5 Most Common Pet Insurance Claims: What Dogs and Cats Go to the Vet For Most Often
This article summarizes the latest available pet insurance claims data to help you understand what conditions dogs and cats most commonly visit the vet for—and how much these treatments typically cost. Data may vary by insurer, but Pawlicy Advisor has reviewed multiple current sources to provide you with the most comprehensive picture of common pet health issues.
Quick Answer: The most common pet insurance claims typically involve skin conditions, digestive issues, ear infections, urinary tract problems, and other common illnesses seen in dogs and cats. Exact rankings vary by insurer and year, but these categories appear consistently across major pet insurance datasets.
Pro Tip: In order to have a good claim experience, it’s important to enroll in the right pet insurance. Compare top pet insurers and get a personalized recommendation with Pawlicy Advisor today.
What are the most common pet insurance claims?
Based on the latest data from major pet insurers including Nationwide, Embrace, and industry reports, the most common pet insurance claims fall into several consistent categories. While exact rankings vary by insurer, species, breed, age, and region, certain conditions appear year after year as the top reasons pet owners file claims.
Summary of Most Common Pet Insurance Claims
The following are the top claims for both dogs and cats:
Condition | More common in... | Typical treatment examples | Average claim/care cost | Usually covered by accident & illness plan? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin allergies | Both dogs and cats | Medications, medicated shampoos, allergy testing | $286 ($890 per year for chronic treatment) | Yes |
Gastrointestinal issues (includes vomiting and diarrhea) | Both dogs and cats | Diagnostics, medications, dietary management | $768 - $863 | Yes |
Urinary tract infections | More common in cats | Urinalysis, antibiotics, follow-up care | $575 - $1,005 | Yes |
Arthritis | More common in older dogs | Pain medications, joint supplements, therapy | $420 - $448 ($1,245 - $1,360 per year for chronic treatment) | Yes |
Dental disease | Both dogs and cats | Dental cleanings, extractions, antibiotics | $1,420 - $1,671 | Varies by plan |
Methodology note: This summary reflects the latest publicly available pet insurance claims data from major pet insurers and industry sources. Rankings may vary by insurer, species, breed, age, and region.
Most common claims for dogs
According to recent data from Nationwide and other major insurers, the top pet insurance claims for dogs include:
- Skin allergies
- Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Ear infections
- Arthritis and joint problems
- Trauma/injuries
- Dental disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Seizures
Dogs are particularly prone to skin conditions, ear infections, and digestive issues due to their tendency to explore their environment with their mouths and their exposure to outdoor allergens.
Related Reading: Dog Health Issues: Common Conditions by Breed, Size, Age
Most common claims for cats
For cats, the most frequent pet insurance claims typically include:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney failure
- Dental disease
- Arthritis and joint problems
- Hyperthyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory infections
- Inflamatory bowel disease
- Skin allergies
Cats are especially susceptible to urinary tract issues and kidney disease, particularly as they age. Indoor cats may experience fewer injuries but can still develop chronic conditions that require ongoing veterinary care.
Related Reading: Common Cat Health Issues by Breed, Age, and Environment
Top 5 Pet Insurance Claims by Condition
1. Skin allergies
With over a hundred pet skin conditions out there, chances are your four-legged friend will suffer from one at some point. Below, we're listing some of the most common skin issues that affect cats and dogs.
What it is:
- Atopic dermatitis or atopy is caused by an allergy or hypersensitivity to outdoor and indoor allergens such as pollen, grass, trees, dust mites, and mold spores. Feet and ears are commonly affected and are areas where infections can develop, leading to discharge and scabbing. If your cat or dog is always itchy, they might have this common condition — pets with atopy often scratch and lick themselves excessively.
- Hot spots usually start as moist patches of hair loss on the pet's skin. These patches are so itchy that they sometimes discharge pus and are smelly. They can be caused by anything that irritates the skin, including wounds, flea bites, and infections. Pets often lick, bite, and chew at the affected area, causing more itching and infection.
Common symptoms: Excessive scratching, licking, biting at skin, hair loss, redness, scabs, discharge, foul odor
Why it leads to claims: Skin allergies cause significant discomfort and can lead to secondary infections if left untreated. They often require multiple vet visits for diagnosis and ongoing treatment.
Typical treatment cost: $286 ($891 per year for chronic treatment) for dogs; $342 ($612 per year for chronic treatment) for cats.
Usually covered? Yes, by most accident and illness plans.
