Life is stressful enough without the added worry and expense that comes with owning a pet. From shots to those unforeseen emergencies, getting medical care for your kitty or pup can set you back a pretty penny. If only there were a way to have these costs covered while only paying a small monthly fee.
Well, guess what? There is! Introducing pet insurance - the most affordable way to take care of your beloved furry friend in any eventuality.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is your saving grace when your pet is injured, needs life-saving treatment, or just needs a check-up at the vet. Just like you have medical insurance, car insurance, or home insurance, pet insurance is the safety net that makes sure your pet gets the best possible care without costing you a ton of money.
Think your cat might have ear mites? Pet insurance can help cover the cost of your vet visit. Does your dog have kennel cough after a weekend of boarding? Pet insurance could cover that, too.
What could be better than getting your beloved pooch or fluffy kitty the best medical care at a fraction of the cost? Well, nothing really. Pet insurance is, quite literally, the bee's knees.
The Pros of Pet Insurance
Some pros of having pet insurance include:
Financial Relief in the Case of an Emergency
Let’s be honest - no one has a wad of cash just lying around for those emergencies. What’s more, vet fees and medical bills are expensive these days. Many pet insurance providers offer coverage of between 70 and 90%, depending on the package you choose, while some (although rare and hard to find) will cover 100% of your vet fees. Think of it as your saving grace when money is tight, and your pet is ill or injured.
You Can Choose Your Own Vet
Unlike most medical insurance, pet insurance providers offer freedom of choice when it comes to where you want to take your pet to receive medical treatment. No more driving around with your sick pet looking for a vet that’s covered under the insurance provider's network.
You Can Customize Coverage
Pet insurance gives you the flexibility to customize your coverage based on what you can afford. If your pup is generally healthy, you might want to choose accident and emergency coverage only. But, if you have, let’s say, a Basset Hound that is prone to ear infections, you would choose a policy to help cover the costs of vet visits and medication.
Cons of Pet Insurance
Those are some pretty great pros, right? But what are the cons?
Pet Insurance Doesn’t Always Cover Everything
While one would hope that pet insurance covers absolutely everything, in reality, it doesn’t, and you might still have to cover a few out-of-pocket expenses yourself. Always read the terms and conditions of your pet insurance coverage to know exactly what is covered and what is not.
Routine Visits Are Often Not Covered
Again, this depends largely on the pet insurance provider you have selected and also the package you have chosen. Choose the package based on what you can afford, and go with a provider that covers at least a small portion of your vet bill for routine visits and check-ups.
Pet Insurance Does Not Cover Pre-Existing Conditions
When bringing a new dog home, there is nothing worse than finding out that it has a pre-existing condition. Now, imagine that you are turned down for pet insurance because of it. This is the reality that many pet owners face when their pet has a pre-existing condition or is getting on in years.
As with everything in life, there are always pros and cons. Weigh up the pros against the cons and decide for yourself if pet insurance is the right way to go. You might purchase coverage, or you may find it easier to put money in a separate account for emergencies.
Who Should Get Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a great investment for all pets - young, old, cats, dogs, even reptiles and rodents. It can give you the peace of mind that your playful Labradoodle or Maine Coon is well taken care of should anything happen.
It’s a safety net for the young and old, helping to cover vet bills should they get sick or have an accident. So, whether you have a bouncy bundle of joy or a wise old friend, pet insurance is there to make sure they stay happy and healthy without the added stress of vet bills.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Depending on the package and provider you choose for your pet insurance, there are a number of things that are covered.
Here are a few examples of what MOST pet insurance providers cover:
- Common illnesses like ear infections, diarrhea, and vomiting
- Accidents and injuries like poisonings, broken limbs, and sprains
- Testing and diagnostic services like blood tests, scans, and ultrasounds
- Serious illnesses like cancer, puppy hypoglycemia, and heart disease
- Procedures like operations, chemotherapy, and scopes
- Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter
- Wellness or routine check-ups, including vaccinations, deworming, and other preventative medications for pesky parasites
Sure, dogs are man’s best friend. But pet insurance is their best friend in the event of a medical emergency.
Pet Insurance Offers Peace of Mind
In the world of pet care, pet insurance emerges as the ultimate sidekick in ensuring that your pet is well taken care of should they require anything from a routine check-up to a more costly surgery or treatment option.
Sure, it is yet another expense that you will have to pay for, but when you think of the peace of mind you will have knowing that your beloved furbaby is protected, you will be glad to know you made the right choice in getting pet insurance.
Pets are more than just a dog or a cat - they are a valuable part of your family. So, just how much would you be willing to pay to ensure that they live a long and happy life?
