A Guide To Pet Insurance
Veterinary expenses continue to climb in the U.S., with emergency treatments and specialized procedures often exceeding $1,000 per visit. Pet insurance can help manage these sudden costs, Costco members have access to pet insurance through Figo Pet Insurance, featuring customizable plans and member-exclusive savings.
For Costco members, the warehouse giant’s pet insurance offerings add another layer of trust to this critical decision. Here’s what U.S. pet owners need to know about how it works, what it covers, and why it might be worth considering.
Why Pet Insurance Matters for Modern Pet Parents
Americans love their pets—67% of households own one, per APPA—and increasingly view them as family. Yet 40% of pet owners say they’d delay care due to cost, according to a 2023 survey by Petplan. Insurance eases that burden by reimbursing a portion of eligible expenses, letting owners focus on treatment, not finances.
Costco’s pet insurance partners (the program is administered by third-party insurers like PetSecure) cater to this need, offering plans that align with common U.S. pet owner priorities: affordability, flexibility, and coverage for major incidents.
What Costco’s Pet Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Understanding coverage details is key—no policy is “all-inclusive.” Costco’s options typically fall into two categories:
Accident & Illness Plans: The most popular choice, covering emergencies (e.g., broken bones, poisoning) and illnesses (e.g., infections, diabetes). Reimbursement usually covers 70–90% of vet bills after a deductible (e.g., 250–500 annually), depending on the plan.
Wellness Add-Ons: Optional upgrades for routine care like vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, or annual exams. These cost extra but let owners budget for preventive services, which often aren’t covered by base plans.
Key exclusions to note: Pre-existing conditions (e.g., a chronic knee issue diagnosed before enrollment), elective procedures (spaying/neutering, cosmetic surgeries), and breeding-related costs. Some breeds (e.g., large dogs prone to hip dysplasia) may face higher premiums due to breed-specific risks.
Costco’s Advantages: Trust, Transparency, and Member Perks
Why choose Costco over other pet insurers? For starters, the brand’s reputation for reliability. Costco members already trust the company for quality products—from organic groceries to appliances—at competitive prices. This trust extends to its insurance offerings, which are transparent about pricing and coverage.
Another plus: Costco’s online portal simplifies enrollment. Prospective buyers can compare plans side-by-side, input their pet’s age, breed, and health history, and get an instant quote. There’s no pressure to purchase; users can adjust deductibles or coverage levels to match their budget.
Additionally, Costco’s size often means better negotiation power with vets. While insurance reimbursement rates are standardized, some members report smoother billing experiences when using in-network vets (a list available on Costco’s site), reducing paperwork headaches.
How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Pet
Selecting a plan depends on your pet’s age, health, and your financial comfort. Here are three questions to ask:
• How old is your pet? Puppies and kittens may qualify for lower premiums but could face higher vet costs as they grow. Senior pets (ages 7–10+) often pay more due to age-related risks, but insurance can still offset unexpected costs for conditions like arthritis.
• What’s your budget for out-of-pocket expenses? A 250 deductible means you’ll pay that amount annually before insurance kicks in; a 500 deductible lowers monthly premiums but requires a larger upfront payment.
• Does your pet have pre-existing conditions? If yes, insurance may not cover them—but it can still protect against new issues. Some plans exclude “curable” pre-existing conditions after a waiting period (e.g., 6–12 months of claim-free care).
The Claims Process: What to Expect
Filing a claim is straightforward: After paying the vet, submit a claim form (available online) along with itemized receipts. Costco’s partners typically process claims within 10–14 business days, with reimbursements sent directly to your account.
A pro tip: Save vet invoices and take photos of receipts—digital copies speed up processing. Also, check if your vet participates in direct submission (some do), which skips the paper trail.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Pet insurance isn’t for everyone. If your pet is young, healthy, and you can comfortably cover $5,000+ in emergencies, you might opt out. But for many U.S. pet owners—especially those with older pets, breeds prone to health issues, or tight budgets—Costco’s pet insurance offers peace of mind. It’s not about replacing love for your pet; it’s about ensuring that love doesn’t come with unmanageable debt.