You carefully budget for the best food, toys, and regular vet check-ups, but what happens when the unexpected occurs? Imagine if Fluffy gets into that pizza on the table and ends up with pancreatitis. What about when Buddy has a run in with another dog at the dog park and needs stitches? Or when your cat Fat Joey is diagnosed with Diabetes and facing lifelong insulin injections? Suddenly you may be faced with hefty veterinary bills. What if you had help with that? More and more vets are recommending pet insurance for all pets not just high risk breeds. Insurance allows you to focus on your pet’s health without the added stress of how to pay for it.
As a veterinarian, my job is advocating for the health and well-being of your pets. Animals and people share an incredible bond. Absolutely one of the most difficult parts of my job is when cost stands in the way of providing the care your pet needs. That’s why I want to talk about something you can do to that can truly make a difference – get pet insurance.
Why I Recommend Pet Insurance:
Ability to Say Yes: With pet insurance, you’re more likely to say “yes” to laboratory tests, treatments, and surgeries that could improve or even save your pet’s life. Instead of being forced to make a heart wrenching decision based on cost, you can prioritize your pet’s needs. For example, if your dog suddenly starts limping, you won’t hesitate to get come in and get an exam and X-rays instead of waiting
Fit Fido’s Care Into Your Budget: Just like human health insurance, pet insurance helps you budget for unexpected medical expenses. You pay a regular monthly or annual premium, and a portion of eligible veterinary costs can be reimbursed. This financial protection can be a huge relief.
Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a financial safety net in place allows you to worry less about healthcare costs and focus more on enjoying your time with your best friend.
Wide Range of Coverage : Most pet insurance plans cover a variety of medical issues, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, hospital stays, medicine, and even wellness care depending on the plan. This coverage ensures that you’re prepared for many of life’s unexpected surprises.
Specialized Care: If your pet requires advanced measures like a veterinary dermatologist, cardiologist, or other specialist, pet insurance can make these often costly treatments more accessible.
Pet Insurance Providers:
Over the years, I’ve seen pet owners use lots of different insurance providers. There are many great options out there. The website Pet Insurance Review is a wonderful resource to compare different plans and policies – based on coverage options, customer service, and terms of use. Here are just a few companies pet parents have raved about to me.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin offers comprehensive plans with 90% reimbursement after deductible and often include conditions other insurers won’t cover. They also have an optional preventative care plan. I find their wellness plan may or may not be useful to you depending on prices in your area.
Embrace: Embrace is known for its diminishing deductible feature, where your deductible decreases each year you don’t receive a claim. They also offer a wellness rewards program for routine care.
Pets Best: Pets Best offers a variety of plans with different deductible and reimbursement options, allowing you to customize coverage to fit your budget and needs. They are also known for their quick claim processing.
Lemonade: Lemonade is popular for its user-friendly app and fast claim processing. They also have a giveback program where leftover premiums go to animal charities.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Plan:
Coverage: Understand what the plan covers, including accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and any exclusions.
Deductible: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Reimbursement Percentage: This is the percentage of eligible costs the insurance company will reimburse you for (e.g., 70%, 80%, or 90%). Also keep in mind that most plans require you to pay your veterinarian out-of-pocket and then you are reimbursed for covered costs.
Annual Limit: This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in a year.
Waiting Periods: Be aware of the waiting periods before certain coverage goes into effect.
Pre-existing Conditions: Most pet insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing pet insurance is an act of love and responsible pet ownership. It gives you financial security and ensures you can always prioritize your pet’s health, no matter what. While the premium might seem like a big expense, it can save you from serious difficulties down the road.
Consider your pet’s breed, age, and underlying health risks when deciding. Don’t hesitate to ask me or our team if you have any questions about pet insurance – we’re here to help you make the best choices for your pet. Your peace of mind, and their health, are worth it.
Dr Holly Sullivant is a veterinarian in Palm Harbor, FL. A 1997 graduate of Michigan State University she’s been serving the pets of Palm Harbor since 2002. She shares her life with her family and her three dogs and two cats.