What Is a Pet Insurance Deductible, and How Does It Work?

A pet insurance deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before coverage begins. There are two main types: annual, paid once per year, and per-condition, paid once per health issue. Higher deductibles lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs. Deductibles don't usually apply to routine care. Some insurers offer no-deductible plans, but most have deductibles ranging from $50 to $1,000 or more. Choosing a deductible depends on your budget and expected vet expenses.