Do You Need Pet Insurance for Your Pet?

Guest post by Lorie  Huston, DVM 

The cost of pet care, especially if your pet is injured unexpectedly or becomes seriously ill, can be quiet high. Technologically, we now have a variety of different options available for diagnosis and treatment that didn’t exist even a few years ago. But with these advances in veterinary medicine comes a higher price tag as well.

What would you, as a pet owner, do if you were faced with a pet that had a treatable condition that would cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to resolve? Would you be able to afford that type of bill?

Unfortunately, many pet owners faced with type of decision cannot afford the cost of treatment. This is the type of situation where pet insurance can make a big difference. It can mean the difference between being able to treat your pet and being forced to euthanize him instead.

As a veterinarian, I’ve seen these types of situations arise over and over again, often with heartbreaking conclusions. As a result, pet insurance is something I urge all pet owners to consider.

Is there a possibility that you may never need to use your pet insurance? Yes, of course there is that possibility. The same possibility exists with property insurance. You insure your home and your car also in the hopes that you never need to file a claim.

Of course, some pet insurance policies do cover the costs of routine care for your pet as well. Many different types of pet insurance policies exist. Choose the policy that works best for your situation. Make sure you read all the fine print and know exactly what your insurance policy will cover as well as what it will not cover. Compare policies and prices. Investigate the insurance company backing the policy. Make an informed decision.

The other option to pet insurance is to start keeping an emergency fund for your pet’s care. If you’re good at saving money and dedicated to contributing regularly to the fund and not giving into the temptation to spend it elsewhere, this may a viable alternative to pet insurance for you.

If you are considering purchasing insurance for your pet, this is the time to act. Don’t wait until your pet gets sick. Most insurance policies will not cover existing illnesses or injuries so once your pet gets sick or hurt, it may be too late.

So, what about you? Do you have pet health insurance? Are you thinking about it? Do you prefer keeping a savings account instead of purchasing insurance? 

 

Comments

[Caren Gittleman]

great article! I am embarrassed to say that I have been contemplating it for over a year and keep forgetting to ask my vet if they will accept insurance from the company that I am considering. I must get on that early 2012!