Many of us have a pet in our lives, and they become part of the family. Whether it’s a dog, cat, fish, or snake we all want to do everything we can to protect them from harm.
Because of this, pet insurance has gained popularity in the past few years as more people are pushing the importance upon themselves to protect their pet with it.
Insurance on animals isn’t anything new, but it does seem to be gaining popularity in recent years as more and more people have been purchasing this for their pets.
Pet owners are growing more cautious about their dogs’ and cats’ health which is leading them to think about having insurance for their pets.
So let’s answer the question: Is pet insurance worth it?
Is pet insurance worth it?
Yes, pet insurance is worth it. You really don’t have to spend money on your pet if they get sick or injured. The cost of treating a pet with these types of illnesses is very expensive and can run into thousands of dollars depending on what illness they have.
Pet insurance can help you save a lot of money and keep more funds in your pocket when it comes time for medical care for your dog or cat. Not only do you not need to worry about paying out-of-pocket expenses but pet insurance also covers accidents and injuries.
How much can a pet health emergency end up costing you?
According to CNBC, 1 out of 3 pets in the U.S. will require emergency treatment each year.
They also mention that the average cost of an unexpected visit to the veterinarian can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500.
When faced with an unexpected expense of just $400, 27% of adults would have to borrow or sell something.
While most people may think that their pet will only end up needing medical care once every couple of years, it’s actually much more common for your pet to have an illness or injury that requires medical attention at some point during its lifetime.
Depending on the type of emergency, it can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $7,000 to get your furry friend back to good health.
The cost of treating health conditions associated with dogs
While the costs below will depend on the location, hospital, and other factors, it should give you a good idea of how much these treatments will cost.
Ear Infection |
$149.30 |
Laceration |
$227.13 |
Sprain |
$267.17 |
UTI |
$295.18 |
Gastritis |
$385.46 |
Sinus Infection |
$395.31 |
Chemical Ingestion |
$702.20 |
Parvo |
$911.26 |
Pneumonia |
$960.17 |
Foreign Body Ingestion |
$1,285.99 |
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
The cost of pet insurance can vary from market to market and is dependent on the type of insurance you purchase.
Generally, the average cost of a premium for any sort of insurance can run from $15 a month, depending on what benefits you value most and the type of pet you would like to insure.
Most insurance companies allow you to add additional types of coverage such as accident/injury coverage and prescription medications to your policy.
What does Pet Insurance usually Cover?
- Accidents
- Illnesses (incl. hereditary, congenital, & chronic conditions)
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Diagnostic Tests
- Exam Fees
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Medications
- Holistic Care & Alternative Therapies
- Emergency Care
- And Much More!
After a 6-month wait period, your pet is also covered for:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Anterior Cruciate Ligaments
- Medical Cruciate
- Posterior Cruciate Ligaments
- Cranial Cruciate Ligaments
What will Pet Insurance not likely cover?
- Pre-existing Conditions
- Elective Procedures
- Expression or removal of anal glands or anal sacculitis
- Breeding or conditions related to breeding
- Pet food, special diet, vitamins, mineral supplements
- Grooming costs and bathing (incl. medicated baths)
- Parasite prevention and parasite treatment
- Illness or injury which arises out of racing, coursing, commercial guarding, or organized fighting of your pet
- Routine wellness & preventative care
- Organ Transplants
Benefits of pet insurance
We know that veterinary bills can be costly, but I’m also willing to bet you’ve been there: you come home from work and notice your dog isn’t feeling well, run him/her to the vet to discover a costly treatment is needed — one you might not have been able to provide if not for pet insurance.
So, what are the benefits of pet insurance?
1.) You won’t have to worry about paying thousands out of pocket when your pet needs medical care
This is the biggest benefit of pet insurance; the fact that your premiums will pay for these types of expenses. The costs of medical care for pets can be very expensive and without pet insurance, you would have to pay all your own expenses out of pocket.
2.) It covers accidents and injuries too
Accidents happen, and they can result in costly veterinary bills. Pet insurance covers these types of injuries, so if your dog rolls over his dewclaw or injures his leg, you won’t need to worry about paying thousands out of pocket before reimbursed by your insurance policy.
3.) It can pay for future surgeries
Pet insurance can help pay for future medical expenses. This comes in handy when your pet may not be able to receive certain types of treatment; perhaps the pet is too old to receive an expensive surgery, or maybe they are just too young for a particular type of treatment.
Pet insurance helps cover these types of costs so your pet isn’t suddenly left without the procedure they need later on in life.
Conclusion
If you are wondering if pet insurance is worth it, the answer is a definite yes. Pet insurance actually covers a lot of things including very costly surgeries and medications.
When you consider the potential savings associated with pet health insurance, along with the peace of mind knowing your furry friend will receive treatment when they need it, I think most people can agree that having an insurance policy in place for their pet is well worth paying a monthly premium.
