Pet Health Insurance
What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Our pets are an integral part of our families and many are loved and pampered just like a child. It only stands to reason then that we want the very best for our four legged companions to help them live a happy, healthy and long life.

Wanting the best for our pets - from the most comfortable beds to their favorite toys and food - can be costly. Add to that the rising costs of routine, specialized and emergency veterinary care and the expense of pet ownership can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars each year of your pet's life.

Many pet owners are turning to pet health insurance with the hopes of offsetting any unforeseen costs that can be associated with emergencies and future costs as their pet ages. Some owners rely on pet health insurance for pets that have chronic illnesses or specific breeds that are prone to specific conditions.

Many pet health insurance policies offer coverage for wellness visits as well. You should look for a policy that covers both wellness or regular health visits as well as emergency care.

By paying an annual or monthly premium for coverage, you can seek veterinary care in the event of illness or an emergency and your pet health insurance will reimburse you for eligible expenses. When looking for a pet health insurance policy, it is very important to carefully read your policy and be fully educated regarding exclusions, deductibles, maximum payments, and any co-payments you will be responsible for. Most veterinarians do not bill through insurance companies, therefore, you must pay the bill in full and then submit your claim for reimbursement.

Experts warn that while pet health insurance can offer peace of mind knowing you can afford to pay for care when your pet needs it, it can also be a risk just like any type of insurance. If your pet is healthy, there is a chance you will never need to use the coverage you have paid for over time.

Another option is to set aside a fund for each of your pets that you can access in the event of an emergency or unexpected illness. Experts recommend $5,000 - $7,000 per pet. This way the money is still available to you if your pet never needs any specialty or emergency care during its life.