Average Cost at the Vet for Pets With and Without Pet Insurance
Joy Wallet is advertiser-supported: we may earn compensation from the products and offers mentioned in this article. However, any expressed opinions are our own and aren't influenced by compensation. To read our full disclosure, click here.
When we welcome pets into our homes, they become more than just animals; they are cherished members of our families. Along with the joy and companionship they bring, there's also a responsibility to ensure their health and well-being. A critical aspect of pet ownership is understanding the financial commitment involved in providing them with the best possible care. Veterinary expenses, particularly unexpected ones, can quickly add up, making the decision to invest in pet insurance a significant consideration for every pet parent.
In today's world, where pet health care has advanced dramatically, offering treatments and procedures that parallel human medical care, the costs associated with these services have also risen. From routine checkups and vaccinations to emergency surgeries and diagnostic testing, the financial aspects of caring for our furry friends can be daunting. This is where pet insurance comes into play.
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the average costs of various medical procedures for pets, both with and without pet insurance. It aims to provide pet owners with a clear understanding of the potential expenses they might face and how pet insurance can mitigate these costs. Whether it's routine care like vaccinations and wellness exams or unexpected situations like emergency vet visits and hospitalization, knowing what to expect financially can significantly ease the burden and stress associated with pet health issues.
In this article
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a form of medical care coverage for your pet that can significantly reduce the financial strain of veterinary bills. This insurance comes in various forms – from wellness plans that cover routine care to comprehensive policies for unexpected health issues and emergency care. Renowned providers like Lemonade Pet Insurance and ASPCA Pet Insurance offer various options that cater to diverse needs and budgets.
- Sign up in seconds
- Get paid in minutes
- Get 5% Off for 2 or more pets
- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
- Award-winning service
Costs of medical procedures with and without pet insurance
Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Vaccinations | $15-$120 per shot | Co-pay or fully covered with wellness plan |
Spay/Neuter | $200-$500 | $50-$100 |
Blood work | $200-$300 | $20-$50 |
Routine checkups | $50-$250 | Free |
Heartworm test | $45-$50 | Free |
Hospitalization | 600-$2,500 daily | $100-$400 |
X-rays | $150-$250 | $20-$50 |
Ear infections | $100-$200 | $20-$40 |
Dental cleaning and dental care | $200-$800 | $50-$100 |
Microchipping | $45 | Free |
Fecal exams | $25-$45 | Free |
Diagnostic testing | $200-$500 | Dependent on policy |
Emergency visits | $800-$2,500 | $100-$500 |
Euthanasia | $50-$300 | Dependent on policy |
Vaccinations
Generally, individual vaccines can range from $15 to $30, but some specialized vaccines might be more expensive. A full set of annual vaccinations can cost anywhere from $60 to $120 or more.
Pet insurance can help cover the cost of vaccinations if you have a wellness or preventive care plan. These plans are specifically designed to cover routine care, which typically includes vaccinations. Depending on your policy, the insurance might cover the full cost of vaccinations or a significant portion of it. For instance, you might only need to pay a nominal co-pay or a part of the cost after meeting your annual deductible.
Spay or neuter
The cost to spay or neuter a pet varies significantly based on factors like the pet's size, age, health, and the geographic location of the clinic. On average, neutering (for male pets) can cost between $50 to $200, while spaying (for female pets) can range from $100 to $500 or more.
Depending on the specifics of a pet insurance policy, you might be responsible for a deductible or a co-pay. For example, after a deductible of $50, the insurance might cover the remainder of the cost for the procedure.
Blood work
Essential for diagnosing health problems, the cost of blood work for pets can vary widely based on the type of tests performed and the veterinary clinic's pricing. Basic blood work can range from around $50 to $100, while more comprehensive panels or specific diagnostic tests can cost $200 or more. These prices can be influenced by factors such as the complexity of the tests and the geographical location of the clinic.
Pet insurance typically covers blood work. After meeting your deductible, your insurance will generally reimburse a percentage of the cost, depending on your policy's reimbursement rate. For example, if you have a $100 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate, and the blood work costs $200, you would first pay the $100 deductible. Of the remaining $100, the insurance would reimburse $80, leaving you to pay $20 out of pocket.
Routine checkups
The cost for a routine checkup for a pet typically ranges from $50 to $250. Some vets might charge more for comprehensive checkups that include a full range of preventive tests and assessments.
Pet insurance plans are designed to encourage and support regular preventive care to maintain the pet's health. Depending on the specifics of the policy, you might be responsible for a deductible or a co-pay. For instance, after a $25 co-pay, your insurance might cover the remainder of the cost for a standard routine checkup.
Heartworm test
The cost of a heartworm test typically ranges between $45 and $50. This test is crucial for detecting heartworm disease, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition in pets.
Some wellness plans cover the entire cost, while others might require a co-pay or a portion of the cost after meeting an annual deductible. For example, under a preventive care plan, the insurance might cover most of the cost, leaving you with a small out-of-pocket expense, such as $10 to $20.
Hospitalization
The cost of hospitalizing a pet can be quite high, often ranging from $600 to $2,500 per day, depending on the severity of the pet's condition, the type of treatment required, and the duration of the stay. This estimate can include emergency treatment, overnight monitoring, medications, and any specialized care. For severe cases or prolonged stays, costs can escalate even further.
If your pet insurance policy includes coverage for illnesses and accidents, it typically covers hospitalization costs. After paying your deductible, the policy usually covers a significant percentage of the remaining expenses. For example, if your policy has a $250 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate, and the hospitalization costs amount to $2,000, you would pay the $250 deductible and 20% of the remaining $1,750, which is $350. The insurance would then reimburse $1,400.
