6 Reasons You Need Pet Insurance

By Natalie Nilsen

Pet insurance is an insurance for your pets that pays for any health-related costs. These expenses include treatment, surgeries, x rays and any other additional medical costs that are necessary. Breed Advisor takes you through the reasons why obtaining pet insurance can benefit you, your furry friend, and your family’s finances.

1. Pet Insurance is Customizable

“Providers [of pet insurance] offer a cheaper base plan that you can customize with additional coverages.” ~ Market Watch

Pet insurance can be customized to suit your needs. You can adjust the deductible to be more money with less of a monthly bill or have it lower with a higher monthly bill. You can have the insurance cover more of the costs which, of course, will cost you more money each month.

Most pet insurances cover between 70 to 90 percent of costs. Also pet insurance usually has a maximum amount that it will cover. That is also adjustable. Most pet insurance companies will require you to pay a certain amount that year before it will start covering. Most out of pocket expenses are around $1,000.

“Policyholders can select from plans that can cover accidents, illnesses and routine care, all customized to fit their pet’s needs and their budget” ~ Care Credit, a leading credit card company.

2. Pet Insurance Helps You Get the Best Care for Your Dog

When your pet suddenly has to go to the vet, emergency bills can cost between $250 and $2,000. After seeing that enormous bill you might be told “we need to do these x-rays, use this medication, and your pet needs to stay overnight for who knows how long.”

Your head might start to hurt as you stop hearing the vet listing all the things your pet needs. All you can think of is the bills adding up. The trip to the vet costing more by the second. Your pet needs treatment and the best vets and medication cost more.  You suddenly realize that you don’t have insurance for your dog, and all of this will come out of pocket.

You know that you want the best for your pet but you can’t afford it. You realize you have to cut corners. Pet insurance covers the cost of any vet you chose. Inexpensive or expensive, the insurancecovers it depending on which plan you choose . Pet insurance gives you financial freedom to choose what’s best for you and your dog.

3. Pet Insurance Gives You a Peace of Mind

“Four out of five pet owners will face an unexpected vet bill.” ~ Care Credit

As mentioned, without having a lot of money, you might have to cut corners like get a vet that costs less which might not give as quality care as more expensive vets. In addition, treatment is very expensive.

Without pet insurance you might toss and turn in bed as you wonder what could happen to your pet and what it will cost you if the ‘worst’ happens. Having pet insurance grants you peace of mind.

“Having health insurance ensures you can provide the necessary treatment without worrying about the cost. It gives you peace of mind and allows you to focus on your pet’s well-being rather than the financial burden.” ~ Sara Gorman, DVM, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

4. Removes Difficult Decisions

There are difficult decisions you sometimes have to make when it involves your pet and having insurance for your dog helps remove those tough decisions. Pet insurance is an investment into your pet. If your pet is worth your love, then he or she is also worth your investment. You love your pet, so why not obtain insurance so that it can get the best care in the event he or she gets sick or hurt? This is a decision many pet owners are glad that they made.

5. The Unexpected Can Happen Anytime & Anywhere

If you don’t have pet insurance, it can be costly for you and your pet. A survey from Market Watch illustrates how many get financially impacted by an ill or injured pet:

“Our team surveyed 1,000 pet insurance policyholders nationwide and found that 39% of respondents don’t have savings set aside for their pets. If this also describes your financial situation, you could find yourself unable to pay an unexpected veterinary bill, which could impact the level of care your pet receives. “

Anything can happen to your pet at any moment. Get pet insurance before it’s too late. Your bank account and your pet will thank you.

6. Insurance for Your Dog(s) is Cost Effective

“84% of respondents with pet insurance said the policy was worth it.” ~ MarketWatch.com

In the long run, if your dog does have to have a surgery or expensive treatment, insurance can be very cost effective.  If you are paying $40 dollars a month and started when your dog was one, if he had a $5,000 surgery when he was three, then you would save over $4,000! That is a lot to save.

Research from Care Credit found that 30 Million U.S. Households will face an unexpected pet expense that will cause them financial worry.

Pet insurance for many families is often worth the price.

In conclusion, pet insurance can be a great solution for your family. It is customizable, helps your pet get the best possible care with a wide range of coverage, and provides you, as the owner, peace of mind. Having pet insurance helps removes difficult decisions that comes when your dog is ill or injured.