Do I Need Health Insurance for My Pet?

Did you know that Americans spend over $100 million dollars every year on pet health insurance? It may seem slightly ridiculous to some, but the idea of treating pets more and more like humans is catching on like wildfire, in some cases, to the extreme. The question is, do your pets needs health insurance or are there other ways of keeping your pets safe?

• What is Pet Health Insurance?—Like human health insurance, pet health insurance provides your pet with protection should he become ill or need major medical treatments, like surgery.
• Why Have Pet Health Insurance?—Just like humans, pets need regular checkups to keep them in top physical condition; and even pets sometimes need surgery or major medical treatment. Even putting your pet to sleep, if necessary, isn’t free. If your pet has coverage, your insurance company may pay up to 80% or more of the bills associated with veterinary care.
• What Factors Go Into the Premiums?—Of the factors that go into determining the premiums on your pet health insurance plan, type of animal, breed, age, health and pre-existing conditions are some of the most prevalent. Just like human insurance, a formula is used to calculate the risk with your pet.
• Do I Really Need Pet Health Insurance?—Whether or not to purchase pet health insurance is a question that plagues many pet owners. The cost can be high in some cases and many pet owners just don’t see the need. However, the costs associated with caring for an ailing pet can financially break an owner, just like paying for uncovered human medical costs might. Even routine checkups on your pet cost money, and these routine checkups include the preventive maintenance that keeps your pets from developing more serious conditions.
  • Consider the facts:
  • Two out of three pets suffer at least one significant health problem during their lifetime.
  • Every pet needs at least two general health checkups every year.
  • One in three pets needs emergency treatment every year.
  • Most insurance plans cover vaccinations, neutering, illnesses and emergencies for less than $200 per year, sometimes less than $100 per year.

• What If I Can’t Afford Pet Health Insurance?—If you can’t afford the cost of pet health insurance, there are ways to keep your pet as healthy and safe as possible.
  • Buy good quality pet food that will keep your pet healthy—Higher end pet foods are better for your pet because many of them are specially formulated to increase the immune system and keep the digestive tract healthy.
  • Don’t fatten them up—While this should need no explanation, just make sure that your pets are getting enough exercise and are keeping a healthy weight.
  • Keep track of your pet—Don’t let your pet wander the neighborhood. If you can keep your pet close to home you will reduce the risk of serious injury.

Remember, while the cost of pet health insurance may seem high, the emotional and financial costs of losing a pet may prove to be worse.