Comprehensive Pet Insurance Explained
Free Pet Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Aaron Englard
Insurance Premium Auditor
With over a decade of experience in insurance premium auditing, audit department management, and business audit representation, Aaron has developed a deep understanding of audit regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices. As the Founder & CEO of AdvoQates, he specializes in representing businesses during their audits to ensure accurate, transparent, and fair assessments ...
Insurance Premium Auditor
UPDATED: Feb 20, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 20, 2025
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
If you are looking to enroll in a new pet insurance company or want to change providers, there are many decisions to make.
You have to find the best plan.
And then once you enroll, you are going to choose the right deductible, reimbursement level, benefit levels and more.
One of the most important decisions to make is the coverage for your pet.
There are a few different coverage options that are available with comprehensive pet insurance being the best and most popular coverage available.
And here’s why!
What is Comprehensive Pet Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive pet insurance (also known as accident and illness insurance) is the broadest in scope and covers almost any accident or illness that might occur with your pet.
And the treatment, testing, and diagnosis that goes with it.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Comprehensive pet care coverage will include the treatment of broken bones or paws, cancer, ear infections, diabetes, and numerous other conditions.
In fact, our glossary of the different cat and dog health problems should all be covered under a comprehensive policy.
As long as the condition isn’t pre-existing.
Need Pet Insurance?
FACT: Pet insurance pays up to 90% of vet bills when your pet is sick or injured!
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Benefits of Comprehensive Coverage
After all, it has the widest range of coverage.
Continuous Coverage
Comprehensive medical coverage will offer continued coverage for your pet.
If your dog or cat develops a long term illness, like cancer, diabetes or even an ear infection that needs continuous treatment, a good comprehensive policy will cover the care. (For more information, read our “Does pet insurance cover cancer?”).
And the testing, diagnosis, and medication that is needed for that specific illness or condition.
Hereditary, Chronic & Congenital Conditions
Any good comprehensive pet insurance policy will cover all hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions.
Some will have it as an additional rider or cost, but the best plans like Healthy Paws covers all these conditions as long as they aren’t pre-existing.
There are certain breeds of dogs and cats that are pre-disposed to specific hereditary and congenital and even chronic conditions.
If your cat or dog is one of those breeds, make sure to get coverage before the condition occurs.
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
$6,712
A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
Diagnostic Testing
All testing from MRI’s, radiography, ultrasounds, blood tests and more are covered under comprehensive pet insurance.
Emergency Vet Visit
If your dog or cat is hurt or has a serious injury over the weekend or after hours, you want to know that your bill will be covered by any veterinarian or vet hospital in the United States.
In fact, most comprehensive policies allow you to visit any vet hospital when you travel or are on vacation.
Specialists Care
If your dog or cat needs to see a cardiologist or any type of specialist, this treatment and visit should be covered.
Surgery
Surgery of any kind from an injured paw to a dental injury can get very expensive and will be covered under a good, solid plan.
Read more: Does your pet insurance cover surgery when your pet is sick?
Hospital Stay
Just like emergency care, any hospital visit or overnight stay will be covered.
Prescription Medication
Most comprehensive pet insurance policies will cover prescriptions and something to look out for when enrolling in a policy.
Some companies will even cover up to 50 % of the prescribed food.
Alternative Therapy
Some of the best pet insurance companies include alternative therapies such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture and even chiropractic work.
Alternative therapy is great for older pets or those who don’t respond well to other types of medical treatment.
If this is important to you, make sure to choose a pet insurance company that includes it.
Embrace and Healthy Paws include alternative therapy in all of their plans.
What Comprehensive Coverage Does Not Include
A wellness plan is used generally for vet visits and preventative care procedures.
This is an additional cost and must be added on to any pet insurance policy.
Dental work is not covered under a comprehensive plan unless it is associated with an accident or illness.
Dental pet insurance is structured differently and usually part of a wellness plan.
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Gidget
PetFirst saved his parents
$2,194
Artemis was a beautiful and friendly cat to all who were willing to pet him. Unfortunately, he developed feline diabetes which required regular vet visits and medications that his Mother could not otherwise afford on her fixed income. Having PetFirst insurance, she called and discussed the problem with a friendly PetFirst agent. To her surprise, she found out that Artemis’ ongoing required vet visits and medication would be covered by his PetFirst insurance. Artemis was able to live out the rest of his life with proper medical care and medicines thanks to PetFirst insurance.
