Everything you need to know about pet insurance and its benefits
By Charlotte Francesca Stiles, DVM
Pet insurance may seem like an unnecessary extra, however, it’s something all pet parents should consider. However, with a variety of different options, it can be tricky to know exactly what to look for.
In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of pet insurance, the different types of pet insurance and how to choose the one that is right for you.
What are the benefits of pet insurance?
If our pets ever get sick or have an accident, the last thing we want to do is worry about how much it will cost to help them get better. Medicine is expensive, so when our pets need help, we may find ourselves in a tricky financial situation.
Having an appropriate pet insurance policy can give you both the peace of mind and financial protection you need in unforeseen circumstances. There are also plans available which cover the costs of routine treatment that can help you plan and budget for some of the everyday health costs associated with having a pet.
With the right policy, you can relax knowing that whatever happens to your pet, you’ll likely be able to afford to help them get better. If you opt for a policy that covers emergency illnesses, it also means that you and your vet can make treatment plans which are not limited by cost and may be better for your pet.
While we’re on the topic of helping keep pets safe, we’d like to remind you that it’s important to ensure your pet is microchipped and that all contact information is up to date.
How to choose pet insurance
The type of pet insurance you choose will depend on the type you want and your budget, which we’ll discuss below.
When it comes to finding the right insurance, we’d recommend talking to fellow pet parents for recommendations and shopping around to compare different options.
Types of pet insurance
We’ve listed the different types of insurance below:
- Wellness - this is the one to choose if you want a policy that covers routine care such as vaccinations, medication for parasites and dental work. Wellness plans are usually optional and provided at an additional cost.
- Accident only - this policy covers your pet if they have an accident, however, it won’t cover anything else (such as diseases or routine care).
- Accident and illness - this policy covers your pet in case of an emergency, but also covers non-emergency diagnostics and treatment.
If your pet is at a higher risk or has previously suffered from specific conditions or diseases, it’s also important to check whether they will be covered in your policy. Always read your policy carefully to be sure you understand what is (and isn’t) covered.
Pet insurance cost
The cost of your pet’s insurance will depend on the type of coverage you choose.
There may be a difference in price if you pay monthly, or if you pay it all in one go. As we mentioned earlier, we’d recommend shopping around to make sure you get the best price.
We’d also like to mention, that usually, pet insurance companies don’t pay the bill upfront, they just reimburse you afterwards, so it’s also a good idea to have money set aside to pay upfront.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it explains everything you need to know when it comes to pet insurance and its benefits. Overall, pet insurance is a great way to help your pet get the care they need and is often recommended by veterinarians. Consider covering your furry friend with pet insurance to help you get peace of mind.