When to contact your vet: If you notice your four-legged friend licking, biting, or scratching themselves excessively, take them to your vet as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent complications and reduce treatment costs.
2. Gastrointestinal issues
Cats and dogs often suffer from different types of digestive disorders in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What it is: GI issues encompass a range of digestive problems affecting the stomach and intestines.
Common causes:
- Dietary indiscretion due to your pet eating something they aren't supposed to (table scraps, garbage, etc.)
- Pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of a digestive gland triggered by certain medications or the consumption of food that is difficult for the pancreas to handle (like high-fat food).
- Parasites and worms that are often transmitted when a pet ingests bits of the feces of an infected animal.
- Bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridia, and Campylobacter, which can be passed between animals and humans with improper food handling, are often seen with raw meat diets for dogs.
- Viruses like parvovirus typically spread through exposure to feces from an infected animal.
Common symptoms: The most common signs are diarrhea with loose, watery stools and vomiting, but you may also notice a loss of appetite, colitis, and abdominal bloating.
Why it leads to claims: GI issues are easy to recognize and often require diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause. Severe cases may require hospitalization and supportive care.
Typical treatment cost: $768 average for dogs, $863 average for cats.
Usually covered? Yes, by most accident and illness plans.
When to contact your vet: When it comes to treatment options for diarrhea in dogs or diarrhea in cats, the bowel generally has to run its course, but you should contact your vet if symptoms persist for more than 48 to 72 hours. They might recommend home remedies for dog diarrhea or offer litterbox advice, but if the stool is black, tarry, or contains blood, they'll likely want to examine your pet and order a fecal flotation test. Pets with long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be given oral steroids like prednisone for pets.
3. Urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) usually refers to a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract.
What it is: UTIs are a common health issue in dogs, but they occur far more frequently in cats. Senior cats are at a greater risk of developing UTIs as a secondary condition of disease — usually, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), or chronic kidney disease.
Common symptoms: Symptoms depend on which part of the urinary system is infected. The bladder is most often affected, in which case the symptoms include urgency, frequent urination, foul-smelling urine, inability to hold urine, straining to urinate, and blood in urine, etc. Less commonly, a bacterial urinary tract infection might involve one or both kidneys. In that case, clinical signs may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Inappetence
- Blood in urine
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
Why it leads to claims: UTIs require diagnostic testing (urinalysis) and antibiotic treatment. Recurrent infections may need additional testing to identify underlying causes.
Typical treatment cost: $575 in dogs, $1,005 in cats.
Usually covered? Yes, by most accident and illness plans.
When to contact your vet: Contact your vet if you notice any changes in your pet's urination habits, including frequency, straining, blood in urine, or accidents in the house. In reproductively intact pets, the infection might also involve parts of the reproductive system. UTIs are treated with antibiotics. The duration of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the animal's species and age, whether it is a first-time infection or a recurrence, the bacterial organism, etc.
4. Arthritis
What it is: Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. It's particularly common in older dogs and large breeds.
Common symptoms: Limping, stiffness (especially after rest), difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, reluctance to exercise, behavioral changes due to pain.
Why it leads to claims: Arthritis is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management with medications, supplements, and sometimes physical therapy or surgery.
Typical treatment cost: $420 ($1,245 per year for chronic treatment) for dogs; $448 ($1,360 per year for chronic treatment) for cats.
Usually covered? Yes, if not pre-existing, some plans cover alternative therapies like acupuncture or hydrotherapy
When to contact your vet: If you notice your pet showing signs of joint pain or reduced mobility, early intervention can help slow disease progression and maintain quality of life.
5. Dental disease
What it is: Dental disease includes conditions like gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and tooth root abscesses.
Common causes: Plaque and tartar buildup, lack of dental care, genetics, diet, and age.
Common symptoms: Bad breath, yellow or brown teeth, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and tooth loss.
Why it leads to claims: Dental disease can lead to serious health problems if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Treatment often requires professional dental cleaning under anesthesia and sometimes tooth extractions.
Typical treatment cost: $1,420 for dogs; $1,671 for cats.
Usually covered? Coverage varies by plan. Some accident and illness plans cover dental disease resulting from illness or injury, while routine dental care typically requires a wellness add-on.
When to contact your vet: Regular dental checkups are important. Contact your vet if you notice bad breath, difficulty eating, or visible dental problems.
Find a pet insurance plan that covers what you need.
We compare top insurers and match you to a great plan.
