“Pet health insurance? Are you serious?”
Those were my exact thoughts when I first heard of it. I had no idea that such a thing even existed, but it does, and it can be of great benefit to many pet owners.
The vast majority of people who live with pets have a horror story or two to tell about an injury or illness that affected their furry friend. Expect the unexpected when you co-exist with animals; dogs do get out and get hit by cars; cats do eat string. Accidents happen and pets get sick, just like us. Fortunately, many things can be prevented with care. Unfortunately, many are out of your control and will happen no matter how careful you are. You may find yourself suddenly facing a frightening trip to the veterinarian, and an even scarier bill. Here is where pet health insurance can come in handy.
What exactly is pet health insurance?
Just like the health insurance your employer may provide for you and your family, pet health insurance is a policy you pay for, on a regular basis, as a “safety net” in the event you have an ill or injured pet that requires veterinary care. This insurance will reimburse part of the vet bills that incur.
What does it cover?
Policies vary widely from company to company, so you definitely need to research and shop around to find the right policy for you and your pet. In general, coverage can include surgical procedures, illnesses, disease, x-rays, and even office visits. Some companies offer additional coverage for yearly exams, vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries.
What is not covered?
Again, policies vary so be sure to read all of the information available before purchasing a policy from any company. On average, you won’t find coverage for any pre-existing conditions or genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, any disease that could have been prevented by a vaccine, such as rabies or distemper, or behavioral issues.
Are there deductibles?
Usually, yes. Most range between $50 and $100 annually.
Is it expensive?
This depends on the company you choose along with the policy coverage. You can choose a simple policy for basic emergencies, or opt for comprehensive coverage that will take care of a broad variety of vet expenses. In general, you can find a policy for as little as $10 a month and go upward from there.
Is it worth it?
Ask your veterinarian. Ask your “pet” friends. Do your research and then decide if pet health insurance is worth it to you. No doubt you will find differing opinions and tales of pros and cons, but the more information you gather, the better able you will be to make an educated decision for yourself.
What the bottom line?
Can you afford to pay hundreds, even thousands of dollars to an animal hospital in a catastrophe? If your beloved dog somehow gets out and is struck by a car and requires emergency surgery, will you be able to pay for it? What if that sweet kitten you adopted needs abdominal surgery? Do you have a savings account large enough to cover it?
If the answers to these questions are “no,” then pet health insurance may very well be something you should look into. When you take an animal into your heart and home, you become responsible for them. Don’t let yourself be faced with the harsh decision of saying no to medical treatment because of financial difficulty.
Your pet’s life depends on it.
