In the United States, 85 million families are pet owners. As such, this means that they are a cherished part of the family, and if anything happened to the pet, it would be heartbreaking.
The cost of owning a pet varies, depending on the type of pet you have, their medical conditions, medications, vet visits, location, and so forth, but on average, pet owners can expect to pay around $500 or more per year on their pets’ health.
Some owners resort to signing up for pet insurance. But is pet insurance worth it or will it leave another dent in your wallet? Here are some facts to help you decide if you want to buy pet insurance.
What is Pet Insurance?
Simply, pet insurance is similar to medical or dental insurance. It covers the cost of certain pet treatments like wellness visits, vaccinations, surgeries, medications, emergencies, and more. Pet insurance may or may not cover the entire cost of treatment; it will be according to your policy.
Typically, you will have to pay the vet bill in full first, apply for a claim, and then receive the reimbursement if it’s covered.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
When considering if pet insurance is worth the cost, there are a couple of factors to consider.
Breed
While purebred dogs make great pets, their health costs are typically higher. This is because they have some hereditary conditions that are passed down like hip dysplasia, certain cancers, and others.
Because of this, some purebreds cost more to insure. However, if you want to see your dog live a full life, these medical conditions can be very costly. So purchasing pet insurance might be beneficial to cover the cost of medical treatments.
Age
Medical insurance allows co-pays, pet insurance works the same way.
When your pet is a puppy, the co-pay is usually low and manageable. As your pet ages, the co-pay increases which many people do not realize.
Coverage and Benefits
Pet insurance plans are not equal. Many cover different conditions, illnesses, or accidents. Most of the time you can choose which plan works for you based on your needs and your budget.
In addition to larger health problems, benefits can include coverage like check-ups, vaccinations, heartworm and flea, and tick treatments. But the majority of the coverage will come from illness or injuries from accidents.
Alternatives
If pet insurance isn’t on your radar, or unaffordable, there are other ways to help you offset the cost of veterinary care.
Pet discount programs such as Pet Assure help you save costs on your vet bills without filling out claims or being denied coverage. Visit petassure.com to learn more about some of the different options that are available to you.
Another alternative is to shop around for the vet costs that fit your budget. Surprisingly, veterinary costs will vary across the board, so before you decide on a treatment, shop around for the best price.
Protect Your Pet
Is pet insurance worth it? Take into account your dog’s breed, health concerns, and age and decide. Treating pets like family is always worth it!
Do you want to learn how to keep your pet in the best shape possible? Read more tips on how to keep your pet safe and healthy.
