Why Vets Recommend Pet Insurance: The Complete Guide

Veterinarians recommend pet insurance because it helps them practice the best medicine possible for the pets that need it. In a time of rising costs, many see it as a true financial lifeline—a way to manage expenses, grant access to costly advanced care, and lessen the impact of inflation. From emergency surgery to managing lifelong conditions, pet insurance coverage makes it easier for pet parents to say “yes” to treatment when their pets need it most. In turn, veterinarians are able to care for and potentially save more pets.

Why pet insurance matters to veterinarians

Veterinarians dedicate their careers to keeping pets healthy. But too often, financial constraints prevent families from moving forward with recommended treatment plans. Pet insurance changes this dynamic. Instead of weighing costs against care, pet parents and veterinarians can focus on what matters most: giving pets the best chance at long, healthy lives.

According to a 2023 survey by Trupanion, this financial strain is more than just a feeling—it's a fact:

• Pet parent finances impact 6 of 10 treatment plans.
• Three in 5 pet parents say they've delayed care for their pet because of the cost.
• Most pet parents said they'd have to stop treatment if the bill hit $1,500.

With numbers like these, it's clear why pet parents and vets are turning to pet insurance. It's a way to weather the financial storm and ensure pets can get the best care possible, without money standing in the way.

Juniper’s story:

“I learned about Trupanion during a continuing education event the summer of 2021 and began thinking about whether I should have my dog insured. At first, I thought, why would I need insurance for my dog, being a general practice veterinarian, I can provide nearly all of her care myself. But then I began to consider all of the possible things that might be out of my control…. What if she needed orthopedic surgery? What if she got cancer? So, I decided to do it. I brought Juniper in for a wellness exam so that she could be enrolled in Trupanion’s same day offer.

Juniper was on the brink of liver failure, and the prognosis was not good, so I scheduled an appointment with an internal medicine specialist to see what the absolute best treatment would be. We got a treatment plan together and hoped and prayed Juniper would respond well. Now, here we are 2 months after her diagnosis, Juniper is happy, she has so much energy and spunk, her liver tests are improving. Trupanion was there through it all—they covered ALL of their portion! The medication she needs is extremely expensive, and I wouldn’t be able to afford to keep her on it long term without Trupanion. Trupanion helped me save Juniper’s life, and I am so grateful for that!”

– Dr. Darmofal, 43rd Ave Animal Hospital, Glendale, AZ

The top reasons vets recommend pet insurance

1. Helps remove cost as a barrier to care

Unexpected injuries and illnesses can cost upwards of thousands of dollars. Pet insurance helps ensure that decisions around care are based on medical need, and not on the family budget.

• Without insurance families may delay or decline treatment.
• With insurance those care decisions become easier, reducing stress for both pet parents and veterinary teams.

2. Supports early, proactive treatment

Research shows that insured pet parents tend to visit the vet more often and follow through on recommendations more frequently than their uninsured counterparts. For example, cat parents with pet insurance spend 81% more per year on veterinary care than those without insurance¹ and insured dogs are 51% more likely to receive surgical treatment². They’re also more likely to take their pet to the vet during early signs of illness or injury rather than waiting it out. Vets (and pets!) see better health outcomes when care isn’t delayed.

3. Covers emergencies and the unexpected

Accidents like swallowing a toy, breaking a bone, or sudden illness can happen at any time. Pet insurance helps absorb the financial shock, turning big, unpredictable bills into manageable monthly costs.

4. Provides lifetime value

Plans that cover pets throughout their entire lives (without annual or lifetime limits) are especially valuable. New (or eligible) chronic conditions like diabetes, allergies, and arthritis stay covered year after year".

5. Helps reduce stress for owners and veterinary teams

Cost-related conversations can be stressful. Pet insurance allows vets to recommend the best care with confidence, and pet parents can feel more empowered to choose treatment options without the fear of financial strain.

What vets look for in a pet insurance plan

Not all insurance providers are the same. Veterinarians recommend plans that offer:

• Direct payment to clinics (so pet parents don’t have to wait for reimbursement)
• No payout limits (per year, incident, or lifetime)
• Coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions
• Simple, transparent policies without hidden exclusions
• Round-the-clock support (so pet parents can access care any day, any time – even on holidays and weekends)

These features ensure families get meaningful coverage – and protect pets – when it matters most.

Why veterinarians choose Trupanion

Many veterinarians work with Trupanion because it was built in collaboration with veterinarians, with veterinary practices in mind.

