Pet Insurance is an insurance product that covers the expenses of vet visits, hospital stays and other medical procedures. Insurance can also cover rehabilitation, therapy, supplements and medications. Pets can make wonderful companions to their owners and provide comfort in many ways; however pet ownership also comes with certain risks that may not be as obvious to pet owners as long as they have proper coverage against them through a quality pet insurance policy.
Benefits of Pet Insurance
1. Preventive Care
Preventive care through vaccinations, check-ups and dental cleanings can ward off many problems. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of pets will develop at least one disease or health issue at some point in their lives; and treatment for common issues can cost hundreds of dollars. Conducting routine check-ups with vets can often identify smaller problems before they escalate into more serious medical concerns; thus preventing expensive medical bills from piling up.
2. Emergency Care
Emergencies are unpredictable and can happen at any time, day or night. A dog or cat can break a leg, fall and injure their head, get hit by a car, or have a stroke. Emergency care can be costly if it requires the services of an emergency hospital and care. Pet insurance pays for emergency medical treatment and trips to the vet.
3. Behavioral Problems
Spay/neuter, vaccines and microchipping are things that many pet owners may not think about every time they bring their pet in for a check-up; however any of these procedures will help as preventive measures putting unwanted animals out of sight and mind at an early age will save both them (the animal) and its owner money on vet bills down the road. Some behavioral issues can be prevented as well through these preventative measures; however, even if things are not dealt with at an early age, it is still possible to take care of this type of problem with the help of a pet insurance provider.
4. Surgery
Surgery for the treatment of cancer and other conditions is one of the most common procedures performed on animals and can include cancer therapies that require multiple visits to oncologists and chemo specialists. The initial surgery and ongoing visits can become very costly in a short period of time. Pet health insurance may cover some or all medical costs associated with treating life-threatening conditions such as cancer depending on the policy purchased.