What Can Pet Medical Insurance Do For My Dog or Cat?
Is pet insurance a trend that you should embrace? Insuring your furry friends is a good idea in several situations. It can help pay for emergency veterinary services and routine care. A growing number of insurers cover vaccinations, prescriptions, spaying, neutering and frequently used services.
There’s a reason why more than 1.4 million dogs and cats are insured according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. Insurance can protect you from difficult decisions and ensure that your pets receive the best care no matter what. Today, some insurers offer broader policies that cover preventive care and hereditary conditions that require surgery, such as hip dysplasia. However, insurers consider these risks when providing quotes.
Pet health insurance can also cover the small things if you have a low deductible. Deductibles and reimbursement rates are two important things to consider when comparing plans. First, you must satisfy your deductible and pay all of your veterinary bills. Then, the insurance company will reimburse you at a predetermined rate. Most reputable companies will reimburse 90 percent of covered expenses.
The big question is whether you’re better off purchasing insurance annually or saving the money that you would have spent on insurance premiums to pay for anticipated or unexpected care. Statistics show that dogs receive emergency veterinary care twice as often as cats. Insurers also know that puppies visit the vet more frequently than adult dogs, and some will require emergency care to treat injuries, illnesses or hereditary conditions. That’s why premiums vary for cats, puppies, adult dogs and seniors. But for the most part, buying insurance can allay many of the worries that all pet owners have!
If you think that insurance is right for your pets, take time to compare your options. Learn about exclusions. See if the services you expect to use are covered, and decide how much you can afford to pay before you’re reimbursed. With due diligence, pet insurance can give your cats and dogs a happy, healthy and long life.