Why is pet insurance important?
There are many reasons why having pet insurance is important. Let’s face it. Our pets are part of our family, and just like any other family member, we would do anything to provide them with the longest, healthiest life possible. Providing treats, endless belly rubs, hours of playtime, and lasting companionship are just a few of the ways we show our furry friends how much they mean to us. But, what if there was a way to take that a step further?
Pet health insurance is a vital asset that all pet owners can benefit from. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 70% of U.S. households own a pet. Unfortunately, the latest survey conducted by APPA showed that just 4% of dog owners and 1% of cat owners carry pet insurance policies. It doesn’t make sense that a nation that loves furry family members is also not accessing the options available to provide their pets with the best life possible.
Pet insurance is easy to get
Maybe pet parents just simply aren’t aware of the availability of pet insurance plans. Other reasons can include budget constraints or they don’t see a need for it because their pet is healthy. The reality is there are so many pet insurance companies and coverage options out there, that every pet owner can find a policy that is catered to them and their pet.
Not to mention, it’s estimated that 1 in 3 pets will need emergency veterinary care every year. Having that protection for your pet and peace of mind for yourself is priceless. As the saying goes, it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. If you need a little more convincing, here is a list of 5 reasons why pet insurance is a smart move.
1. Unexpected Veterinary Care Can Be Expensive
Our pets are always perfect, happy, and healthy, right? Well, while that would be ideal, unfortunately, that is not the case. Accidents happen, especially when we least expect them. According to NBC, a pet parent is faced with a veterinary bill of over $1,000 every 6 seconds.
With just about everything getting increasingly more expensive these days, it gets more and more difficult to have that emergency fund ready to go at a moment’s notice. Many health insurances for pets have policies that cover a majority of the accident or illness veterinary bills either through reimbursement or direct payment to the hospital. This means just one less thing to worry about, so you can focus on getting your pet back to their happy and healthy selves.
2. Pick Any Veterinarian You Want
In the human world, many insurance providers require you to see specific healthcare providers. With insurance, you don’t need to worry about that “in-network” provider nonsense. In an emergency, the only thing you should be worried about is getting your precious pet to the closest hospital, not to the one that will accept your insurance.
3. Flexibility
Every pet is different, which means it only makes sense that every insurance policy should reflect that. Budget, age, breed, previous medical history, and your pet’s lifestyle are all factors in creating their unique, individualized care plan.
Maybe you want a policy more focused on wellness visits, vaccines, and preventative care, or maybe you’re worried that your pet will be a frequent flyer at the emergency room so you want to include emergency vet visits. Either way, many insurance companies for pets can help you create the ideal policy for any situation.
4. Focus On What Is Best For Your Pet And Not What You Can Afford
Picture this. You come home to your dog lethargic and vomiting. You rush them to the vet where you’re told your dog ate a sock which is now causing an obstruction. You’re given two options. A life-saving surgery to remove the foreign object that has an extremely high success rate, or go home with medication to treat the symptoms and hope for the best. Obviously, surgery is the best option, but far more expensive. With an insurance policy, debating treatment due to financial restrictions won’t even be a factor.
5. Peace of Mind
As veterinary medical care advances and inflation increases, the cost of veterinary care continues to rise every year. Growing costs only make it more difficult for pet parents to budget routine and unexpected veterinary care into their financial plan. With many insurance companies for pets covering around 80% of veterinary expenses, the rising cost of veterinary care isn’t as daunting.
Final Thought
Insurance is essential and your pets will thank you for it. Finding and creating the perfect policy for your pet can easily be overwhelming. Luckily, AlphaPaw has done all the research for you and has created a one-stop shop to compare all the top pet insurance companies. AlphaPaw’s insurance comparison tool makes it easier than ever to take the next step in becoming the best pet parent you can be. Plus, it’s completely free to use and comes with the lowest price guarantee so what’s not to love? Follow the link below and find out just how affordable life-saving pet insurance can be.
