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- 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.
Your pets are more than just animals; they’re part of your family. If you have multiple furry companions, you understand the joy they often bring to your life—but with great companionship comes great responsibility, including their healthcare.
Pet insurance can be a game-changer, not only in providing financial security for unexpected vet bills but also in ensuring your pets receive the best care when they need it. If you have more than one pet, insuring them collectively can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of pet insurance for multiple pets. From the advantages to the logistics, we’ll help you navigate the process and make informed decisions to keep your pets healthy and happy.
How Does Insurance for Multiple Pets Work?
Pet insurance for multiple pets—sometimes referred to as multi-pet insurance or multi-pet coverage—allows pet parents to manage coverage for all their pets in a single location. Whether you have multiple cats, dogs, or another combination of pets, structuring your insurance this way can simplify the process of managing their healthcare expenses. Here’s how it typically works:
One policy, multiple pets: With pet insurance for multiple pets, you have the option of insuring all your pets with one policy, which means you’ll often just have a single premium to pay, as opposed to separate premiums for each pet.
Coverage options: You can often choose different coverage options that suit each pet’s specific needs. For example, if one pet requires broad coverage due to age or health issues, while another is young and healthy, you can tailor the insurance to meet their unique needs.
Claims and reimbursements: When a covered pet requires medical attention, you’ll need to pay the veterinary bills upfront (unless your provider offers direct vet pay). Afterwards, you’ll submit a claim and any relevant invoices to your insurance company. If your claim is approved, they’ll then send you a reimbursement. Reimbursement times vary depending on your provider, but average from a few days to about a month.
Discounts: Many insurance providers offer discounts for insuring multiple pets, making it more cost-effective to protect your entire pet family. Depending on the carrier, this can amount to 5% to 10% savings.
Which Pet Insurance Providers Offer Multi-Pet Discounts
Most pet insurance providers offer some type of multi-pet discount, as listed in the table below.
Pet Insurance Provider | Multi-pet Discount Available |
Pets Best | 5% |
Lemonade | 5% |
Figo | 5% |
Spot | 10% |
Pumpkin | 10% |
MetLife | 5% |
Embrace | 10% |
Prudent Pet | 10% |
*Different pet insurance providers may offer multi-pet discounts with terms that vary. Please check your pet insurance policy for terms and conditions.
Why You May Want Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets
Pet ownership is often costly, particularly if you own more than one pet, like millions of pet parents do. Insuring multiple pets under a single policy often results in cost savings. You pay one premium, which can be more affordable than individual policies for each pet. Additionally, insurance providers frequently offer multi-pet discounts, further reducing your expenses.
Here are a few other benefits to having multi-pet insurance:
Easier to manage: Managing multiple policies for different pets can be challenging. With a multi-pet insurance policy, you have a streamlined process, making it easier to keep track of your coverage and claims.
Tailored care: Pet insurance can help pet parents ensure their pets receive the medical attention they need by choosing the level of coverage that suits each pet.
Peace of mind: Having insurance for multiple pets may provide some peace of mind, knowing you may have some help when it comes to making difficult decisions for expensive pet care.
How Much Does Insurance for Multiple Pets Cost?
The cost of pet insurance for multiple pets varies depending on several factors, including:
Number of pets: Naturally, the more pets you have, the higher the premium will be. However, the per-pet cost may be lower when insuring multiple animals under one policy.
Type of pet, age, and breed: Cats and dogs may have varying premium rates between them, particularly depending on their age and breed.
Coverage options: The level of coverage you choose for each pet will impact the cost. Basic, accident-only coverage with a high deductible will be more affordable than comprehensive coverage with a lower deductible.
Discounts: Many insurance providers offer multi-pet discounts, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of insuring multiple pets. The discounts are typically offered in either 5% or 10% and are applied to your pet insurance premiums. For example, let’s say your annual premium to insure two cats is $1,200. With a 5% discount, you’d save about $60 annually, while you’d save $120 with a 10% discount.
To determine the cost of insurance for your multiple pets, it may be a good idea to obtain quotes from several insurance providers. Compare the coverage options and premiums to find the best fit for your pet family’s needs and your budget.
When It May Be a Good Idea to Have Separate Policies With Different Insurers
While you can often score a multi-pet discount if you use the same insurer across your pets, there may be instances where it may make more sense for you and your family to choose different policies with different providers—particularly if you have pets that are far apart in age and have very different health needs.
For instance, if you’re looking to insure an 8-week-old puppy with no pre-existing conditions and a senior pet with pre-existing health conditions, you may opt for a comprehensive plan with a wellness package for your young dog to take care of preventative care, such as vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, and spaying/neutering. It may not make much sense to have the same level of coverage for your senior pet, who may be excluded from certain types of coverage due to their pre-existing conditions. In their case, a catastrophic, accident-only plan may make more sense.
Some insurance providers may not offer the flexibility to customize coverage for each pet adequately. In these cases, having separate policies with different insurers can be a better solution.
Read more about which providers are best for different pets in “Best Pet Insurance.”
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?