In return for unconditional love, many pet owners do everything they can to ensure our pets have long, productive, and healthy lives. Veterinary science has kept up with our willingness to provide life long quality healthcare for our special friends. Treatments and diagnostic procedures once unheard of in the veterinary world are now commonplace: MRIs, radiation therapy, and specialized screenings, to name but a few.
Veterinary Care Inflation and the Effect on Your Wallet
Much like the human health care sector, medical care breakthroughs result in higher costs for vets and pet owners alike. While veterinary medical advances extend our pet’s quality of life, the financial impact for pet owners cannot be overlooked.
Recently, our neighbor’s German Shephard “Duke” suffered from hip dysplacia. Our friend was amazed at Missy’s vets proficiency, but the $1400+ in costs left our friend juggling her finances to pay the vet bills.
What is Pet Insurance, and Does it Make Sense For You?
Much like health insurance for us, pet insurance drastically reduces the risk of caring for your pet. Perhaps most importantly, it can eliminate the heart wrenching decision of euthanizing your pet vs. incurring a large financial hardship. There are several different pet insurance companies. Some policies pay for all types of veterinary care. Some will cover your pet regardless of age, while certain plans have numerous deductibles and restrictions.
Anyone considering pet insurances should ask themselves this question: “Will I devote a reasonable amount of time and money to treat and heal my pet?”. If your answer is “yes”, you’re a good candidate for pet insurances. Sadly, many pet owners are forced to choose between finances and their pet’s health. Worse, other pet owners view their pets as disposable, and simply won’t treat the animal if it becomes too ill.
Typical Plans and Costs
Most pet insurances plans offer coverage for as low as $10 per month. Pet insurances plans for senior pets (normally 8 years and older) will run a bit more, normally $29.95 per month. Costs for cats and dogs generally run the same.
Remember, pet insurances are designed to help you and your pet through significant illnesses and injuries. It’s easy to budget for routine expenses like annual check-ups, shots, flea preventative, etc. Some pet insurances plans offer discounts on routine care, but be prepared to use a contracted (network) veterinarian, similar to a PPO/HMO set up for humans.
Two Real Life Financial Examples
A business associate told us of his two beloved pets, 6 year old cat “Whiskers” and his 12 year old border collie mix “Diamond”. Luckily, he had taken out pet insurances on both pets just weeks before Whiskers’ visit to the vet. With coverage through Instant Pet Insurance, he was paying $9.95/mo. for Whiskers and $29.95/mo. for Diamond, less a small multi-pet discount. All told, Whiskers veterinary bills totaled $1330, and Diamond racked up an $1100 tab.
Fortunately, he was reimbursed $1280 for Whiskers, and $900 for Diamond, accounting for a normal $50 deductible for an adult cat and a $200 senior dog deductible. If you feel comfortable budgeting for routine annual costs like check-ups, immunizations, flea preventative, etc. there’s no need to pay for routine coverage.
Our experience as pet owners and animal lovers has shown us that most pets will require some form of unexpected medical treatment in their lifetimes. If it’s important to you as a pet owner to be prepared, consider taking out a pet insurance policy. Here are some special factors to look for when taking out the pet insurances policy:
1. Guaranteed Acceptance, no matter the age of your pet.
2. The ability to use the veterinarian of your choosing
3. Fixed Premiums and Deductibles.
4. Unlimited Accident Coverage
5. Comprehensive Coverage of Veterinary Services – some pet insurers exclude common hereditary conditions for certain breeds.
6. State Licensing – Make sure your pet insurer is licensed.
Tag : pet insurances|veterinary care
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Pet Insurance
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Why Pet Insurance Is A Must
Pets today need insurance as the cost of medical treatments are very high and in breeding and other problems have made pets more susceptible to diseases and other problems. Pet insurance can cost anywhere between USD 2000-6000 over the life of a pet and the amount of premium to be paid would depend on many variables like breed, age, and more.
Pet insurance can be bought online or offline from leaders like: Pet care Insurance Companies; Veterinary Pet Insurance Company; Pets Best Insurance; and Vet Insurance. Pet insurance at affordable rates can be purchased online from websites devoted to pet insurance and pet care. The premium to be paid depends on age of pet, general health of pet, breed of pet, potential risks for susceptible diseases and so on. The internet is a knowledge highway and has great information on pets, insurance options, and more.
Medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars. Here are a few reasons why pet insurance is to be considered:
1. A pet is a family member and death due to accident or illness can upset children. Insurance coverage could save the life of the pet.
2. Pet insurance gives peace of mind and owners can stop worrying about unpaid bills or pets crossing roads.
3. Pet insurance ensures longer life spans of pets.
4. Insurance offers preventive health care, which means diseases can be detected in pets at early stages when treatments can offer cures.
5. Pet insurance covers expensive diagnostics and hospitalization expenses for pets.
6. Pet insurance can save the life of the pet as it covers treatments like radiation therapy and kidney replacements.
7. Pet insurance releases the burden of having to pay when the family is going through lean times such as being “laid off” or having a personal illness to deal with.
8. Pet insurance can help you get a deductible which is cost saving and the insurance will protect the pet.
9. Pet insurance offers regular health checks, shots, elective and non elective surgeries, and sometimes extended stays at a pet boarding house.
10. In general pet insurance can cost as little as USD 20-40 a month and this brings good health and cheer to the pet, very much a family member.
Pet insurance could save the life of a dear one without straining your wallet.
Tag : pet insurance|pet
