I am a DVM that heavily advocates for pet insurance. Some DVMs do not.Obtaining pet insurance is highly and strongly recommended ASAP literally the day you pick up that puppy / kitten. BEFORE pre-existing conditions occur. Many policies do not cover congenital conditions.
If the breeder or shelter offers you to activate insurance at time of pick up, do it immediately. These certificates often have zero waiting period. Some policies have a same day exam offer, where it will activate insurance immediately for a 30 day free trial with no waiting period.
1) it might be the thing that decides whether you can afford to save their life one day. It also means not having to choose because of money.
A foreign body ER surgery in today’s market is easily $6-8000+. Hospitalizing a pet for supportive care, IV fluids, internal medicine work up for kidney disease STARTS at the ER around $3000-5000. Endoscopy is about $5000-6000. Prices vary by area but you get the point.
We veterinarians have financial conversations on a daily basis with clients. The people with good pet insurance less often have qualms about the ability to afford X.
2) small costs really add up. Ear infection here. Vomiting there. Skin infection a few months later. All relatively small bills in the end but if your pet has multiple problems in a small span of time then it might be a financial strain.
3) savings account method really only works if your pet never has major issues. One major problem will drain it all and you’re back at square one.And if the major issue has a complication such as needing a second surgery then you are faced with going back to point #1.
4) if you are buying insurance just for the sake of getting your money’s worth, you are missing the forest for the trees. It is NOT about using insurance and getting every penny you can. That would be wishing Illness on your pet. Insurance is about safety net and security and peace of mind. It is the security of knowing that your pet will be able to get whatever it is they need.
5) insurance is not perfect. At all. There are draw backs. There are deductibles. There may be exclusions. Your pet might have pre-existing conditions. You often need to pay out of pocket first. Premiums do go up over time. But there can be a lot of positives for your pet.
**Note**
Capped plans or benefit schedule plans are not recommended. $10K limit sounds like a lot but it actually is not.
Because pet insurance policy requirements and benefits frequently change, we cannot advise any particular product. Here are some considerations when evaluating policies:
Before purchasing pet insurance, you should ask about coverage for
– pre-existing conditions, breed-specific issues (Some insurers limit enrollment for senior pets or specific high-risk breeds),
– deductibles.
– reimbursement rates – Do YOU need to pay and then be reimbursed or do they pay the doctor directly?
Understand if you are reimbursed based on the actual vet bill or a “usual and customary” fee schedule.
– waiting periods – Understand how long you must wait after enrollment before coverage begins (often 14 days for illness).
– annual/lifetime caps?
– do they cover alternative therapies like acupuncture or holistic therapies?
– ask if premiums increase with age.
– are routine check-ups, vaccines, and flea/tick prevention covered?
– can I use any veterinarian? Confirm if the policy restricts you to specific networks or emergency hospitals.
– Is the company licensed and reputable? Check reviews and state licensing.
– Does it cover international travel? If you travel often, confirm if coverage applies outside the country.
– what are the renewal terms? Ensure the policy will renew, even if your pet develops a chronic condition.
For the best comparison, request at least three quotes and read the fine print regarding terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Understanding these details ensures you select the best plan for your budget and pet’s needs.
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