Something to seriously consider prior to purchasing pet insurance:

The cost of the premiums over the lifetime of your pet. They will increase every few years, as your pet ages. Will the total cost of the premiums actually exceed the sometimes marginal coverage for a particular event?

What if you choose long term rehab over conventional therapy (ie:surgery). The best (most expensive) policies have limited coverage in relation to what is usually required.

What if the best practitioner for your pet's condition doesn't participate in your plan…these things constantly change, so coverage at the time of purchase may not be the case next week.

Insurance companies are a business…they are not trying to help you pay your pet's medical costs. They are betting on NOT paying them. Why do you think there are so many options for pet insurance these days? It's profitable and poorly regulated. In most states pets are considered property. ANYTHING can be considered a pre-existing condition, at their discretion. There isn't going to be a master list for review prior to purchase.

Is the company solvent, and how long will it be in this volatile economy? If the company fails, one of last divisions to be absorbed will likely be pets.

Obviously, insuring an adult animal is cost prohibitive and comes with far too many exclusions, but you need to seriously look at the cost-benefit even for young, healthy pets. What I decided was far more helpful, was to take the costs of the premiums and put in in an interest bearing account for my animals. It takes some discipline, but if you use a credit union account, or something not easily accessible, it works. If you are fortunate enough to start when your animals are young, and not need to use much of it, you can ultimately invest some of the money for a little better return.