Top Dog and Cat Claims of 2018

Cleveland, OH. (Jan. 10, 2019) - The number one question that pet parents have regarding pet insurance is what it costs. To better understand the costs associated with pet health care, Embrace Pet Insurance has released helpful claims data for the top five dog and cat diagnoses of the more than 200,000 claims filed in 2018. Alongside the top five claims for both dogs and cats, Embrace has included signs and symptoms for pet parents to watch out for regarding these health issues.

Top 5 Dog Medical Conditions and Average Cost of Care:

  1. Intestinal issues: $790

  2. Allergies: $390

  3. Ear infection: $290

  4. Lameness: $620

  5. Cranial cruciate ligament tear: $4,160

Dog pet parents should be aware of the following signs and symptoms relating to these top claims:

  • Intestinal issues: vomiting, diarrhea, not eating or drinking, excessive drooling, or foaming at the mouth

  • Allergies: itching/scabbing, watery eyes, sneezing/wheezing, paw chewing, licking, vomiting, or diarrhea

  • Ear infection: scratching or rubbing the ear, warm ears (hot to the touch), discharge/odor coming from the ear, redness and/or swelling, hair loss around the ear, or head shaking/loss of balance

  • Lameness: inability to properly use one or more limbs, subtle pain or tenderness, inability to place weight on a limb

  • Cranial cruciate ligament tear: sudden pain in legs/whimpering/limping, lameness in the hind legs, swelling, stiffness and abnormal sitting positions, difficulty getting up, or decreased activity levels

Top 5 Cat Medical Conditions and Average Cost of Care

  1. Intestinal issues: $900

  2. Diabetes mellitus: $1,150

  3. Hyperthyroidism: $980

  4. Urinary tract infection: $370

  5. Lymphoma: $2,520

Cat pet parents should also be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms relating to these top claims:

  • Intestinal issues: prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia or abdominal pain, constipation, dull coat, weight loss, or excessive thirst

  • Diabetes: excessive urination, constant thirst, poor appetite, weight loss, dandruff and oily coat, decreased activity/weakness/depression, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, dehydration/vomiting, aggressive behavior/easily stressed

  • Urinary tract infection: abnormal/frequent urination, straining or inability to urinate, only passing a small amount of urine, constant licking, lethargy, excessive thirst, or vomiting

  • Lymphoma: respiratory symptoms consistent with the growth of masses in the chest are common in younger cats. In older cats, intestinal tumors leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting are more common.

On average, cat claims were costlier than dog claims, and that might be surprising to some. According to Jenna Mahan, Director of Claims at Embrace Pet Insurance, "Typically, it's more difficult to detect an illness or injury in cats because they're so good at hiding pain. It may take their owner days or weeks to notice when something is wrong which delays treatment and ultimately leads to a higher vet bill."

If pet parents of dogs or cats see any of these symptoms, or any other unusual symptoms or behaviors, it's best for them to consult their veterinarian immediately. Pet insurance provides peace of mind that they will be able to move forward with their vet's recommended course of treatment, without the stress of the financial burden. To learn more about Embrace Pet Insurance, get a free quote here:

EmbracePetInsurace.com

About Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace Pet Insurance is a top-rated pet health insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States. Embrace offers one simple yet comprehensive accident and illness insurance plan that is underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, Inc. In addition to insurance, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, an optional preventative care product that is unique to the industry. Wellness Rewards reimburses for routine veterinary visits, grooming, vaccinations, training, and much more with no itemized limitations. Embrace is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and continues to innovate and improve the pet insurance experience for pet parents across the country. For more information about Embrace Pet Insurance, visit EmbracePetInsurance.com or call (800) 660-3817.