Published Jul 31, 2026, 11:09 AM EDT

Moving OCONUS with pets can mean big quarantine fees. Here is what pet insurance covers, what it ignores, and how to protect your savings

Moving with a pet can be difficult if you’re PCSing, especially if your orders send you to Hawaii, Japan, or another OCONUS location with strict quarantine rules. You might be wondering if pet insurance can help ease the transition. Here's the short answer: pet insurance can be worth it for covering your pet's medical bills, but it won't pay for quarantine, import permits, or shipping costs. While the military might cover some of these expenses, they typically come out of your own savings. This guide breaks down what pet insurance actually covers during a PCS move, what it doesn't, and how to plan for the quarantine costs.

How PCS Moves Affect Pet Insurance Coverage

Not every pet insurance policy travels with you. Here’s how PCS moves can impact your pet insurance coverage: