Is Pet Insurance Right for You? Discover the Benefits
Pet insurance is becoming more and more common every year. With veterinarian costs rising and wages stagnating, it can be increasingly difficult to afford vet care for your pets. This is especially true when it comes to emergencies as these unplanned visits to the vet can end up costing us thousands of dollars. The sad reality is that many pets go without proper medical care or are even surrendered to a shelter when the family cannot pay for their treatment. This is why pet insurance is not only growing in popularity but is gaining a ‘must have’ status among pet owners.
There are many benefits that pet parents will experience when obtaining coverage for their pet, but first let’s see if pet insurance is right for you.
What Kind of Pet Do You Have?
Pet insurance is available for all different types of animals, but let’s talk about dogs and cats specifically. Most cat and dog owners will benefit from having pet insurance coverage, however there are breeds that coverage may be more necessary for. If you have a breed that commonly experiences certain chronic ailments, you should strongly consider pet insurance. If your pet does begin to experience symptoms, you will be able to easily afford the cost of their care. For example, a breed like the Boston Terrier (which often experiences eye issues) may need surgery later in their life which would be covered under insurance.
You also may find that certain breeds are more difficult to insure than others. If you have a breed that’s been denied coverage from a provider, check out the best pet insurance coverage we could find for the widest range of breeds.
How Old is Your Pet?
Pet insurance is appropriate for dogs and cats of all ages. It is important to note that some pet insurance companies will not offer coverage to pets over a certain age, but there are plenty that will so make sure to shop around.
If you are looking to insure a puppy or kitten, many providers have plans specifically tailored to all essential care for the first six month of your pet’s life. This will include things like wellness exams, vaccinations and even microchipping. Puppies and kittens need to see the vet more often throughout their first year of life then an adult pet would, so these plans can end up saving you hundreds of dollars on their care.
Does Your Pet Have Chronic Illness?
Similar to human health insurance, pets that already experience chronic illness will most often not be eligible for coverage. If this is your pet, pet insurance may not be right for you.
How Pet Insurance Can Benefit You
Pet insurance will help you with the cost of most of your pet’s medical needs throughout their life. As previously mentioned, vaccinations are covered as well as annual wellness exams and any prescription medications. Some plans will even cover any prescription food that your vet recommends for your pet. In the case of emergencies pet insurance covers hospitalizations, diagnostics and treatments, surgeries, and specialized care. Should your already insured pet develop a chronic illness, all recurring treatment relating to said illness will be covered under the plan including any medications.
Pet owners will spend an average of $15,000 on healthcare during their pet’s lifetime. Insuring your pet early on can cut down this cost significantly. Most pet insurance providers will cover around 90% of the total cost of care with an average deductible of $250 a year. Prices on plans will be determined by variables such as age and type of pet as well as geographical location.
In addition to the cost saving benefits of having your pet under an insurance plan, you will also be granted peace of mind. Many pet owners experience stress surrounding the idea of their pet having an emergency. Knowing that you can select the best course of treatment for your pet without having to think about the cost will surely help ease any anxiety. This way you can put all your energy into helping your pet get better.
If you have determined pet insurance is right for you, and you are ready to start taking advantage of the cost saving benefits, then it’s time to get your pet covered! There is no shortage of providers that will be able to get your pet the exact coverage they need to be healthy and happy for the rest of their lives. So start shopping around for pet insurance coverage today!