Why Pet Insurance Is A Must for Every Pet Owner
A pet is just like another family member, and we want to keep them healthy by taking care of them in the best way possible. Sometimes the cost of it can be unbearable due to high costs and expensive medical bills.
But luckily Pet Insurance can save the day by cutting down the costs without compromising on your pet’s health. Pet insurance works just like health insurance for humans, and is a very good way keep costs low and is must for every pet owner.
Importance of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is designed to take the burden from your shoulders. God forbidden, if your pet gets seriously injured or ill, you will not have to worry about the expenses to get them the best treatment possible. Pet insurance can take care of these situations, leaving you to worry about more important things, such as your pet’s well-being1.
You Get to Choose Your Coverage Level
You are in control to choose the coverage which you think is best for your pet. Basic insurance typically covers injuries and illness, but you can always opt to switch to a wellness coverage plan that provides coverage for health tests, vaccines, and other routine veterinary services.
You Need to Pay Premiums and Deductibles
Depending on the coverage plan you choose, you will have to pay monthly premiums just like health insurance2. The amount of premiums usually depends on the deductibles, maximum yearly limit, and some various factors.
Claims and Reimbursement Depends on The Policy
If you have pet insurance, you will need to pay for vet services beforehand3. This is different from human health insurance that kicks in at time of service. But there is nothing to worry about as you will be reimbursed for the amount you spend on each visit.
Annual Maximums Can Increase Your Monthly Premiums
If the annual maximums of your plan are higher, then get ready to pay increase monthly premiums. Veterinary services can cost up to $20,000 for pets with serious issues4. It therefore, best to pick the coverage plan for your pet that has no annual limit and can cover almost all of the costs of your pet.
Expect Waiting Period
Most pet insurance policies impose waiting times for certain services or on particular conditions, so it is always a good idea to ensure that your pet doesn't have any of those conditions.
Look Out for Age and Breed Restrictions
You can get a plan for your pet from the age of six to eight weeks; however, keep in mind that there are some restrictions on the maximum age limits. The same rule applies to some dog breeds as well, and they might not qualify for pet insurance. Always try to do your research and try different insurance companies before applying for one.
Some Options for Your Pet Insurance
Here are some of the most popular pet insurance companies5 available in the market.
Pets Best
Pets Best provides a range of pet insurance plans, including accident-only insurance. The simple plans have exceptionally small annual maximums that makes them less attractive for pet owners. The average cost is between $30-50/month6.
Healthy Paws
Healthy paws are famous for their single, comprehensive plan, which covers almost everything for your pet. There is no annual limit, and you are sure to get reimbursed for the payments you make during vet visits. All you need to do is provide an actual vet bill.
Nationwide
Nationwide is an inexpensive option as they provide three plans at a lower cost. However, their Whole Pet Plan is a better option as it covers many more services. Plans start at $34/month depending on what you are looking to get7.
Embrace
If you want to customize your pet’s insurance plan according to its need, then Embrace is the place for you. Average costs are as low as $15-20/month8. The good thing is that they always pay wellness claims promptly. However, the age limit for your pet to get insured is 14 years.
Figo
Three-tier coverage makes Figo a versatile choice for many pet owners. It is one of the youngest companies, and they let you select from plans with yearly maximums varying from $10,000 to unlimited.