In 2011, Americans are expected to spend $14.11 billion on vet care, according to the American Pet Products Association. Part of that expense will cover emergency veterinary care, which can be quite costly. To help defray those costs, some pet owners are buying health insurance policies for their pets.

“Our bills can easily be $2,000 in a single night,” says Dr. Chris Shacoski, owner of the Solano-Napa Pet Emergency Clinic in Fairfield, Calif. “Most people don’t have that kind of money available readily, so it can make a big difference.”

Some veterinarians agree pet insurance can help, but only 11 percent of Angie’s List members who responded to an online poll say they have it. Monthly policy premiums can cost as much as $100, but average around $25 to $35, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.

Insurance companies, like PurinaCare and VPI, typically reimburse the holder a specific amount or a percentage of a bill after a claim is filed. Policies can cover routine exams to accidents and prescriptions. But be sure to read the fine print, as most include exclusions for pre-existing conditions, preventable diseases or parasites.

Member James Jerschefske of Franklin, Wis., says he and his wife have considered insurance for their miniature schnauzer and poodle, but calculated the premiums would be more than the payout. “The benefits were too skimpy and the costs were too high,” says Jerschefske, adding they might reconsider if policies covered more.