100% free to use. No fees. No commitment.
How much do these claims typically cost?
The cost of treating common pet health conditions varies widely depending on the severity of the condition, your location, and the type of treatment required. Here's a summary of typical costs:
- Skin allergies: $100 - $1,000+ (can be higher for chronic allergies requiring ongoing treatment)
- Gastrointestinal issues: $500 - $1,000+ for diagnostics and treatment
- Ear infections: $100 - $5,000 (chronic cases requiring surgery are most expensive)
- Urinary tract infections: $525 - $625 on average
- Seizures: $200 - $5,000+ per year for medication and monitoring
- Vomiting: $200 - $800+, depending on cause
- Arthritis: $200 - $600+ per year for ongoing management
- Diarrhea: $200 - $860+ for diagnostics and treatment
- Eye conditions: $300 - $2,000+, depending on the condition
- Dental disease: $300 - $1,500+ for cleaning and extractions
These costs can add up quickly, especially for chronic conditions requiring ongoing care or multiple vet visits. Pet insurance helps make these treatments more affordable by reimbursing you for a percentage of covered costs.
Top claims paid for dogs
When it comes to dog insurance , while everyday health concerns like digestive upset and ear infections drive most claims, the highest-value payouts often come from unexpected illnesses or emergencies.
BREED | CLAIM AMOUNT (USD) | CONDITION | WHAT IT MEANS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mixed Breed (Large) | $65,889 | Lymphoma | A type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system |
2 | Mixed Breed (Large) | $60,549 | Foreign Body Ingestion | When a pet swallows an object that requires surgical removal |
3 | English Bulldog | $60,239 | Pneumonia | Severe lung infection that causes breathing difficulty |
4 | Doberman Pinscher | $51,024 | Transfusion | Treatment for anemia or blood loss from trauma |
5 | Golden Retriever | $50,337 | Peritonitis | Inflammation of the abdominal lining, often from infection |
6 | Mixed Breed (Large) | $45,665 | Trauma | Physical injury caused by accidents such as falls, car impacts, or bites |
7 | Doberman Pinscher | $45,442 | Liver Disorder | A range of conditions affecting liver function, including infection or toxin exposure |
8 | English Bulldog | $45,111 | Brachycephalic Syndrome | A respiratory condition occurs when shortened airways make breathing difficult, especially in heat or after exercise |
9 | German Shepherd | $44,263 | Fungal Infection | Caused by environmental fungi that enter through the skin or lungs, which may cause coughing, skin lesions, or fatigue |
10 | West Highland White Terrier | $43,400 | Pancreatitis | Painful inflammation of the pancreas, usually diet-related |
Source: NAPHIA 2025 State of the Industry Report
Top claims paid for cats
Cats may seem low-maintenance but they account for some of the most surprising and expensive insurance claims. Because cats are skilled at hiding pain or illness, many of these conditions are discovered only after they’ve become serious, making cat insurance an invaluable safety net for feline families.
BREED | CLAIM AMOUNT (USD) | CONDITION | WHAT IT MEANS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Domestic Shorthair | $99,416 | Lung Condition | Severe respiratory disease causing breathing difficulties and fluid buildup in the lungs |
2 | Mixed Longhair | $32,750 | Exploratory Surgery | A diagnostic surgery performed to identify internal disease or obstruction |
3 | Mixed | $30,085 | Cancer | Abnormal cell growth that can affect organs and tissues, often requiring chemotherapy or surgery |
4 | Maine Coon | $29,929 | Foreign Body Ingestion | When a cat swallows a non-food object, leading to blockage or internal injury |
5 | American Shorthair | $24,982 | Foreign Object | Similar to ingestion, removal often requires anesthesia or surgery |
6 | Maine Coon | $24,466 | Digestive | A broad category referring to stomach and intestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or inflammation |
7 | Digestive Longhair | $22,438 | Intestinal Adenocarcinoma | A type of cancer that develops in the lining of the intestines and often requires surgery or chemotherapy to treat |
8 | American Shorthair | $21,640 | Foreign Object | Similar to ingestion; removal often requires anesthesia or surgery |
9 | Mixed Domestic Shorthair | $21,058 | Animal Bite Wound | Injury from fights with other animals can lead to infection or abscess |
10 | Mixed Domestic Shorthair | $20,868 | Liver Mass | Abnormal growth or tumor in the liver, often requiring biopsy or surgery |
Source: NAPHIA 2025 State of the Industry Report
How to choose pet insurance that covers common claims well
When selecting a pet insurance policy, consider these factors to ensure you have good coverage for common claims:
- Choose comprehensive accident & illness coverage rather than accident-only plans, since most common claims involve illnesses.
