Why Your Pet Needs Health Insurance




The point is really being prepared for the worst. You need pet health insurance and hope that you will never have to use it. Having pet health insurance and not needing it is much better than needing it and not having it.

Molly Bee was a very cute, lovable, and absolutely wonderful West Highland Terrier. Coming into my life when she was 12 weeks old, I assumed the best for her as I was getting her from a reputable AKC breeder. He had no way of knowing what to expect. She was unprepared for the thousands of dollars she would spend in vain trying to save her life.

Molly Bee developed an inherited condition that turned off her liver. It was so devastating that our good vet told me that his test numbers were higher than any he had ever seen. I prayed (and paid) until I could pray and pay no more. Molly Bee had to sleep when she was 18 months old. I was devastated by thousands of dollars. Remembering the pet health insurance brochure I read while at his doctor’s office, I vowed never to be without pet health insurance again.

Here are six helpful tips on what you may need to know about this topic. Remind: Having pet health insurance and not needing it is much better than needing it and not having it.

Most people do not consider their pet’s breed, its disposition, whether that breed leads an active or sedentary lifestyle, and how children in the neighborhood or other animals, both wild and domestic, can interact with your pet. Young children can pose a real danger, and that Rottweiler down the street or that Coyote in the outdoor park can generate a $ 1,000 vet bill from a bite of their Jack Russell Terrier.

1. Make sure you read the brochure!

Like human health insurance, there are all kinds of plans to fit your budget. Most pet health insurance plans offer 80% coverage (a 20% deductible or perhaps a $ 100 initial treatment threshold), which could increase along with your monthly premiums. For about $ 12.95 per month, you can insure your pet for most accidents and the costs associated with its treatment in the event of an emergency. You are probably better off paying as you go, or out of pocket, for routine pet care, vaccinations, and the like.

2. When does the coverage start?

There will often be a waiting period, usually 14 to 30 days, before your pet’s health insurance coverage begins. Make sure your veterinarian has well documented your pet’s good health on your last visit so that you can tell that there were no pre-existing conditions (or that such condition is waived or insured). A good time to purchase pet health insurance is right after your vet visit.

3. Can I choose my own vet?

Most plans allow you to choose your own pet healthcare provider, especially in an emergency. I suggest you check with your veterinarian about the insurance programs they accept for routine or routine and emergency pet care.

4. Each year 6 million dogs and 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer. Will my insurance cover those costs too?

Be sure to read up on your pet’s health insurance plan to see what is covered and what is not. Often times, your insurance policy will allow you to add some coverage for additional premiums. Contact your operator for more information.

5. Are there age requirements or restrictions for pet health insurance?

Yes, most plans do not cover the first eight to twelve weeks of your pet’s life. Some plans are limited to pets up to 12 years old (varies with your pet’s age at the time of insurance purchase) and have other limits based on your pet’s breed. Great Danes, for example, rarely live beyond 8 years of age. And I have had cats that lived to be 20 years old! Most policies impose breed and / or age restrictions on your coverage.

6. But I have more than one pet! Can I save by insuring them all?

Yes, most plans offer a discount (often 10% per pet) when you insure your entire “family.”

In closing, you should carefully consider all your pet health insurance options. Having no insurance is simply irresponsible. If your pet needs emergency care and you cannot afford that care, contact your local humane society or ASPCA for assistance.

Remember that pet health insurance does not have to be expensive, it is not limited to a single vet, it is not complicated to use, it can provide coverage for general care or check-ups, and it can be ordered online.

In any case, we will be happy to answer your questions about this important decision. Send us an email or comment on this article and we will contact you as soon as possible.

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