• Direct payment to veterinarians: Trupanion can pay many vet hospitals directly at checkout, so pet parents aren’t stuck paying the bill out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement.
• No payout limits: Unlike many providers, Trupanion doesn’t impose annual, per-condition, or lifetime limits on coverage. This means new (or eligible) chronic conditions like diabetes, allergies, and arthritis stay covered year after year.
• Covers hereditary & congenital conditions: Vets appreciate that Trupanion covers conditions many breeds are predisposed to, providing peace of mind to owners of high-risk breeds.
• Lifetime coverage: A single policy that protects pets from kittenhood or puppyhood all the way through their senior years.
• 24/7, 365 claim support: Accidents and illness can strike at any time on any day. That’s why Trupanion offers 24/7 365 claim support with:
• Over 200,000 claims paid on U.S. holidays, totaling $51 million
• Over 1.4 million weekend claims handled
• Vet-trusted: Trupanion has been veterinarians’ top pick for pet health insurance two years running. According to the annual pet products survey commissioned by leading veterinary publication dvm360, Trupanion was voted the #1 pet insurance provider in the United States in both 2022 and 2023 (the last two years the survey ran).

Here’s what Animal Clinic of Mandarin of Jacksonville, FL has to say about Trupanion:

“Trupanion provides medical access to pet patients in situations that otherwise may very likely end up in a lack of care and suffering, reduced quality of life, and financial euthanasia or relinquishment. Utilizing Trupanion and its inherent rapid access to financial support via pre-authorizations and direct payments, has changed the landscape for our team members, clients and pet patients. Those above deeply negative, impactful, potential but more common than not experiences are now few and far between, ushering in an era of pet patient care that had once not ever existed anywhere. Our team daily, appointment by appointment, over and over again, are able to finally provide the care the providing veterinarian outlines as the medically best course of action. Inevitably this results in a win, win, win for the pet parent, pet and the entire team at the Animal Clinic of Mandarin.”

Frequently asked questions: pet insurance and veterinary care

Do vets get paid to recommend pet insurance?

No. Veterinarians recommend pet insurance because it improves patient care and reduces stress.

When should I get pet insurance?

As early as possible. Ideally, when your pet is young and healthy. That way, your pet will have little or no pre-existing conditions that may be excluded.

Does pet insurance cover everything?

Accident and illness coverage is standard, with optional add-ons for various other types of care like comprehensive alternative medicine. Policies vary, so always review exclusions. To learn more about Trupanion’s policy specifically, like what’s covered and what’s not covered, you can explore our website or call our award-winning customer care center any time, 24/7/365 at 855.210.8749.

Do veterinarians accept pet insurance?

While most veterinarians accept pet insurance, the payment process can vary. We offer two payment options: VetDirect Pay (funds sent directly to the practice) or reimbursement (funds sent to you). This means your vet doesn’t need to accept an insurance policy for you to use your benefits.

At-a-glance: why vets recommend pet insurance

The vet’s perspective: why they recommend it early

Veterinary professionals see firsthand how fast the costs associated with medical care can pile up. By enrolling your pets young, families lock in their coverage before potential health issues are diagnosed. This is crucial because pre-existing conditions are not eligible for coverage. Early enrollment ensures lifetime protection for those potential conditions down the line.

The role of pet insurance in veterinary care

Pet insurance benefits more than just pet parents. It also supports veterinary practices by:

• Encouraging clients to accept treatment plans
• Reducing financial conversations in exam rooms
• Supporting the delivery of gold-standard medicine
• Reducing the risk of financial euthanasia or the relinquishing of pets

This strengthens the bond between pet parents and veterinary teams, aligning everyone around the pet’s well-being.

Key takeaways

• Veterinarians recommend pet insurance because it helps pets get the care they need.
• Enroll early to maximize coverage and avoid exclusions.
• Look for plans with lifetime coverage, direct pay, and no payout caps.
• Insurance reduces stress for both pet parents and veterinary professionals.

Next steps for pet parents

1. Ask your veterinarian about their perspective on pet insurance.
2. Compare plans carefully and pay attention to things like coverage limits, exclusions, and direct pay options.
3. Enroll early to secure coverage before any health issues arise.

The bottom line

Veterinarians recommend pet insurance because it helps families to focus on care instead of cost. With lifetime coverage and financial support for unexpected emergencies, pet insurance gives both pet parents and vets peace of mind, while giving pets the best chance at leading long, healthy lives with the families that love them.

¹ Does pet health insurance make sense for clients? by American Veterinary Medical Association
² Veterinary practices see benefits with insured pets by American Veterinary Medical Association