Summing Up Comprehensive Pet Insurance
You can see why a comprehensive pet insurance policy is the way to go because it covers practically everything your pet might encounter.
Each pet insurance company is different, but most will cover all of the above and even more!
Figure out what is the most important treatment that you might want for your pet and make sure the policy covers at least that care and more.
Sure, a comprehensive policy might be more expensive than an accident only plan (which covers much less and really no illnesses), but at least you know that your pet will always be covered.
If you are looking for some great pet insurance providers with a good comprehensive policy, our top 10 pet insurance companies of 2019 is a great place to start.
Read more: The Different Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Pet insurance is similar to other insurances but does have some major differences as compared to your health insurance. Below you will find a definitive list of frequently asked pet insurance questions to help in your decision.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive Pet Insurance Explained
Insurance vs. Wellness Pet Insurance Plans
Is Pet Dental Insurance Worth the Extra Cost
Best Pet Insurance Plans with Shortest Waiting Periods
Pet Insurance Coverage Exclusions and Limits
Pet Insurance Benefit Limits Explained
How to Make a Claim on your Pet Insurance
Is my Pet too Old for Pet Insurance Coverage
Top Reasons to Purchase Pet Insurance
How much does Pet Insurance Cost
Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets
Pet Insurance that Covers Spaying and Neutering
Does Pet Insurance Cover Shots
Pet Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comprehensive Pet Insurance Coverage?
Comprehensive pet insurance, also known as accident and illness insurance, is the broadest in scope and covers almost any accident or illness that might occur with your pet. This includes treatment, testing, and diagnosis associated with the covered conditions.
What does Comprehensive Pet Insurance Cover?
Comprehensive pet insurance covers a wide range of conditions, including broken bones, cancer, ear infections, diabetes, and more. It includes hereditary, chronic, and congenital conditions, diagnostic testing, emergency vet visits, specialists care, surgery, hospital stays, prescription medication, and even alternative therapies.
What are the Benefits of Comprehensive Coverage?
Comprehensive coverage offers continuous coverage for long-term illnesses, covers hereditary and chronic conditions, includes diagnostic testing, emergency vet visits, specialists care, surgery, hospital stays, prescription medication, and alternative therapies.
What Does Comprehensive Coverage Exclude?
Dental work is not covered under a comprehensive plan unless associated with an accident or illness. A wellness plan is required for routine vet visits and preventative care procedures, which is an additional cost.
Is Pet Dental Work Covered Under Comprehensive Pet Insurance?
Dental work is not covered under a comprehensive plan unless it is associated with an accident or illness. Dental pet insurance is structured differently and is usually part of a wellness plan.How does Comprehensive Pet Insurance Differ from Wellness Plans?
How does Comprehensive Pet Insurance Differ from Wellness Plans?
Comprehensive pet insurance covers accidents and illnesses, while wellness plans are used for routine vet visits and preventative care. Wellness plans are an additional cost and must be added to any pet insurance policy.
Does Comprehensive Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
No, pre-existing conditions are generally not covered under comprehensive pet insurance. It is essential to enroll in a policy before a condition develops for coverage to apply.
What Costs are Covered Under Comprehensive Pet Insurance?
Comprehensive pet insurance covers vet bills, testing, diagnosis, medication, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and alternative therapies. The coverage varies by the insurance provider.
How Much Does Comprehensive Pet Insurance Cost?
The cost of comprehensive pet insurance varies depending on factors such as the pet’s age, breed, location, and the chosen coverage limits. It may be more expensive than accident-only plans but provides broader coverage.
Is Comprehensive Pet Insurance Worth It?
Yes, comprehensive pet insurance is worth it as it covers a wide range of conditions and ensures that your pet receives the necessary care without financial burden. It offers peace of mind for unexpected accidents and illnesses.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Aaron Englard
Insurance Premium Auditor
With over a decade of experience in insurance premium auditing, audit department management, and business audit representation, Aaron has developed a deep understanding of audit regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices. As the Founder & CEO of AdvoQates, he specializes in representing businesses during their audits to ensure accurate, transparent, and fair assessments ...
Insurance Premium Auditor
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.