Pet Health Insurance Gets Complicated, Too

Health insurance for pets is getting just as tricky as insurance for humans. With the cost of pet medical care rising, along with the number of insured pets, a dizzying range of options is suddenly available—complete with choices on deductibles and depth of coverage. Some policies cover hereditary conditions and alternative treatments like acupuncture, while more traditional ones focus on accidents, checkups, and shots, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Numbers are driving the trend: About 1 million pets—mostly dogs—are currently insured, with the figure rising 10% a year. That's because Americans spent $12.2 billion on veterinary care last year, up from $8.2 billion five years ago. And in one sign of growing acceptance, about 19% of US employers now offer pet insurance to their workers. (More pets stories.)