The importance of pet insurance
Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into the lives of their owners. With pet insurance in place, owners can focus on cherishing special moments with their furry companions without the worry of unforeseen medical costs.
Similar to health insurance for humans, pet insurance is designed to cover a portion of veterinary costs associated with treating illnesses, injuries, and accidents that may occur over a pet’s lifetime.
Pet insurance works on a reimbursement basis, so owners can take their pet to any veterinarian’s office for care, then submit the claim and get reimbursed later.
Pet insurance plans have deductibles that must be met before the insurance company will begin to reimburse. The higher the deductible is, the lower the monthly premium.
Generally, there are three types of pet insurance plans that cover a variety of claims: illnesses, accidents, and wellness visits. Typically, illnesses and accidents are grouped together under one plan, with general wellness coverage available as an added cost.
Under accident and illness plans, the pet is covered for surgeries, diagnostic tests like x-rays and ultrasounds, emergency care, hospitalizations, and prescription medications. A wellness plan covers routine vet visits for vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, and spay/neuter procedures.
The cost of pet insurance varies and depends on several factors. The age, breed, and gender of the pet, as well as the owner’s geographical location, all affect the monthly premium.
It’s essential to get a pet insurance plan in place as soon as possible, as most insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions. In addition, dogs over 13 and cats over 15 most likely will not qualify for a pet insurance plan.
Pet insurance expert JC English explains that when choosing a plan, it’s important to look at what kinds of issues the pet may experience in his or her lifetime. Many breeds have predictable health problems, so it’s vital that the insurance plan will cover those potential costs.
He also notes that pet insurance should not be an undue burden for the owner. When choosing a plan, owners should focus on the risks they are willing to accept for their pet. He explains that for most people, a monthly pet insurance premium costs far less than what it would cost if the pet has to have an unplanned emergency surgery.
When choosing a pet insurance plan, remember to research different options, compare policies, and select a plan that works for your pet’s specific needs and your budget. With a plan in place, you can prioritize your pet’s health without worrying about the financial burden.