
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pets can get hurt or sick at any age, and their care can be more than you’d like to pay. A Pumpkin Pet Insurance plan can help you afford treatment and make decisions based on need, not cost. Our accident and illness plans will cover your pet through every phase (even the teething-on-furniture bit), starting at 8 weeks old.
Is pet insurance worth it?
Pets can get hurt or sick at any age, and their care can be more than you’d like to pay. A Pumpkin Pet Insurance plan can help you afford treatment and make decisions based on need, not cost. Our accident and illness plans will cover your pet through every phase (even the teething-on- furniture bit), starting at 8 weeks old.
Pet Insurance Options
Definition
Why it matters
Deductible
A lower annual deductible means your pet insurance can work faster, and help cover more vet bills throughout the year.
The amount you pay the vet before you can be eligible for a reimbursement from insurance, that year.
The total amount pet insurance could reimburse you for in a year.
Vet bills can add up quickly. A higher limit means you’ll be able to say ‘yes’ to treatment without worrying as much about the cost.
Annual Limit
The amount of the vet bill you can get cash back on for eligible conditions and treatments.
The higher your reimbursement rate, the more you will get back on covered vet bills.
Reimbursement Rate
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Why does location matter? Insurance requirements vary from state to state, as does the cost of living. You’ll see a direct correlation between areas with a higher cost of living and fees for veterinary care.
Just like pets, insurance plans come in all shapes and sizes. The amount you pay depends a lot on where you live and the species and age of your pet.
With Pumpkin, you can customize your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit to determine a monthly premium that’s right for you. Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans are on average $65 for dogs, and $35 for cats.¹
How much does pet insurance cost?
Total out of pocket cost
$686
$6,857
Foreign body ingestion
– $6,171
Pumpkin 90% reimbursement rate³
Fletcher’s vet bill

When Fletcher became ill, an ultrasound revealed a blockage in his stomach and intestines. The average veterinary bill for treatment of gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea or vomiting) according to Pumpkin claims data is over $500 on average for both cats and dogs.²
Do I need pet insurance?
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Coverage: Does the plan accommodate your pet’s unique needs?
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Cost: Is there a plan in your budget?
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Claims: Are bills processed on a schedule that works for you?
When you’ll do anything for your kid, you need a plan that has your back (and their tail). Consider these key factors to choose the best pet insurance for you both:

How do you choose the right pet insurance?
Scroll to Compare
Coverage
Cost
Claims
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Direct vet payment only for participating vets
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One rigid plan structure – no flexibility on reimbursement rate in most states
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Per-condition deductible
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Upper age limits for senior pets
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Behavioral and alternative treatments only available with add-on fees
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No coverage for exam fees

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Claims are handled by AI – complex cases may require human support
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Base plan with add-ons that cost extra
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Age limits based on breed of pet
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Vet exams, dental illness, and behavioral coverage only available with add-on fees

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Flexible plan tiers – with choices in deductibles and annual limits, and up to 90% reimbursements
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Fewest age requirements and no barriers for hereditary conditions
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Vet exam fees, dental illness, behavioral care, and alternative treatments are included with no add-on fees
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Reimbursements in days or before you pay with PumpkinNow
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24/7 claims support for urgent care
Here’s how some pet insurance plans compare:
Chasing more info?
Check out our A-Z guide for detailed explanations of pet insurance terms and lingo.
Want to talk it through? Call us at 1-866-273-6369 to discuss all the options with a real pet parent (and pet insurance pro).

