What is the biggest mistake when buying pet insurance?

Waiting until your pet is sick. Pre-existing conditions are never covered, so enroll your pet while they're young and healthy.

Does pet insurance cover dental care?

Many basic plans exclude dental illness. Read the fine print and look for policies that cover comprehensive dental care, not just accidents.

What is Direct Pay pet insurance?

Direct Pay means the insurance company pays the vet directly at checkout, so you don't have to pay thousands upfront and wait for reimbursement.

Top 5 Mistakes When Buying Pet Insurance in 2026

Buying pet insurance is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make for your pet, but it’s easy to get it wrong. In 2026, with rising veterinary costs and more complicated policy terms, avoiding these common mistakes is crucial.

1. Waiting Until It’s Too Late (Pre-Existing Conditions)

This is the #1 heartbreak we see. No pet insurance company covers pre-existing conditions.

If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia before you buy a policy, that condition will be excluded for life.

The Fix: Buy insurance when your pet is a puppy or kitten. The younger and healthier they are, the cheaper and more comprehensive the coverage.

2. Focusing Only on the Monthly Premium

It’s tempting to pick the cheapest plan ($15/month sounds great!), but “cheap” often means “useless” when you actually need it.

Watch out for:

Low annual limits (e.g., only covering up to $2,000/year).
High deductibles (you pay the first $1,000).
Exclusions for exam fees or hereditary conditions.

3. Ignoring Breed-Specific Conditions

Different breeds have different risks.

Golden Retrievers are prone to cancer.
French Bulldogs often have breathing issues (BOAS) and spinal problems.
Maine Coons are at risk for heart disease.

Ensure your policy specifically covers hereditary and congenital conditions relevant to your pet’s breed. Some policies have waiting periods or exclusions for hip dysplasia.

4. Not Understanding “Reimbursement” vs. “Direct Pay”

Most pet insurance works on a reimbursement model. You pay the vet bill upfront (which could be $5,000 for emergency surgery), and the insurance company pays you back weeks later.

The Fix: If cash flow is tight, look for companies that offer Direct Pay (like Trupanion or Pets Best), where they pay the vet directly at checkout.

5. Overlooking Dental Coverage

Dental disease is the most common health issue in dogs and cats. Yet, many basic accident & illness plans exclude dental illness (like periodontal disease) and only cover dental accidents (like a broken tooth).

The Fix: Read the fine print. Look for policies that cover comprehensive dental care, including cleanings and extractions due to disease.

Conclusion

Don’t let these mistakes cost you thousands. Take the time to compare quotes, read the fine print, and choose a policy that offers true peace of mind. Your pet is worth it!