,000

No one wants to be in the position of making an important decision about their pet’s care based solely on cost. When the unexpected happens, you shouldn’t have to hesitate to make the right call for your friend. Enrolling in a pet insurance plan will ensure that your pet will get the treatment they need based on what their veterinarian recommends, without you having to tap into savings or risk going into debt.

To keep your family together

It’s heartbreaking that dogs and cats are surrendered to shelters because their parents are unable to afford care costs. Insuring your newest family member means that when you receive an estimate for your pet’s critical care, you can address it right away and keep them with you.

To invest in your peace of mind

Some people are fortunate in that they have the resources or the willingness to go into debt for their pet’s care if necessary. They are, in effect, opting for self-insurance. Others (who may want to sleep better at night) prefer paying a monthly pet insurance premium in the hope that it will cover expensive vet bills down the road.

How pet insurance can protect your pet

Getting your pet covered with Lemonade is simple, affordable, and built for today — here’s how it works:

Get a quick quote with AI Maya

• Use Lemonade’s easy app or website and let AI Maya guide you through getting a personalized quote in minutes!

Pick a plan that fits your budget

• Lemonade offers affordable, customizable plans for both dogs and cats.

• Choose to cover accidents and illnesses, or add optional wellness care for routine visits and preventative needs. Pay only for the coverage you want!

Know what’s included

• You’re covered for things like diagnostics, medications, surgeries, and more for new accidents or illnesses.

• Add routine wellness coverage for things like annual exams, vaccines, and preventative treatments. There’s also a preventative care package designed specifically for puppies and kittens.

• Note: Like all pet insurers, Lemonade doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions—so sign up your pet when they are young and healthy for maximum protection.

Visit any licensed vet

• Go to any vet, emergency clinic, or specialist in the US, no network restrictions.

File claims in the app—over 50% are handled instantly!

• After your visit, submit your claim right from the Lemonade app.

• Thanks to Lemonade’s advanced AI, many claims are reviewed lightning-fast, with most claims handled instantly, which means money in your account, faster..

With Lemonade, pet insurance is easy, transparent, and designed to save you time and money.