Pets are not just animals that we take care of just because they entertain us. Pets are our companions. For some people, they are indispensable members of the family. As pet owners, we are not just responsible in giving them food. It is our responsibility to make sure that they would be living a long and healthy life. Pet insurance is something that would ensure we are doing our responsibilities.
There are different situations that would call for a pet insurance. Pets get sick often, with a pet insurance we get to know and carry out the best option to save our pets life. Pet owners can get overwhelmed by the cost of pet medication. A simple health problem like a fracture could cost about $2,000. This is something you cannot pay immediately, unless you would have a pet fund allocated for this kind of emergencies.
Another overwhelming fact is that the trips to the vet are getting more and more expensive. Faster than your wage increase. Most of us think that getting a pet insurance is very expensive. There are pet insurance companies which offer good coverage but do not have to cost too much.
Pet insurance became accessible to consumers in the United States in 1982. In the span of 27 years, the pet insurance company underwent rocky times. There used to be about 30 companies before, currently, there are 10 companies in the United States as well as in other countries like Canada and countries in Europe. Shockingly, United States residents are not into getting pet insurances. Only 3% of pet owners in the United States got insurance for their animal companions. That is low compared with the 19% in England and 49% in Sweden.
Pet insurances operate the way insurances for people do. There are flexible insurance plans which enable the pet owner to get the desired veterinarian. However, just like in insurances for people, there are also conditions or fine print that could be a problem when claiming insurance benefits. Because of this, even if it is your pets insurance policy, you would still need to analyze and read the agreement and policies well. This would ensure that your pets well-being would not be compromised in the future.
The cost of getting a pet insurance depends on different factors. Dogs and cats do not cost the same. It could depend on the breed and the location. There are some breeds of animals that have genetic problems. Your four-legged friends are not the only one that could get pet insurance, birds and exotic animals like reptiles could also be covered with insurance.
Pet insurance would normally cover accidents, illnesses, scans and x-rays, surgeries, cancer treatments, hospitalization and prescription medicines. Regular insurances would not cover vaccinations, examinations, and spray or neuter. But if you prefer to have these part of the policy, then you could get premium plans. Accidents would include ingestion of poison, laceration, fractures, falls and vehicular accidents. Not everything is covered by the pet insurance, like congenital diseases or pre-existing health problems. It is a must to look out for fine print when choosing your pet insurance.
Those owners who have expensive pets are advised to get pet insurances for them. There are situations when maintaining your pets health becomes more expensive that the pet itself. But just because there are people telling you to buy insurance, you dont just jump into the water. It is best to choose wisely and take your time before making any kinds of decision. Remember that this is about your companions life.