Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

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Having a pet means being responsible. 

If you want to own a pet, you should be able to take care of them properly. It goes without saying – your pet should be happy and healthy. However, you can’t predict what might happen in the future, which is why having pet insurance is always a wise precaution.

In case your pet suffers an accident or gets unexpectedly sick – pet insurance might save you from substantial financial expenses. Most pet owners have already realized it, which is why interest in pet insurance is constantly on the rise.

In this article, we’ll take an honest, objective look at all the major pros and cons of having pet insurance. By the end of it, you’ll have a precise idea of whether getting pet insurance is the right decision for you. 

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance is no different from other insurance policies for humans. The idea is simple- if you take your pet to the vet, you’ll first have to pay the bill and get reimbursed by the insurance provider later.

Another thing is that most pet insurance companies don’t cover conditions that existed before you got your pet insured. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to get pet insurance right after you get your pet, so everything that happens going forward will be covered.

The Pros and Cons of Having Pet Insurance

Pros

1. You can pick the vet you like

You can visit any licensed veterinarian you want. Most pet insurance companies will allow you to choose the vet you want and cover your bills afterward.

2. Get cashback on your vet bills

We all know that vet bills can be really expensive, so another good thing about having pet insurance is that it’ll help you with higher bills. Most pet insurance plans will cover 70% to 90% of your veterinary expenses. Of course, it all depends on the pet insurance coverage you have chosen for your pet.

3. Protected from the unexpected

If an accident or an unexpected illness happens, it’s always comforting to know that you have insurance to cover any expenses. Keep in mind, though – all pet insurance companies have a waiting period s before the policy starts covering any accidents or illnesses.

4. Customized coverage

This is a big pro. If you have a pet with specific needs – this can be a lifesaver. You can customize the coverage of the pet insurance according to your pet’s specific needs. If your pet has a condition or if there are already known complications that might happen to a certain breed – you can make sure it’s covered in your policy.  

5. Budget-friendliness

The good thing about pet insurance is that you can choose your annual deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement level, according to your budget. There are basic coverages vs. comprehensive ones and you can choose the one that best suits your budget.  

Cons:

1. It’s a reimbursement plan

This means that you’ll still have to pay the costs upfront and only then will you get reimbursed by your insurer. The good news is most pet insurance companies offer a fast reimbursement process where you get your money back within a few days.  

2. It doesn’t cover pre-existing health conditions

If your pet already has a certain condition, like a chronic disease, most pet insurance companies won’t cover it. Some insurers, though, will cover curable pre-existing conditions if your pet was free of symptoms and treatments for 12-18 months.  

3. Routine vet visits are not covered

Pet insurance companies usually offer protection from the unexpected and therefore, do not cover routine care such as annual vet visits, vaccinations, or spaying and neutering.   

4. It includes “what if” coverage 

Like with all insurance policies, pet insurance offers “What if” protection- meaning, providing protection only if something happens. So yes, your pet might not need expensive chemotherapy or joint replacement, but with statistics showing that 1 out of 3 pets will visit a vet due to an emergency in a given year, it might be wise to be ready for it.   

Conclusion

Pet insurance does have advantages and disadvantages, but at the end of the day – it’s good to have someone watch your back in case something bad and unexpected happens to your pet.

Of course, you should pick the best pet insurance plan for your pet according to their needs, especially if your pet has breed-specific health problems. You should plan ahead and see how pet insurance can fit into your budget. All things considered – you can’t go wrong with insuring your pet. Get a quote from Animalia today to learn more.