Most people get health insurance because it’s too risky not to. If something serious happens your bills can easily drain your savings—and good luck getting coverage if you have a preexisting condition. Pet illnesses can be just as expensive if you don’t have a veterinary insurance plan. In this post we’ll review and compare different pet insurance companies to help you make a smart choice.

1. VPI Pet Insurance, the nation’s oldest and largest pet insurer, covers dogs, cats, and birds. The company offers six different levels of coverage that reimburses you for accidents, illnesses, and routine preventative care, including X-rays, surgeries, prescriptions, lab fees, hospitalizations, vaccinations, dental care, spaying, and more. You can expect to pay up to $400/year with coverage up to $14,000 annually. The top-of-the-line plans covers 90% after a $50 deductible. Visit the site for a quote.

2. PetCare (by PETCO) offers 100% coverage after a $100 deductible up to a certain amount. Coverage includes first-time illnesses (up to $500), car accidents (up to $1000) and poison ingestion (up to $1000), among others. Your first month costs just $1, and after that you’ll pay $14.05 monthly. (The site indicates prices vary by state; visit the site for a location-based quote).

3. ASPCA Pet Insurance offers five different plans for cats and dogs. Each plan reimburses you for 80% after a $100 annual deductible. Plans start as low as 25¢ a day for basic accident coverage. You can choose any licensed vet in the US or Canada. If you have more than one pet on the same plan, you’ll get a 10% discount. Plans exclude coverage for hereditary disorders, preexisting conditions, and inhumane treatments, like dewclaw removal and ear cropping, among others.

4. PetPlan Pet Insurance, the world’s oldest veterinary insurance provider, covers both cats and dogs. Over 1 million pet owners have Petplan policies. They provide guaranteed life-time coverage, offer treatment for alternative therapies like acupuncture, and cover hereditary conditions, which most other plans exclude. Additionally, PetPlan does not impose dollar or time limits per condition—meaning your limits are fully reinstated each year, regardless of previous claims. Choose from $50, $100, or $200 deductible (the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly payment).

5. Petsurance is managed by American Pet Insurance Corporation, one of the best underwriters in the industry. Petsurance covers diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and hereditary disorders, and reimburses 90% of your actual bill. You’ll receive payment within seven days of filing a claim, with a $20,000 lifetime cap. There are no limits per year, claim, illness, procedure, or condition.

Of course you have other options. Before deciding on a pet insurance company, check with your state to be sure the company is registered.