- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
- The insurance advice, products, and links below are intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is licensed as an insurance producer.Insurance advice, products, and links contained in this article are currently intended for and only available in the states where Rover Pet Insurance Services, LLC is currently licensed as an insurance producer. As we expand our licensing to other states we will update our websites and links. If you are located in a state in which we are not currently licensed, but would like to learn more about pet insurance products available in your state, you may contact a licensed insurance agent or broker in your state. The information provided below is offered for educational and informational purposes only. If you have questions regarding particular plans, you should reach out to your insurance company for more information.
Pet ownership can bring immense joy, but also comes with responsibilities—including the well-being of our pets. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, leading to unforeseen veterinary expenses. This is where pet insurance can play an important role, offering some potential financial protection and peace of mind.
One option that pet parents may consider is accident-only pet insurance—a catastrophic pet insurance option that comes with fewer bells and whistles than a comprehensive accident and illness plan and typically at a lower cost that’s easier on the wallet.
Understanding Accident-Only Pet Insurance
Accident-only pet insurance is a type of catastrophic coverage that focuses exclusively on accidents and injuries. Unlike comprehensive pet insurance, like an accident and illness plan, accident-only insurance specifically addresses the veterinary costs incurred due to accidents. This can range from broken bones and cuts to accidental poisonings or injuries sustained in an accident at home.
Accident-only plans are typically less expensive than standard plans.
What’s covered under accident-only pet insurance?
Accident-only coverage will vary slightly between pet insurance providers, but pet parents can typically expect some coverage for pet emergencies and injuries. This may include:
- Broken bones
- Foreign or toxic ingestions
- Bite wounds
- Sutures
- Cuts and lacerations
- Medications (related to accidents)
- Hospitalizations and surgery (related to accidents)
- Diagnostic services like X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, and blood work
How does it work?
When an accident occurs, a pet parent pays for the initial veterinary care upfront and submits a claim and invoice to their insurance provider. Once the claim is approved, the insurer reimburses the pet parent for eligible expenses, assuming any deductibles have been met first. Reimbursement times vary depending on the provider, but typically fall between a few days to a month.
For more information on this process, visit What Does Pet Insurance Cover, and How Does It Work?
When Is Accident-Only Pet Insurance Beneficial?
There are a few different circumstances where accident-only pet insurance may be the better option for pet parents.
When you have budget constraints
Pet owners on a tight budget may find accident-only coverage more affordable than comprehensive insurance. It offers a more economical option to address the immediate and often expensive costs associated with accidents.
When you have senior pets
Senior pets often come with pre-existing conditions, which aren’t covered by any pet insurance provider. For this reason, buying comprehensive insurance with all the bells and whistles may not make much sense when it won’t provide the coverage you need. A catastrophic plan that covers accidents and emergencies may be a better fit for you and your pet.
When you have outdoor or active pets
If your pet is highly active or spends a significant amount of time outdoors, the likelihood of accidents may increase.
When Should You Consider Other Options?
Accident-only pet insurance coverage isn’t for everyone, particularly if you’re a pet parent on the hunt for broad coverage for your pet for all illnesses, conditions, and potential accidents. If coverage for illnesses or preventive care is important to you, you may want to look into more comprehensive care, like a standard accident and illness plan, potentially coupled with a wellness add-on for preventative care.
Pet Insurance Providers and Accident-Only Coverage
Several popular pet insurance providers offer accident-only coverage to cater to the diverse needs of pet parents.
Below is a list of items and services that many providers cover with accident-only plans. Note that all services must be related to accidents.
- Vet exam fees
- Diagnostic tests
- Surgeries and hospitalizations
- IV fluids
- Prescription medications
- Tooth extractions
- Medical supplies (bandages, casts, etc.)
- Broken bones
- Accidental swallowing of foreign objects
- Bites
- Lacerations and cuts
- Wounds
Further Reading
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover, and How Does It Work? A Beginner’s Guide
- How Does a Pre-Existing Condition Affect Pet Insurance Coverage?
- The Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans: How Preventive Care Add-Ons Work
- How To Choose the Right Insurance for Your Pet
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
- What To Know About Waiting Periods and Pet Insurance
- What Are Pet Insurance Deductibles, and How Do You Pick One?
- When Should You Get Pet Insurance?
- Savings Account Versus Pet Insurance: Which Is Better?