- Sign up in seconds
- Get paid in minutes
- Get 5% Off for 2 or more pets
- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
- Award-winning service
X-rays
The cost of X-rays for pets typically ranges from $150 to $250, but it can be higher for more complex imaging or multiple X-rays. If additional diagnostics or treatments are required following the X-ray, the overall cost can increase substantially.
If your pet insurance policy includes coverage for diagnostic tests like X-rays, it can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. After meeting your deductible, your insurance will typically cover a percentage of the cost, based on your reimbursement level. For example, if you have a $100 deductible and an 80% reimbursement rate, and the X-ray costs $200, you would first pay the $100 deductible. Of the remaining $100, the insurance would cover $80, leaving you to pay $20 out of pocket.
Ear infections
The cost for treating an ear infection can range from around $100 to $200. This can include the vet visit cost, examination fees, and the cost of medication. More severe or chronic cases that require extensive treatment or follow-up visits can cost more.
If your pet insurance policy includes coverage for illnesses, it usually covers the treatment of ear infections, after paying your deductible.
Dental care
Without insurance, dental cleanings cost anywhere from $200 to $800, depending on the complexity and whether extractions or other treatments are needed.
With insurance, if the policy covers dental care as part of a wellness or preventive care plan, you might only pay a deductible or a co-pay, which could be as low as $50 to $100. More complex procedures like tooth extractions, root canals, or treatment of periodontal disease can be much more expensive, sometimes exceeding $1,000. With a comprehensive pet insurance policy, a significant portion of these costs can be reimbursed.
Microchipping
The cost of microchipping a pet typically ranges from about $25 to $50. This price often includes the microchip implantation and registration in a pet recovery database.
Pet insurance coverage for microchipping depends on the specific policy. Some insurance plans, especially those that include wellness or preventive care, might cover microchipping either partially or fully. For example, a wellness plan might cover the entire cost of microchipping, or you might be responsible for a small co-pay or deductible.
Fecal exams
The cost of a fecal exam for a pet generally ranges from about $25 to $45. This test is used to check for parasites and other gastrointestinal issues in pets.
If your pet insurance policy includes wellness or preventive care, it often covers fecal exams. Some policies might cover the entire cost, while others might require you to pay a small co-pay or deductible.
Diagnostic testing
The cost of diagnostic testing for pets can be quite variable. For example, blood tests can range from $50 to $200, ultrasounds might cost $300 to $600, and more advanced diagnostics like MRIs can run from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on the complexity and the type of test.
If your pet insurance policy includes coverage for illnesses and diagnostic testing, it can cover a substantial portion of these costs. After you meet your deductible, the policy typically reimburses a percentage of the remaining cost.
Emergency vet visits
Emergency vet visits can be quite expensive, often ranging from $800 to $2,500 or more. These costs can skyrocket depending on the severity of the emergency, the type of treatment required, and the location of the emergency clinic. Complex emergencies, such as those requiring surgery, extensive diagnostics, or overnight stays, can result in even higher bills.
Pet insurance can significantly reduce the financial burden of emergency vet visits. If you have a policy that covers accidents and emergencies, it typically covers a substantial portion of these costs. After you pay your deductible, the insurance policy usually reimburses a percentage of the remaining costs based on your reimbursement level.
Euthanasia
The cost of euthanasia for a pet can vary depending on the veterinary clinic, the size of the pet, and the method of euthanasia used. Generally, the cost can range from $50 to $300 or more. This fee may include the euthanasia procedure itself and may also cover associated costs such as cremation or burial services, which can add to the overall expense.
Some pet insurance policies may cover the cost of euthanasia if it's deemed medically necessary due to a covered illness or injury. Coverage for euthanasia typically falls under the umbrella of end-of-life care. For instance, if a pet is suffering from a severe illness covered by the policy, and a veterinarian recommends euthanasia, the insurance may cover a substantial part of the cost after the deductible is met. However, reimbursement depends on the specifics of the policy, including the deductible and the reimbursement rate.
FAQs
Can pre-existing conditions be covered?
Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions.
What does pet insurance cover?
Coverage varies but typically includes emergency care, routine care, diagnostic testing, and sometimes wellness exams and preventive care.
How does pet insurance work?
Pet insurance reimburses pet parents for certain veterinary expenses. After paying the vet bills upfront, you file a claim with your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Are there different plans for different dog breeds or health problems?
Yes, most companies offer plans that cater to specific breeds or health conditions.
- Sign up in seconds
- Get paid in minutes
- Get 5% Off for 2 or more pets
- Get 10% off when you bundle
- Get 5% off by paying annually
- Award-winning service
The bottom line
While the upfront cost of pet insurance and the specific terms of the pet insurance policy should be considered, the potential savings on care costs, especially for emergency care and common health problems, make it a worthwhile consideration for pet owners. Pet insurance offers a financial cushion against the high veterinary bills and ensures that your pet receives the necessary medical care without a significant financial strain on the pet parents.
Joy Wallet is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor, financial advisor, loan broker, insurance producer, or insurance broker. Its articles, interactive tools and other content are provided to you for free, as self-help tools and for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide investment advice. Joy Wallet does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information in regard to your individual circumstances. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific investment issues. Featured estimates are based on past market performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market. We are compensated by our partners, which may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on our site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice. Our editorials are grounded on independent research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.
We value your privacy. We work with trusted partners to provide relevant advertising based on information about your use of Joy Wallet’s and third-party websites and applications. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing information about your web browsing activities with Meta (Facebook) and Google. All of the web browsing information that is shared is anonymized. To learn more, click on our Privacy Policy link.
Images appearing across JoyWallet are courtesy of shutterstock.com.
Share this article
