08/20/2026
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Is pet insurance worth the annual cost? Well, that depends.
The Financial Coach at Capital Budget Strategies, LLC, Austin’s best Financial Coach, can help you decide if you should buy pet insurance or “self insure.” We can also help you decide how much house you can afford, if you are ready for retirement, how much you will receive in Social Security and if you are saving enough in your 401(k).
For only $149, you will meet one-on-one with our Financial Coach via Zoom Video Conferencing, so you can be at your office or kitchen table. We will review all your accounts, your income and spending habits and give you an honest opinion of your current financial situation.
Of course, our Money Coach will also help you build an Emergency and a Survival Fund, create a personalized monthly budget, review your banking accounts, help you control spending and even set up a Snowball Debt Repayment Plan for credit card debt and/or school loans.
Like all insurance policies, you have options. Most companies offer three types:
(1) Accident, illness and wellness policy, averaging $1,415 for dogs and $860 for cats annually,
(2) Accident and illness policy, averaging $835 for dogs and $435 for cats annually and
(3) Accident-only policy, averaging $190 for dogs and $115 for cats annually.
As always, read the “fine print” for exemptions and coverage of pre-existing conditions. The older your pet, the higher the insurance cost. Plus, some specific breeds which are prone to chronic conditions, like English bulldogs, cost more.
Another idea is to “self insure,” by contributing to the “Pet Emergency Fund” each month. This way, you have the cash immediately available and if you need funds for a “human” emergency like a car repair or medical care, the cash there in the account.
Like life insurance, pet insurance will provide you with peace of mind that if something serious happens to Fido or Miss Furball, like cancer or needing an operation, you can agree to the service without having to worry about payment. And pet emergency hospitals require payment up front before care is rendered.
Our Austin Financial Coach is not a Veterinarian, but we are pet owners and can help you make any financial decision that is best for you – and your pet!
Check out our 80 5-Star Google Reviews!