As much as we try to keep our pets safe, it is inevitable that they will get sick or have an accident sometime throughout their lifetime. When dogs and cats are young, they are more likely to get themselves into trouble, whether that be eating something they shouldn’t or running out onto a busy road. There are some diseases that tend to first show up while the pet is still young, such as Addison’s Disease. As our pets age, they may develop illnesses that could become quite costly to treat or manage.
There are many hard decisions when you have to bring your pet to see a veterinarian especially when it is an emergency. These situations necessitate rapid decisions. Having pet insurance allows you to make those decisions without having to bring finances into the equation.
There are many pet insurance companies on the market and they are not all created equally. A great deal of research should be done into which company will best suit your needs. Different companies offer different levels of coverage. Some will only cover accidents (no illnesses: including ear infections, urinary tract infections…) in order to keep their monthly premiums lower. Different companies reimburse different percentages of the actual bill (most cover 80% of the invoice, some cover less and others cover more).
The other main difference between pet insurance companies is the payout limit. Some limit coverage per accident or illness, others limit annual or lifetime coverage amounts. Some companies have no limits. Make sure to look in to any reasons the company may raise your monthly premiums. Some companies will not raise your premiums other than a small annual increase due to increased veterinary costs, others raise premiums (or decrease copayment) based on making claims or age of the pet. If you have any further questions about pet insurance, don’t hesitate to call the companies directly. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have. Please just give us a call for assistance in making the best choice for your pet.
