If you own a pet and are considering getting pet insurance, you’ve either already faced a large vet bill and don’t want to do it again or are worried about the potential of getting a large vet bill for an emergency. Pet insurance exists because there are some treatments that can treat diseases and other health issues that are expensive and often cost-prohibitive. If you want to give your pet the longest life possible, pet insurance may be worth carrying.
How Much Does It Cost?
Plans for pet insurance can cost as little as $10 per month, but just like health insurance for people, policies can cost more depending on what the coverage entails. There are several providers that you can check with, and the premiums will often depend on what conditions your pet has at the time of enrollment. There are plans for virtually any budget, but when it comes to whether it’s worth it, you’ll need to check what it covers.
What Does It Cover?
As for what pet insurance covers, that will depend on your policy and when any issues are diagnosed. Pet insurers typically exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage, so if your dog gets diagnosed with cancer and you want to apply for insurance to curb the expenses post-diagnosis, unfortunately you may learn that much of the care is not covered due to the cancer being pre-existing. Likewise, at renewal of the policy, conditions that have cropped up over the previous term may be excluded. Overall, you’ll need to talk to an insurance provider at length to find out what your premiums will be covering over time. This alone can be an indication of whether insurance will be a worthy investment for you. Chronic problems, such as hip dysplasia, are also typically not covered—something to think about if your dog is a breed prone to such an ailment.
Is My Vet Covered?
Another question you’ll want to find out is whether your vet will be covered. Typically, pet insurance is applicable at any veterinary office, but it’s important to find out whether specialists or urgent care/emergency vet clinics are covered as well.
One thing to remember about all pet insurance plans is that generally, you foot the bill yourself and are then reimbursed by the provider. Be sure to read the fine print and make sure that you fully understand the contract and what percentage of the costs you will be reimbursed for different maladies.
Whether or not pet insurance is right for you is a personal decision. If you need help deciding, your vet can likely help you go over the options and help you make an informed decision.
