Let’s Talk Pet Insurance

Let’s be real: most of us don’t shop for pet insurance on a fun, relaxed Tuesday.

We shop for it after a scare… or after we’ve watched a friend get hit with a vet bill that felt like a second mortgage… or after we realize our dog has the survival instincts of a potato and will absolutely eat something weird the second we look away.

If you’ve been thinking about pet insurance but keep putting it off because it feels confusing (or you’re afraid it’s going to be some massive commitment), this post is for you.

I’m going to explain it the way I explain things in my office: simple, honest, and focused on real life.

If you want to jump straight to pricing, here’s the quick link we use at Mitchell Agency: farmers.pet/mmitchell5

What pet insurance is (in normal-person language)

Pet insurance is basically a way to protect yourself from the “surprise vet bill” moments.

You pay a monthly amount, and when your pet has an eligible accident or illness, the plan can reimburse you for covered vet expenses based on the options you choose (like your deductible and reimbursement percentage).

Some plans can reimburse up to 90% of eligible vet bills—depending on how you set it up.

If you’re the kind of person who just wants to see numbers first (I get it), run a quick quote here: farmers.pet/mmitchell5

The three moments where people usually say “I wish I had this sooner”

I hear these stories all the time:

The emergency vet night

It’s late, your pet is acting “off,” and now you’re deciding between “wait it out” and “we have to go in.” That kind of stress does not make people calm decision-makers.

The slow-burn illness

It’s not one big dramatic event. It’s appointments, tests, meds, follow-ups. Those costs stack.

The “they’re young and healthy—let’s lock this in now” moment

Honestly, this is the easiest time to start, because you’re not trying to navigate exclusions and history.

What it typically covers (and what to pay attention to)

Accident & illness coverage

Most people want coverage for the big stuff: accidents and illnesses.

There’s also usually an accident-only option for people who want the most budget-friendly version and mainly want protection from “something unexpected happened.”

The part nobody reads: pre-existing conditions

This is important.

Most pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions—meaning anything that started before coverage begins or during the waiting period (even if it wasn’t formally diagnosed yet).

Some conditions may be considered “curable” after a period of being healed with no symptoms/treatment, depending on the policy rules.

Translation: starting sooner is usually easier.

If you want to see what it would look like for your pet, start here: farmers.pet/mmitchell5

Waiting periods (aka: don’t buy it the day you need it)

Pet insurance generally has waiting periods at the beginning. Think of it like a short “ramp-up” window.

For Pets Best policy documents, examples include 3 days for accidents and 14 days for illness in some states/policy forms.

That’s why I tell people: don’t wait until your pet is already acting weird. If you’ve been considering it, just run the quote and decide while everything is calm.

 

Two features people really like (because they reduce panic)

1) A 24/7 pet helpline

Pets Best includes a 24/7 Pet Helpline for customers.

This is one of those benefits that sounds “nice” until you need it. Then it’s everything.

2) Option for direct pay to the vet

Pets Best has an option called Vet Direct Pay, where they can pay your veterinarian directly for the reimbursement amount (when used/available).

This matters because “I’ll get reimbursed later” is great… unless you’re staring at the bill right now.

My quick decision guide (Mitchell Agency style)

If you’re on the fence, here’s the simplest way I know to decide.

Pet insurance is usually a yes if…

You’d rather budget monthly than gamble on a big surprise bill

Your pet is young/healthy and you want to get ahead of future issues

You want protection from the big expensive moments (accidents + illnesses)

You might pass (or keep it very basic) if…

You have a pet emergency fund that’s actually funded and you’re disciplined with it

Your pet is older with medical history and you’re expecting exclusions

You only care about routine care (that’s usually separate/optional and not the main value)

Want to see the pricing and choices in about 2 minutes? farmers.pet/mmitchell5

FAQ (the stuff people ask me right away)

“Does it pay the vet directly?”

There’s an option for Vet Direct Pay, where the reimbursement amount can be paid directly to the vet when used/available.

“Is there support after hours?”

Yes — a 24/7 Pet Helpline is included for customers.

“Will it cover something my pet already has?”

Pre-existing conditions typically aren’t covered (including symptoms that existed before coverage or during waiting periods).

“How much does it reimburse?”

Depending on plan choices, reimbursement can be up to 90% of eligible vet bills.

Bottom line

If you’ve been thinking, “I’d do anything for my pet… but I don’t want to get blindsided,” pet insurance can make life a lot less stressful.

If you want to check pricing through Mitchell Agency, here’s the quote link: farmers.pet/mmitchell5

Disclosure: This post contains a referral link. If you enroll through it, I may receive compensation. (It doesn’t change what you pay.)