Frequently Asked Questions
PIPA stands for Pet Insurance Policy Automation. We're a licensed, independent pet insurance marketplace. We don't sell our own policies, and we don't answer to any single carrier.
Instead, we help you understand your options, compare real quotes side by side, and bind coverage from a trusted brand, all in one place. To learn more about our mission, qualifications, and licensing, .
Plenty of sites will show you a quote. Here's what sets us apart:
We put your pet first. Every recommendation starts with your pet's breed, age, and health — not with whichever carrier pays the most.
We match, we don't push. As an independent broker, our job is to pair you with the insurer whose coverage genuinely fits your pet and your budget.
We give back to rescues. PIPA partners with animal rescues and shelters, and a portion of what we earn goes back to supporting their work. Simply refer the rescue you'd like us to donate to in your form and after you purchase a qualified policy (refer to the "PIPA Donates" tags), PIPA will make a donation!
We do the research and the legwork so you don't have to.
Pet insurance is a financial safety net for your pet's health. Much like your own health insurance, it helps cover unexpected medical costs, like a swallowed toy, a sudden illness, or an emergency surgery. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and the insurer reimburses you for covered veterinary expenses.
Most policies follow four simple steps:
Choose a plan. Select coverage that fits your pet's needs and your budget.
Pay the vet. When your pet needs care, you pay the vet directly.
Submit a claim. Send the itemized bill to your insurer.
Get reimbursed. Once you've met your deductible, you're reimbursed at your plan's rate.
A few insurers can pay vets directly, but most work on a reimbursement basis.
Coverage varies by plan, but most policies include:
Accidents: Broken bones, cuts, swallowed objects.
Illnesses: Infections, cancer, chronic conditions.
Diagnostics: X-rays, bloodwork, MRIs.
Medications and surgeries: Prescriptions and necessary operations.
Emergency care: Urgent treatment and hospital stays.
Many carriers also offer wellness add-ons for routine care such as vaccinations and dental cleanings.
Every policy has exclusions. The most common are:
Pre-existing conditions: Health issues documented before your policy starts.
Routine care: Check-ups and preventive treatment, unless you add a wellness plan.
Cosmetic procedures: Elective surgeries such as ear cropping or declawing.
Always read the policy details and if anything is unclear, please ask us. Helping you understand the fine print is part of what we offer.
Start with one question: What would I do if my pet had a $6,000 vet bill tomorrow?
Serious care gets expensive fast. Industry research from Grand View Research puts common high-value claims in perspective: Spinal surgery often runs $10,000–$13,000, a fractured femur in a cat can exceed $10,000, a torn ACL in a dog can top $5,000, and ongoing conditions like canine arthritis and feline diabetes can cost thousands over a pet's lifetime.
Pet insurance turns an unpredictable bill into a predictable premium. It's especially valuable when your pet is young. Enrolling early helps you avoid pre-existing-condition exclusions later. Above all, it means the decision at the vet's office can be about your pet's health, not your bank balance.
Premiums vary widely based on five main factors:
Breed: Some breeds are more prone to health issues (French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Siamese cats).
Age: Older pets cost more to insure.
Location: Veterinary costs differ by region, and urban areas tend to run higher.
Coverage level: Higher annual limits, lower deductibles, and higher reimbursement rates raise premiums.
Add-ons: Wellness coverage for vaccines, dental, and check-ups adds to the cost.
The only way to know your real price is to and that's exactly what PIPA does best.
We currently work with carriers that provide instant quotes for dogs and cats. For more unique companions like horses, birds, and other exotics, we recommend contacting a specialty carrier directly, like Nationwide.
It can be. Older pets often benefit from broader coverage for age-related conditions such as cancer, and a wellness add-on can help keep them comfortable in their senior years. We'll help you weigh the options honestly. If a plan isn't a good fit for your pet, we'll tell you.
Most plans won't cover the pre-existing condition itself. However, there are some carriers that cover pre-existing conditions so long as your pet is symptom free for some time, normally 12 months prior.
For the insurers that don't cover pre-existing conditions, that doesn't make coverage pointless. Accidents, emergencies, and new illnesses can still be covered under a new policy, and protecting against those can be well worth it.