Why your pet needs health insurance
The question is really one of being prepared for the worst. You need pet health insurance and hope you 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, adorable and absolutely wonderful West Highland Terrier. Coming into my life when she was 12 weeks old, I assumed what was best for her as I was getting her from a reputable AKC breeder. She had no way of knowing what she was in for. She was not prepared for the thousands of dollars she would spend in vain trying to save her life.
Molly Bee developed a hereditary condition that shut down her liver. It was so devastating that our good vet told me that her 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 be put to sleep when she was only 18 months old. She was devastated and out of thousands of dollars. Remembering the pet health insurance brochure she had read while at her doctor’s office, I vowed never to go without pet health insurance again.
The following are six helpful tips on what you may need to know on this topic. Remember: Having pet health insurance and not needing it is much better than needing it and not having it.
Most people do not consider the breed of their pet, their disposition, whether or not that breed lives an active or sedentary lifestyle, and how neighborhood children or other animals, both wild and domestic, may interact with their pet. Young children can pose a real danger, and that Rottweiler down the street or Coyote from the open space park can net you a $1,000 vet bill with one bite from your Jack Russell Terrier.
1. Be sure to read the brochure!
Just like health insurance for humans, 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 around $12.95 USD a month, you can insure your pet for most accidents and the costs associated with emergency treatment. You’ll probably be better off paying as you go, or out-of-pocket, for routine pet health care, vaccinations, and the like.
2. When does coverage begin?
There will often be a waiting period, usually 14 to 30 days, before your pet’s health insurance coverage begins. Make sure your vet has well documented your pet’s good health at his last visit so that it can be said that there were no pre-existing conditions (or that condition is exempt or insured). A good time to buy pet health insurance is right after the vet visit.
3. Can I choose my own vet?
Most plans allow you to choose your own pet health care provider, especially in an emergency. I suggest you check with your veterinarian about the insurance programs he or she accepts for routine or routine and emergency medical care for pets.
4. 6 million dogs and 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer each year. Will my insurance cover those costs too?
Be sure to read up on your pet’s health insurance plan to see what is and isn’t covered. Often your insurance policy will allow you to add some coverage for additional premiums. Contact your operator for more information.
5. Are there any 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 of age (varies based on your pet’s age at the time you purchase insurance) and have other limits based on your pet’s breed. Great Danes, for example, generally don’t live past 8 years of age. And I have had cats that lived to be 20 years old! Most policies place age and/or race restrictions on their 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 of your pet health insurance options. Not having insurance at all is simply irresponsible. If your pet needs emergency care and you cannot afford that care, contact your local humane society or ASPCA for help.
Remember that pet health insurance doesn’t have to be expensive, isn’t limited to a single vet, isn’t complicated to use, can cover general care or checkups, and can be applied for online.
In any case, we will be happy to answer your questions about this important decision. Drop us an email or comment on this article and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.