If you have a dog, cat, or other furry pet in your family, you are among good company. An estimated 67 percent of households in the United States have at least one pet as a part of their family. Surprisingly, most households who own a pet don’t have pet insurance. Experts recommend that every household who has a pet purchase pet insurance. Learn the benefits of having pet insurance and how it can help keep your furry loved one healthy and safe.
Gives You Peace of Mind
Statistics show that one out of every three households who have a pet will have a veterinary emergency at some point during the year. You don’t want to be faced with an emergency and be forced to suddenly figure out how to give your pet the best care that fits within your budget. Obtaining pet insurance before an emergency will help you make the best decisions for the health of your pet rather than for your budget. Pet insurance can give you peace of mind that no matter what may happen, you will be able to get your pet the care they need.
Allows You to Stay with Your Veterinarian or Choose a Different One You Love
Most people with medical insurance must find a medical provider within their network. This isn’t the way that pet insurance works. You can stay with your veterinarian that you already love or find another veterinarian. After seeing the vet, you will send your veterinary bill to your pet insurance company for payment. This gives you more freedom over who your pet sees and can help you stay with someone you and your pet are already comfortable with.
Can Help Save or Extend Your Pet’s Life
Your pet is a beloved part of your family, and you want him or her to be around for as long as possible. Pet insurance can allow you to provide the best care possible for your pet in case of an emergency illness or injury. This can help save your pet’s life or extend their life, giving you more time to love him or her.
Helps You Create a Budget
No one likes surprise bills that can completely throw off your budget. Regularly paying your pet insurance premium allows you to budget for it and eliminates any surprises that can drain your bank account. Most pet insurance companies allow you to pay the premiums in monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually installments. This means that you can fit your pet insurance premiums into what works for you and your family. As a bonus, many pet insurance companies offer discounts for families who insure more than one of their pets. This can save you additional money each year.
Doesn’t Discriminate in Coverage
It doesn’t matter what your breed of pet is or their age; you can obtain pet insurance for your pet without worrying about discrimination. The younger your pet is, however, the lower the premium. Experts recommend you obtain pet insurance as soon as you get a new pet to get the most affordable premiums.
Saves You Money
When it comes down to it, most pet owners will pay whatever amount necessary to get their pet the treatment they need. This can come with serious financial repercussions, however. The average cost of an emergency veterinarian visit ranges between $800 and $1,500. Most emergencies also require surgery, follow-up care, medications, and treatment. This means that you could spend thousands of dollars on a single emergency injury or illness for your beloved pet. You will need to either set up a pet health savings account or dip into your own family’s savings account if you don’t have pet insurance.
The average annual cost for a pet insurance premium is $516 per year, and most pet insurance policies reimburse pet owners 80 percent of the veterinary bills. Pet insurance can save your family thousands of dollars should an emergency occur.
Your pet has given so much love and support to you and your family. Do your best to care for him or her by purchasing pet insurance. Doing so can help you give your furry loved one the best care should an emergency arise.
