Is pet insurance worth it? Here’s what the vet said

Pet parents want the best for their furry friends, but unfortunately, accidents and illnesses can happen at any time. Whether they’re dealing with a broken bone, infection, or serious illness like cancer, you’ll want to get them the care they need. however, Veterinary expenses Can be expensive, and if you don’t have pet insurance, you may be faced with a difficult decision.

If you don’t have funds set aside for care — which can be thousands of dollars, depending on the disease — you could be digging yourself into a financial hole. Or, if you can’t afford it, you may have to deal with the gut-wrenching decision of caregiving.

For such reasons, many veterinarians recommend Pet insurance. That’s not to say that everyone comes forward, but many pet owners like the financial and emotional peace of mind that can come with having pet insurance.

Here, we take a closer look at what three vets have to say About pet insurancePrimarily for cats and dogs.

If you’re thinking about insuring your pet, get started by getting a free price quote now.

Why vets think pet insurance can be worth it

Just like how people don’t want to face medical bills without health insurance, uncovered veterinary bills can also be challenging. It can even be life or death.

“If an emergency occurs and treatment/surgery is required, it can reach thousands of dollars to resolve the situation. Many families may not have these types of resources and may have to make the very painful decision to euthanize their beloved pet,” Dr. says Sandra Norman, staff veterinarian at Noah’s Animal Hospital in Indiana

In other words, your ability to care for the unexpected, especially in an emergency, can make a big difference Pet insurance is worth it.

“Pet parents should put themselves in a situation where a much-loved pet needs expensive emergency care or a surgery: Will paying for that procedure be a significant source of financial stress? Is a small monthly amount feasible for your family, and To save separately for those possible — but not certain — future needs?” said Dr. Philippa Pavia, VP of medical strategy at Bond Vet in New York.

“Some people would rather set aside some savings than pay a monthly premium, but for others the peace of mind and knowledge that money is ready and available is worth every penny,” he adds.

Even in less life-threatening situations, Pet insurance Can still pay.

“Insurance helps cover the unexpected costs of pet ownership and can be a huge relief to owners as they typically cover 80-90% of costs depending on the plan,” says Dr. Sarah Gorman, managing veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary in New York.

Beyond wellness and preventative care (though some plans offer these as add-ons), most pet insurance companies cover medical issues, “as long as they’re not pre-existing conditions,” Dr. Gorman adds. “That’s why we advise pet owners to check out insurance options early in a pet’s life before problems arise.”

Start checking pet insurance prices here now or compare providers using the table below.

How Veterinarians Advise Owners to Choose a Policy/Provider

If you think pet insurance might be worth it, consider shopping around for several Pet insurance policy See which one suits your budget and preferences.

“Consider the level of coverage provided, the cost of premiums and deductibles, and any exclusions or limitations. Reading reviews from other pet owners and consulting with your veterinarian can also be helpful in making an informed decision,” says Dr. Pavia.

something Pet insurance plan Some offer more limited coverage, such as for accidents only, while others offer more comprehensive coverage, including areas such as dental problems.

“Be sure to read the coverage carefully. For example, dental disease is the number one disease [among dogs and cats in Massachusetts]”, says Dr. Gorman. “Dental procedures, including surgical extractions, are considered wellness care and are not covered by most insurance unless there is a traumatic oral injury. These procedures can be quite expensive.”

In other words, you want to have a good idea of ​​how such issues will be covered before you buy a policy.

“As with any contract, it’s important to read the policy terms thoroughly and ask any questions to fully understand what is covered and what isn’t,” says Dr. Pavia.

And when choosing a policy, keep that in mind that cost Not always directly related to quality.

“Don’t assume the most expensive insurance is the best. That’s not always the case. It’s a competitive, growing market. Sometimes newer companies have more affordable rates,” says Dr. Gorman.

Get a free pet insurance quote here now to learn more.

What precautions do veterinarians give owners?

While pet insurance can be helpful for many pet owners, you don’t want to blindly shop for a pet insurance plan. For one, it’s important to remember that pet insurance can work differently than human health insurance.

“You have to understand that you have to pay upfront and then get reimbursed or if they pay the vet directly,” says Dr. Norman. Also, “Check whether the premium is paid monthly, half-yearly or annually.”

Pet parents should also be aware of various limitations and costs, such as for specific caste And Medical conditions.

“The decision to insure a pet can differ based on the type of animal and breed. For example, some dog breeds are more prone to certain health problems, which can make insurance more attractive but more expensive for those pets to own on a monthly basis,” says Dr. Pavia. .

And in some cases, a pet’s history can make insurance void.

“Pet insurance is generally not helpful for pets who have had a significant medical history of illness, since once a medical condition is documented, most insurance companies will not cover anything related to that body system,” says Dr. Gorman.

Bottom line

in the end, Pet insurance can be helpful In many situations, especially if you want to reduce the stress and difficult decisions that can arise from unexpected vet bills. In general, you want to shop for pet insurance sooner so that it is more cost-effective, but even Older pets can be insured.

“Insurance helps cover us for the unexpected,” says Dr. Gorman “Veterinarians don’t like to be handed big bills, and we want to stretch our members’ dollars as far as possible. By working with insurance companies, it helps us provide a gold standard for pet patients.”

Learn more about pet insurance policies and prices here now.