A big misconception about pet insurance is that it’s too expensive. We spend hundreds of dollars on ourselves and our families each month for health insurance, yet we don’t get coverage for our furry “children.” In reality, paying $44/month* for pet insurance could end up saving your pet’s life.
Instead of being hit with an $8,000 vet bill because your dog needs cancer treatment, you can have a vast majority of it covered through pet insurance. The worst scenario is learning that your dog has cancer but having to turn down treatment because you can’t afford the bills.
No one wants to face this decision, and signing up for pet insurance can take care of most of the cost. Pet insurance allows you to make the best choices instead of the least expensive ones when an emergency arises.
Pet insurance can also prevent a tragedy commonly referred to as “economic euthanasia.” This is when a pet owner can’t afford treatment and has to ask the vet to put down the pet rather than care for it due to financial limitations. For this reason, it’s vital to consider buying pet health insurance to protect your canine loved one (and your wallet) from some of life’s most unfortunate incidents.
Pet insurance is the pet equivalent to human health insurance. Having your dog or cat protected by a good health insurance plan can put your mind at ease by knowing that large, unexpected medical bills will be covered.
There are 3 types of pet insurance coverage: accident, illness, and wellness. Depending on your preference, you can sign up for 1, 2 or all 3 of these coverages (but not all pet insurance companies offer wellness plans).You can’t predict an accident, but you can plan ahead for potential incidents that could cost you a fortune. Every pet health insurance company offers accident coverage, which can include torn ligaments, broken bones, bite wounds and other serious health needs.
Many pet insurance companies limit their illness coverage as pets age. It’s important to get insurance while your pet is young to reduce pre-existing condition exemptions and your monthly cost. Illness coverage can cover things like cancer, arthritis, UTIs, allergies and more.
Wellness coverage is always optional. Depending on your preferences, you can pay for wellness expenses on your own, or you can invest a little every month with an insurance company to avoid paying out of pocket all at once for routine vet visits.
A pet wellness plan may include fees associated with:
Unlike human health insurance, most pet health insurance plans reimburse you for the cost of veterinary care. After paying the initial price of your pet’s vet visit, you’ll request a duplicate itemized receipt which you then send to your pet’s insurance company along with a completed claim form. You’ll typically receive a reimbursement check within a week to a month.
Some companies guarantee a specific payout turnaround time as an added benefit. Your reimbursement amount depends on your insurance policy details and exclusions, the type and cost of each procedure, your policy’s allowance per procedure and your plan’s deductible.
We think there are 3 primary reasons to consider obtaining pet insurance for your furry friend.
Choosing whether or not to have emergency surgery is one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever have to make as a pet owner. With pet insurance, you can remove the financial aspect out of your consideration and base your medical decisions purely on what’s best for your pet.
It doesn’t matter how well you take care of your pet; accidents happen. Whether it’s a toenail that gets caught in the couch cushion or a torn cruciate ligament from jumping off the bed, your dog could have an accident that leads to massive vet bills. A pet accident or illness can cost thousands in vet bills, but having a good emergency pet insurance plan ensures that you’re able to recoup a vast percentage of the costs.
You can tailor pet insurance to fit your budget and needs. If you sign up when your pet is young, you have more options, ranging from major accidents and illnesses to vaccinations and general checkups. Check out our pet insurance reviews to see all of the available options.
Before you purchase your dog’s insurance plan, be sure to familiarize yourself with what each plan offers. Compare the coverage provided under each plan with individual health concerns for your dog and his breed.
Even if you have a healthy puppy today, knowing what illnesses are prevalent in your dog’s breed will help you select the right plan. Talk with your vet about what you should plan for as your pet ages. For example, some breeds are more susceptible to hip and joint problems and cancer. While no one wants to anticipate the worst, it’s the best plan of action when shopping for an insurance policy for your dog.
My name is Susie McManigal. I am very blessed to be able to raise AKC Registered English & French Bulldogs. I have been breeding Bulldog Puppies for 15 years, and can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it. My dogs are not just a job, they are my life. I love each and every one of them dearly!