When it comes to car insurance, renter’s insurance, and health insurance, most people understand the benefits they’ll receive from these policies. However, when it comes to pet insurance, many people remain unaware of the advantages and peace of mind that the right policy can provide. Read on to discover the benefits of pet insurance and learn how to select the right plan for your beloved animal friend.
Benefits of Pet Insurance
It’s been revealed that 95% of pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family, but researchers also estimate that over 10% of veterinary treatments per year result in the animal needing to be euthanized since the owners couldn’t afford treatment. “Pet care is expensive. We [often] use the same products as in human medicine,” says veterinarian Bart Iaia. “Orthopedic surgery or cancer or a trauma case can set you back thousands.”
Pet insurance isn’t just for traumatic injuries or serious illnesses, however. Some policies can help owners save on additional treatment costs for their pets, such as X-rays or overnight stays in the vet clinic, as well as routine wellness checks. Furthermore, some pet insurance plans can help if your pet gets lost by offering a financial award to the individual who finds and returns the animal, or even by assisting with the costs of boarding kennels for your pet if you yourself fall ill and need to be hospitalized.
Tips for Finding the Best Policy
Much like shopping for other kinds of insurance, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right insurance provider and plan. To help you get started, you can use this pet insurance comparison tool to easily compare plans side-by-side to find one that’s best suited for your budget and your pet’s needs. This tool will give you a comprehensive overview of the difference in plans, premiums, deductibles, plan details, and additional features.
Before you select a plan, it can also be beneficial to discuss your pet’s overall health with your vet. They can let you know if there are any risk factors due to your pet’s breed or family history, which can help you make an informed decision about what type of coverage to purchase. For instance, you may select coverage for routine wellness check-ups, coverage in case of medical emergencies, or complete care that covers both genetic predispositions and general check-ups.
Once you choose the right plan, most providers typically just require you to fill out a few forms when you purchase insurance. The whole process is relatively easy and straightforward, and as Kristen Lynch, the executive director of The North American Pet Health Insurance Association states, “I didn’t buy my pet as an investment. I don’t expect to recoup the money that I spent on treats. I just want to enjoy my pet without worrying.”