As a loving pet owner, your pet’s health and happiness are top priorities. However, pets can experience unexpected health issues or accidents that require emergency veterinary attention. While the costs associated with emergency care can be a concern, you always want your pet to receive the best care possible to ensure a better outcome. Our Homestead Animal Hospital team explains why pet health insurance can be a game-changer when your pet needs immediate treatment. 

Benefits of pet insurance

The most compelling reason for insuring your pet  is for emergency care, but other benefits include:

  • Financial protection — Like human health insurance, pet insurance provides financial protection should your pet need unexpected medical expenses. Veterinary bills can add up quickly, especially in emergency cases, but also for surgeries, treating chronic conditions, and sometimes ongoing preventive care. With pet insurance, you are assured that a significant portion of your pet’s veterinary expenses will be covered.
  • Access to quality care — Pet insurance allows you to seek the best care for your pet without worrying about the cost. Whether your pet needs surgery or specialized treatments, when your pet is insured, you have the freedom to decide what’s best for their health rather than what you can afford.
  • Early detection and prevention — Many pet insurance policies cover routine preventive care, such as vaccinations, wellness exams, and dental cleanings, making it more likely that you will keep your pet up-to-date with these vital regular services. Regular care is important for detecting medical issues, beginning treatment early, and preventing more serious health problems down the line.
  • Emergency preparedness — No one likes to think about their pet experiencing a medical emergency but, unfortunately, accidents and sudden illnesses can happen. When your pet is insured, you are able to concentrate on helping your pet without worrying about making care decisions based on cost. Most pet insurance policies cover emergency care, including surgeries and hospitalization.
  • Peace of mind — Perhaps most significant—pet insurance gives you peace of mind. Knowing you have a financial safety net should your pet be injured or become ill can alleviate some of the stress and worry that comes with pet ownership. 

Pet insurance considerations

When selecting a pet insurance policy, consider the following key factors to help ensure you choose the policy that best fits your pet’s health status and lifestyle:

  • Coverage options — Decide on the services that you want covered. Most policies cover accidents and illnesses, but you may also want coverage for your pet’s annual wellness check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite (e.g., heartworm) prevention.
  • Exclusions and limitations — Policies may exclude conditions that are predisposed in certain breeds, pre-existing conditions, and some specific treatments, so check carefully before you purchase. Additionally, ask whether annual or lifetime payouts are limited.
  • Cost and premiums — Consider the monthly or annual premium costs, deductibles, and co-payments. Compare the total costs of coverage with the amount you think you will spend on your pet each year to determine whether or not purchasing insurance will be the best policy.
  • Reimbursement method — Which reimbursement method would you prefer? Most pet owners prefer that the veterinarian submit the reimbursement request to the insurance provider, but most providers have you pay your veterinarian and then submit a reimbursement request. This is an important consideration, so you know how long you will be out of pocket.
  • Waiting period — Look into the length of time after purchase before coverage begins, and pet age restrictions. Most insurers have waiting periods for specific conditions or treatments.

Pet insurance can be a good investment to ensure your pet receives lifelong health care without you having to worry about enormous expenses, or making hard decisions because you cannot afford the care they need. But, you must take time researching all the options that pet insurance can—or cannot—provide to ensure you make the best possible choice for your pet’s quality of life and your financial situation. 

Our Homestead Animal Hospital team works with several insurance providers and can guide you through the fine print so you choose the right policy. We recommend Trupanion, Embrace Pet Insurance, ASPCA Pet Insurance, and Pet Plan. Call us to learn more.