Most people understand the necessity of health, home, and auto insurance. What about insurance for our pets? 

“Does my cat or dog need pet insurance?” We get this question often at Westerville Veterinary Clinic, so we are addressing the ins and outs of pet insurance, why it’s necessary, and what it provides your four-legged friend.

Why does my healthy pet need insurance?

You may think you do not need insurance for your pet when they are young or generally healthy, which is always what you hope for. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and pets become ill unexpectedly, usually at the worst times possible. Most pets will have at least one injury or unexpected illness in their lifetime. 

Emergency veterinary care is at the least an unexpected expense and can cost more than is in the budget, so at the least, pet insurance can cover these problems. This means you may not need to make the hard decision about whether you can afford treatment. Most of all, this insurance provides peace of mind. 

What does pet insurance cover?

Like our own health insurance, pet insurance coverage varies with each provider and insurance plan, so it’s imperative that you understand what each policy offers, to avoid unexpected surprises. For example, many pet insurance policies don’t offer coverage for basic pet care, such as wellness examinations, so pet owners should include these visits, which typically are affordable, in their budget.

Most pet insurance policies include a pre-existing condition clause. For example, if you want to buy a policy after your pet has been diagnosed with a cancerous mass, cancer treatments will likely not be covered. Therefore, insuring your pet when they are young and healthy is vital. Older pets can benefit from having pet insurance, but you will need to thoroughly explore the conditions and exclusions. 

Most pet insurance policies provide coverage for the following conditions:

  • Unanticipated surgeries
  • Accidents and injuries
  • Medications
  • Sudden illnesses
  • Emergency care (e.g., poisoning)

Pet owners can choose more than the basic coverage and include more coverage at an extra cost.

Research pet insurance policies

First, do your research. The Buyer’s Guide <Best Pet Insurance – 2024 Buyer’s Guide (buyersguide.org)> is an excellent resource for comparing insurance providers, and you can also find many more cost-comparison guides online. Before you start asking for quotes, ensure all your pet’s records and details are accessible.

Choosing a pet insurance provider

We understand that there are so many providers and choosing one can be difficult. Policies can be ambiguous and confusing, but our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team can assist you. We work with several companies and are familiar with their process and what they offer. The main considerations include:

  • Cost — This is often the pinnacle factor in a pet owner’s choice of provider. Insurance premiums and deductibles are calculated by your pet’s age, breed, health status, gender, lifestyle, and your location.
  • Coverage — The cost also includes the amount of coverage. The more conditions covered, the higher the premium. 
  • Deductible — The amount of deductible you are willing to pay affects the premium. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium, and vice versa.

Check the pet policy’s fine print

The fine print can be a maze, but you have our clinic’s support in choosing the best policy. First, go through these steps:

  • Do your research on the various coverages available
  • Decide on the conditions you want covered
  • Know your budget 
  • Get several quotes from reputable providers
  • Compare and contrast each plan’s coverage and premium costs
  • Ensure you understand the reimbursement amounts, schedule, and method

Understanding pet insurance policies, what they cover, and how much they cost will help you avoid surprises and mean you do not have to worry when the unexpected befalls your pet. Our Westerville Veterinary Clinic team is always available to help you determine the best insurance options for your precious pet. Contact us for an appointment.