PawGuard may earn a commission if you purchase a policy through a partner. That does not change the price you pay. Quotes are estimates, not binding offers of coverage.
Two quotes can look similar on the first line and be very different on the fifth. Use the same checklist on both so you are comparing the same things.
1. Confirm you are comparing the same type of plan
Accident-only is not the same product as accident + illness. Wellness may be included, optional, or missing. If the types don’t match, the premiums are not comparable.
2. Line up the money terms
- Monthly or annual premium
- Deductible amount and type (annual vs per-incident)
- Reimbursement percentage (70% / 80% / 90% are common)
- Annual, per-incident, or lifetime limit
A lower premium with a high deductible and 70% reimbursement can cost more after a serious claim than a higher premium with a lower deductible and 90% reimbursement.
3. Check waiting periods
Ask for accident, illness, and any special waiting periods (for example, some orthopedic conditions). Coverage that starts “today” in the marketing may still have days or weeks before certain claims are eligible.
4. Read the exclusion list, not just the highlight reel
Look specifically for:
- How pre-existing conditions are defined
- Whether exam fees are covered
- Whether dental illness is covered or limited
- Breed, age, or condition restrictions
5. Look at how claims are paid
Some carriers reimburse you after you pay the vet. Some offer tools that pay the clinic more directly. Neither is automatically “better,” but the cash-flow difference matters if a bill is large.
6. Ignore slogans; keep the policy documents
Save the sample policy or quote packet. If a later claim is denied, that document — not the comparison page — is what counts.
PawGuard’s role
PawGuard is an independent comparison and referral platform. We help you explore options from multiple carriers. We do not underwrite policies and we do not decide claims.
Related reading: Plan types · What coverage usually includes · Compare plans