Pet Insurance

A happy and healthy Max

A lot of people are asking about health insurance for pets, and if it’s something they should consider. Obtaining animal health care insurance is a personal decision, just as family health care is a personal decision.

Many American pet owners do carry health insurance policies on their pets, but the majority do not. Pet insurance has been available for more than twenty years, but less that 1% of US pet owners carry this type of insurance. Pet insurance is much more common in England and other European countries.

Pets are a part of your family. You would do almost anything to make sure your furry friends are happy and healthy. However, in this economy, health insurance for your pet may seem like a frivolous expense.

Like human health insurance, pet insurance has a monthly fee. Unlike your health insurance, this fee will not be taken out of your paycheck, and will need to be paid for directly each month. These monthly fees can range from $15 or more per month, depending on the type of coverage. Most companies that offer pet insurance have different levels of coverage, much like conventional health insurance policies for humans.

Some policies may also have an upfront co-payment for office visits or prescription medications, while other plans may cover 100% of costs. Depending on the policy, coverage can include everything from office visits and exams, tests and treatments, hospitalization, and prescription medicines. Some policies also include pet dentistry.

If you are considering pet health insurance, do your research. There are many different companies providing pet insurance. Ask your veterinarian if they accept pet health insurance and what companies they recommend.

With the rising cost of veterinary care, pet health insurance can bring peace of mind to a pet owner should an accident or emergency occur.