4 Reasons to Get Pet Insurance

The number of people that have pets in the US has been growing rapidly over the past decade. In fact, there are more households with a pet than children! As millions of dogs and cats become a part of families across America, many owners are left wondering if they should get insurance for their furry friend. If you have any doubts about whether it is worth getting pet insurance to protect your companion animal, here are 4 reasons why it might be one of the smartest things an owner can do.

1)  Pet Insurance Protects Your Family

Pet insurance plans have become more cost-effective over the years, and there are a number of providers to choose from that offer competitive rates for different age groups. So what you pay in premiums may be substantially less than the amount it would take to cover veterinary costs if your dog or cat were ever injured or became sick unexpectedly.  For example, you might pay $33/month for an accident plan with Trupanion to cover your dog if he is sick or injured. But the average veterinary bill to treat a torn ACL in dogs runs over $3000!

Pet insurance can provide peace of mind so that when life happens, you can keep your pet as healthy and happy as possible by providing proper veterinary care without worrying about obnoxious vet bills.

2) Pets Need Health Care Too

In addition to the emotional toll that comes with caring for a sick or injured pet, veterinary care can be extremely expensive.

The cost to spay or neuter a pet can be over $200 in the US - but it costs less than half as much in Brazil! In fact, there are places all around the world where you could pay next.

In addition to routine care, your pet may need more intensive treatment if they are ever injured. The average cost for a hip replacement surgery in pets is around $4000 after discounts from veterinary hospitals!  Pet insurance can help you reimburse yourself for these unexpected costs and provide peace of mind knowing that the bills won't bankrupt you. Be sure to carefully review your policy for coverage details.

3) Preventative Care Is Important For All Animals   

Pet insurance can be especially helpful for pet owners who want to provide the best care possible. Like with humans, your pet companion should also regularly see a veterinarian so that you can catch issues early and keep your pet at full health.

For example, dogs and cats should get regular wellness exams starting at around six months of age in order to prevent serious health problems later on.  Discuss with your vet which vaccines are necessary for pets so that you can make sure they stay healthy without spending an arm and a leg. 

4) You Can't Be With Your Animal 24/7

If you travel a lot for work or have social obligations, pet insurance could be the best way to ensure your pet gets proper care whenever they need it. You can also use a provider like Wagmo that will cover home visits from a local veterinarian if your dog is sick and requires immediate attention - avoiding emergency vet fees in some cases!

Related Reading: Best Pet Insurance

Final Thoughts

Pet insurance can be a tough financial choice for those with a tight budget, but having to pay for emergency pet expenses can also leave pet owners in a tough spot.  If your budget allows, pet insurance can help prevent you from being caught off guard by an emergency expense.