Find the Best Pet Insurance in Wisconsin

How does pet insurance work in Wisconsin?

When you have a pet insurance policy for your dog or cat, you pay out of pocket at the veterinarian’s office and then make a claim for reimbursement with the insurance provider. The amount you are reimbursed depends on your policy; it ranges between 70% and 90% of the costs after you meet your deductible. Most policies have annual payout limits and a waiting period of 14 days.

• What pet insurance covers: Pet insurance typically covers accidents and illnesses, including broken bones and ingestion of a foreign object; dental work; hereditary and genetic conditions; chronic conditions; and cancer. Some plans cover behavioral disorders and alternative therapies. You may also be able to purchase add-on coverage for routine wellness care.
• What pet insurance won’t cover: Standard pet insurance doesn’t cover routine checkups, cosmetic procedures, breeding costs or preexisting conditions. It also doesn’t cover injury or illness resulting from cruelty or neglect.

Wisconsin pet insurance FAQ

How much does a vet visit cost in Wisconsin? A physical exam for your dog or cat usually costs $40 to $50. Vaccinations normally cost $15 to $30. Spaying and neutering costs from $35 to $300. Emergency vet visits are the most expensive type of service; average costs are from $800 to $1,500.

Do all Wisconsin veterinarians accept pet insurance? Pet insurance companies allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian in Wisconsin. You pay at the time of the visit, then file a claim for reimbursement.

Do any pet insurance companies in Wisconsin cover preexisting conditions? No, pet insurance companies in Wisconsin don’t cover preexisting conditions.

What are common preexisting conditions in cats? Common preexisting conditions for cats include allergies, cancer, diabetes, feline immunodeficiency virus, thyroid conditions or urinary tract issues.

Is pet insurance worth it? Pet insurance is worth it if you want peace of mind that you are financially covered in case your cat or dog needs expensive medical treatment. If you only make routine vet visits and your pet is healthy, you may end up paying more for coverage than you use in benefits.

Additional Wisconsin pet resources

There are many organizations and veterinary clinics that provide support to animals and pet owners in Wisconsin. They include:

• Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin: Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin is an all-breed animal rescue organization based in Dane County. In addition to finding permanent homes for rescued dogs and cats, it also operates a vet clinic. Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin is located at 231 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Madison, WI 53704.
• Animal Clinic of Beaver Dam: Animal Clinic of Beaver Dam offers wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery and emergency care. It is open six days a week. The clinic is located at 1206 Declark St., Beaver Dam, WI 53916.
• Wisconsin Humane Society: The Wisconsin Humane Society is the largest shelter in Wisconsin. It runs an adoption program, offers affordable spay/neuter services, operates a pet food bank and provides dog training classes. Its Milwaukee location is at 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208.
• Fetch Wisconsin Rescue: Fetch Wisconsin Rescue specializes in the rehabilitation of abused, neglected or surrendered dogs. Wisconsin residents can foster or adopt dogs from Fetch. This nonprofit is based in Verona.