Core Insights - A significant portion of U.S. pet owners, 52%, have skipped necessary veterinary care in the past year due to costs, with an additional 15% avoiding vet visits for financial reasons [1][2] - The rising costs of veterinary care have led to an increase in pet insurance coverage, with over 6.4 million pets insured in 2024, marking a nearly 13% increase from 2023 [3] - Veterinary care costs in the U.S. have surged more than 60% since 2014, contributing to the financial strain on pet owners [6] Pet Insurance Market - The average annual premium for accident and illness pet insurance in 2024 is approximately $749 for dogs and $386 for cats, while accident-only policies cost around $193 for dogs and $110 for cats [10] - Pet insurance policies generally fall into three categories: accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness plans, with the latter covering routine expenses [8] - Most insurance policies cover emergency surgeries and treatments for diseases but typically exclude pre-existing conditions [9] Veterinary Costs - Routine checkup costs range from $70 to $174 for dogs and $53 to $124 for cats, while hospitalization can cost between $600 to $3,500 depending on the duration [7] - Emergency surgeries can range from $1,500 to $5,000, highlighting the financial burden pet owners may face [7] Financial Considerations - Pet owners must consider deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual limits when selecting insurance policies, with deductibles typically ranging from 10% to 30% [11] - It is essential for pet owners to have sufficient funds to cover vet bills upfront, as reimbursement from insurers can take up to 30 days [16] - Alternatives to pet insurance include self-funding pet healthcare through savings accounts, which can be more financially beneficial if the pet remains healthy [17]