For the vet bill you didn't plan on.
Accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats, so a surgery or an emergency visit doesn't come down to cost.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
You pay the vet, the plan reimburses you
Pet insurance reimburses part of your veterinary bills for covered accidents and illnesses, after a deductible. You choose the deductible, the reimbursement percentage and any annual limit, and those choices drive the price.
The details matter most before you buy: waiting periods before coverage starts, how pre-existing conditions are handled, and whether hereditary conditions, exams or dental illness are included. California requires pet insurers to disclose these terms clearly. I'll walk you through them for your pet's age and breed.
- AccidentsInjuries, swallowed objects, emergency visits.
- IllnessesInfections, cancer, chronic and hereditary conditions, per the plan.
- Diagnostics and surgeryTests, imaging, hospitalization and procedures.
- Your choicesDeductible, reimbursement level and annual limit.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Pet: dog or cat, breed, age and name.
- Health: any past or current conditions.
- ZIP code: vet costs vary by area.
- Preferences: deductible and reimbursement level.
- Current coverage: any existing pet plan.
- Vet: your regular veterinarian.
Pet insurance, answered
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Generally not. Conditions that showed signs before coverage started are usually excluded, which is why enrolling young helps.
Is there a waiting period?
Most plans have waiting periods before accident and illness coverage begins. The plan documents list them.
Does pet insurance cover dog bites?
No. If your dog injures someone, that's liability, covered by your homeowners or renters policy.
What do underwriters rate on?
Species, breed, age, your ZIP code and the deductible and reimbursement level you choose.
Do you offer pet insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your pet. I'll shop it.
Breed, age and ZIP code are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.