Money Dilemma – Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Jan 20, 2026
To: Molly
Subject: Money Dilemma
Hi Molly,
I’ve just bought a super cute (but not exactly cheap dog and I’m obsessed!) BUT I’m stuck on whether pet insurance is actually worth it.
Part of me thinks I should just get it for peace of mind because vet bills can be huge, and it’s just me covering the cost. But then the premiums feel expensive, and I’m already paying for car insurance and life insurance. I’m wondering if I should just put that money aside myself instead into an emergency fund for the “Rufus”.
If anyone has experience, good or bad, with pet insurance, I’d love to hear your thoughts and how much you pay, plus if you think it worth it?
Molly's Response:
I totally hear you, when you’re already paying for car insurance, health insurance, life insurance… it all adds up! 😅
A couple of things to think about though: vet bills for anything unexpected can get really expensive - we’re talking $2,000 to $5,000 for injuries, surgeries, or sudden illnesses. That’s where pet insurance can be a lifesaver. You’re basically paying for peace of mind and the ability to choose what’s best for your pup, not what’s best for your bank account.
BUT if you’ve got a solid emergency fund and could comfortably cover a big bill if it popped up, then self-insuring can totally work. A lot of people even put the amount they’d normally pay in premiums into a separate “pet fund”.
My general rule of thumb:
If a surprise vet bill would throw your finances off, go insurance.
If you can absorb it, self-insure.
