Do I Need Pet Insurance?
Becoming a pet parent is a massive responsibility. It comes with many rewards, but there inevitably will be times that your pet will cause you to worry and stress. Having pet insurance may help.
One of the most stressful experiences a pet parent can go through is when something is wrong with your pet.
What Are the Benefits of Pet Insurance?
Accidents can happen unexpectedly, but so can illness and unfortunate medical conditions. Having pet insurance can prevent you from deciding if you can cover your pet’s medical expenses or not.
Nobody wants to think of these things happening, but unfortunately, it is a harsh reality that many pet owners often face. Pet insurance is about more than cost coverage. It’s about the emotional experience every pet owner has to go through when their pet becomes injured or sick.
Here are the top five reasons you should get pet insurance for your furry loved one:
- The rising cost of veterinarian bills
- Protecting your pet against the unexpected
- The benefits of cost coverage
- Less stress when your pet has an accident or becomes ill
- Preventing having to make difficult decisions about your pet’s health and treatment
Having peace of mind in a traumatic situation is always advisable.
What Kind of Coverage Is Available?
Luckily, more and more people are choosing to purchase pet insurance for their furry family members. There are several different pet insurance companies to choose from. You can even select other coverage options based on your preferences and needs.
For example, many different pet insurance companies offer a variety of coverage percentages. There are reimbursement plans that vary from fifty percent coverage to even ninety or one hundred percent coverage.
The items covered can also vary from plan to plan. For example, you can choose insurance coverage for all non-routine medical expenses. This type of insurance would cover things like:
- Injuries
- Surgeries
- Non-routine medications for infections or parasites
Often this type of plan covers the cost of the vet visit and whatever procedures or lab work your pet needs.
You may want to look into plans that feature routine coverage or assistance with everyday medical necessities. These plans may have coverage including monthly flea, tick, and heartworm medication and annual dental cleanings. These are expenses that can add up for pet owners. However, they are essential to your pet’s good health.
Many pet insurance plans range from as low as fifteen dollars per month. You can pick a plan that works for you and your pet’s health needs and have peace of mind knowing that when tragedy strikes, you have a plan.
Some insurance companies will even offer you a multi-pet discount on your pet insurance plan if you have multiple pets.
How Does Pet Insurance Coverage Work?
The majority of pet insurance plans run on a reimbursement system. This type of system means that you initially pay the cost of the medical care for your pet. You submit a claim, which includes information such as the veterinarian’s notes and your receipt.
Your pet insurance company will review all of the paperwork, and if the treatment is under the covered costs, you will receive reimbursement via check or direct deposit. The reimbursement amount is whatever percentage you have selected as part of your pet’s insurance plan.
Receiving your reimbursement can sometimes take up to a couple of weeks, but it is a much better alternative than not receiving any money back at all.
Sometimes when our pets require expensive medical treatment, we cannot afford it. Who has thousands of dollars to spare for emergency surgery? Knowing that you will receive a decent portion of that money back allows you to choose to get your pet the treatment they need.
Why Is Pet Insurance So Important?
Pet parents care about their pets so much. Animals have become an essential and irreplaceable part of our family. Unfortunately, everyone gets sick, even our pets. When these unfortunate times hit, you will have wished you had made plans ahead.
Spending that extra fifteen dollars a month can make a huge difference when facing a hefty veterinarian bill. It’s a small investment to ensure that you can afford to pay for the care your pet needs.
Pet insurance can be the thing that saves your pet’s life.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about pet insurance.
How do I pick the right pet insurance plan?
You can research different pet insurance companies and compare rates and coverage for the other plans they offer. A great place to start is to make a list of any medical conditions you know your pet already has and what areas you would like covered. Base this on your pet’s needs.
For example, if your pet is prone to accidents and you’ve been to the vet many times from your pet becoming injured, you want to choose a plan that offers injury coverage.
I just adopted/ rescued an animal. Where do I start? When can I purchase pet insurance?
Depending on where you adopted your new furry family member, you may already have access to a free first thirty days with a pet insurance company associated with your pet’s rescue organization.
If your pet’s rescue doesn’t mention this during the adoption process, definitely ask about pet insurance and recommendations from them.
You can purchase pet insurance the day you adopt your animal. Most coverage can begin as early as midnight that evening. This way, your pet receives almost immediate coverage upon arriving in their new home!
How do I know what medical needs my pet has?
When you adopt an animal, the organization should disclose any known medical conditions or treatments your pet has had. You should receive a detailed report of all of your pet’s history upon adopting them.
More often than not, with rescue pets, there isn’t a lot of known history. Many animals may have spent time living on the street or with neglectful home lives, and their medical history may be completely unknown.
Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s medical needs. They can do a thorough examination and let you know of any medical concerns they have for your pet.
Final Thoughts
Pet insurance is a small cost with a significant benefit. It protects your family and your pet from the unknown.
Be prepared when your pet has a medical need by investing in a pet insurance plan. When you have coverage, you are making the best choice to give them everything they need while protecting your financial security.