- Look for high annual limits ($10,000+ or unlimited) so you're protected if your pet develops a chronic condition requiring ongoing care.
- Select a reimbursement rate you're comfortable with (70%, 80%, or 90%). Higher reimbursement rates mean lower out-of-pocket costs but higher premiums.
- Consider a manageable deductible that fits your budget. Annual deductibles are often more cost-effective than per-incident deductibles for pets with multiple health issues.
- Check for coverage of hereditary and congenital conditions, especially if you have a purebred pet prone to specific health issues.
- Review the policy's exclusions and limitations carefully. Make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.
- Enroll early while your pet is young and healthy to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
- Compare multiple providers using a pet insurance comparison tool to find the best coverage at the best price for your pet's specific needs.
Not all pet insurance plans are created equal. Different providers have different coverage limitations, maximum payouts, reimbursement rates, and so on.
Before enrollment, it's important for you to use a comparison tool that can break down all the fine print in terms that are easy to understand. That way, if you ever have to submit one of these common pet insurance claims, you'll rest assured that your plan will have the protection that both your pet and your finances need.
Compare Top Pet Insurance Companies Side-by-Side
Use Pawlicy Advisor to get personalized quotes from leading brands and see how each plan stacks up — instantly.
100% free to use. No fees. No commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common pet insurance claims each year?
The most common pet insurance claims consistently include skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues, ear infections, urinary tract problems, and other common illnesses. While exact rankings vary by insurer and year, these categories appear regularly across major pet insurance datasets.
What are the most common dog insurance claims?
For dogs, the most frequent claims include skin allergies and dermatitis, ear infections, gastrointestinal issues (vomiting and diarrhea), arthritis and joint problems, urinary tract infections, soft tissue injuries, eye conditions, seizures, dental disease, and masses or tumors.
What are the most common cat insurance claims?
For cats, the most common claims involve urinary tract infections and bladder issues, gastrointestinal problems, skin conditions, dental disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, upper respiratory infections, ear infections, and eye conditions.
Are skin issues covered by pet insurance?
Yes, skin issues are typically covered by accident and illness pet insurance plans. This includes conditions like allergies, hot spots, infections, and mange, as long as they are not pre-existing conditions.
Are ear infections covered by pet insurance?
Yes, ear infections are generally covered by pet insurance accident and illness plans. Coverage includes diagnosis, treatment, and medications for both acute and chronic ear infections, provided they are not pre-existing.
Does pet insurance cover GI issues or pancreatitis?
Yes, most accident and illness pet insurance plans cover gastrointestinal issues including pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other digestive disorders. Coverage typically includes diagnostics, treatment, hospitalization, and medications.
Does pet insurance cover pancreatitis?
Yes, most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover pancreatitis diagnosis and treatment, including hospitalization, medications, and dietary management, as long as it's not a pre-existing condition.
What types of claims are usually covered by accident and illness plans?
Accident and illness plans typically cover diagnostic testing, treatment, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, emergency care, and specialist visits for covered conditions. They generally do not cover pre-existing conditions, routine wellness care (unless you add a wellness rider), or elective procedures.
What is worth claiming on pet insurance?
It's generally worth claiming any covered veterinary expense that exceeds your deductible, especially for unexpected illnesses, injuries, chronic conditions requiring ongoing treatment, emergency care, surgeries, or diagnostic testing. Even smaller claims can be worthwhile if they help you reach your annual deductible.
Licensed Insurance Producer - Pawlicy Advisor
Kari Steere is a licensed P&C insurance agent in all 50 states and has focused entirely on pet insurance since 2019. As an animal lover with a rescued Terrier named Barry, when she's not helping pet owners find the perfect plan on Pawlicy Advisor, she runs a ranch in Oregon and rehabilitates any animals that come across her path.
Do you want to find the best pet insurance?
Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?
Analyze My PetAbout Pawlicy Advisor
Recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association and veterinarians nationwide, Pawlicy Advisor makes buying the best pet insurance easier. We compare top brands and match you to the right protection at a great price. Our free service has helped over 1 million happy pet owners.
More on Pet Insurance
More on Insurance Provider Reviews
Guides
When Pet Insurance Is Worth It
