KONAN the Barkarian, a black mantle Great Dane puppy. Photo by Sam Rose of www.Rosedanes.com
10 years or so ago, pet insurance wasn’t a very popular topic of conversation. But now, thanks in large part to the ways in which digital advertising has changed (and thanks to social media), more people are considering it; even Twitter’s beloved We Rate Dogs account that raises money for dogs in need has become an ad platform for pet insurance. And as a result of this kind of publicity, more pet owners are giving the matter some thought.
Now, that doesn’t mean that it’s always the right decision, and we understand that everyone’s situation is different. In this piece however, we’re going to look into some of the reasons why people should be considering pet insurance.
- It helps you avoid emergency costs
Life happens. And just as we know that unexpected house repairs, car issues, and personal issues can result in burdensome expenses, health issues for pets can also present sudden financial strain. With pet insurance, you can avoid the worst of expensive emergency costs by making affordable monthly or quarterly payments instead. On top of this, many pet insurance policies also allow owners to pay for surgeries or other major treatments via installments over a period of time.
- It covers more than you think
Pet insurance also covers more than you think. Most pet owners are likely to have a perception that insurance exists primarily to cover major illnesses or procedures. However, high-quality pet insurance also tends to account for a whole lot more. A piece at Sound Dollar expands on the extent of what can be covered, and mentions everything from accidents (bites from other animals for instance) and poisoning, to prescription medication and microchipping. Simply put, while pet insurance is there to help with major illnesses, surgeries, etc., most of the best packages also help with a range of other costs that can arise in relation to your pet’s health.
- You can choose your vet
Choosing your vet is just like choosing your general physician: You want someone you can trust with a life. Pet insurance packages often allow you to choose your own vet without jeopardizing the coverage. A WebMD write-up on picking a vet notes that you should double check that any vet you’re considering accepts insurance. Provided they do though, all you have to do is present vet bills to your insurance provider, and the provider will reimburse you for qualified expenses. Be sure to find out what those qualified expenses are when you send the bill, just to make sure no mistakes are made.
- It might cover third-party liabilities
Do you have a dog that decided to destroy the apartment you’re renting? Naturally, that kind of damage can be extremely expensive. And in some cases, pet insurance will cover third-party liabilities such as the associated repair costs –– or even health costs that may arise if your pet accidentally injures someone. This sort of assistance can help immensely if, say, you have a puppy that is particularly destructive, or a pet who may be unfriendly to people they don’t know.
- There’s no discrimination
Perhaps best of all is that your pet can be covered regardless of age, breed, or hereditary condition. This is especially important for people who adopt older pets. Just like humans, pets develop health issues as they get older. The breed can also play a factor: German Shepherds for instance are prone to hip dysplasia, and pugs often become obese with age. But pet insurance packages treat all pets the same –– with the care and support they need, regardless of the situation they’re in or what issues they’re prone to.
As Joe Yonan covered in a past post, the death of a pet can hurt every bit as much as that of a human loved one. Having pet insurance helps pet owners afford emergency and preventative care, allowing them to have more time with their beloved pets and avoid unnecessary suffering. It may not always be the right choice for everyone, but insurance does make it more likely that pets will live their healthiest, happiest, and longest lives.
Post courtesy of Sam Rose
