If you have a pet, it is likely that they’re your best friend and you would do anything and everything for them. When we think of our beloved pets we often think of taking them to the park, on hikes, and to the local doggy beach. As we consider our monthly pet budget, we may often forget the cost of vet bills. In the United States, the average pet owner spends about $400 a year on their pet, but emergency visits can range anywhere from $400 to sometimes thousands of dollars, leaving you as the pet owner in a very tricky situation if you don’t have a pet emergency fund. This is where pet insurance is extremely important and can offer a great deal of peace if an unfortunate veterinary emergency should arise, leaving you protected and secure. You may be aware of the benefits of human health insurance, but many people have no idea they can insure their pets as well. Here are the perks of having pet insurance.
Protecting yourself from unforeseen costs.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, about 1 in 5 American families adopted either a cat or a dog. The excitement of bringing a new family member into your home can sometimes overshadow the reality that is the financial cost of caring for your new best friend. Pet owners must consider the cost of food, accessories like leashes and crates, flea and tick medicine, and regular visits to the vet. Pet insurance can offer a safety net to ensure that you and your loving pet will be cared for and protected in the case of an emergency. Much like a homeowner takes out home insurance to protect their property, pet owners find great peace of mind when enrolling their best friend in insurance for any potential health needs.
What does pet insurance cover?
When thinking of your own experience with health insurance, you may find yourself wondering what is actually covered under insurance. Health care for humans can be quite daunting, leaving you with many questions about what you may end up having to pay down the line. It is important to note that pet insurance does not offer protection for pre-existing conditions that your pet had prior to you enrolling in the policy. So what does most pet insurance cover?
Accident insurance will cover physical injuries caused by an accident, such as broken bones, flesh wounds, or even snake bites. If your pet is an otherwise healthy animal, the illness-only cover helps pay the bills when your pet gets sick. This can include infections, upset stomachs, and skin conditions. Your policy may also include de-sexing, microchipping and annual vaccinations. Some providers may also cover certain non-routine dental procedures. It’s also worth ensuring that you are aware of whether your policy includes hospitalization, after-hours services, and emergency boarding fees if you find yourself hospitalized and unable to care for your pet. Expect to pay about $25 to $75 a month for dog insurance, and $10 to $40 for cat insurance.
What isn’t covered by pet insurance?
While there are many positive benefits to enrolling in a pet insurance plan, it is equally as important to understand what will not be covered by your illness protection plan. Coverage for your pet may not include grooming, flea & tick medication, annual check-ups & routine bloodwork, and any pre-existing conditions that your pet had prior to insurance enrollment. Most licensed veterinarian offices will accept most pet insurance and are very happy to help you understand treatment costs so that you have all of your questions answered and have full confidence in your pet’s health.