Pet Insurance applies coverage for the unexpected, costly medical bills that you don’t plan for.
Healthcare can be expensive, advanced veterinary care depends on costly diagnostic equipment, highly trained staff and state-of-the-art facilities. Although our hospital would love to reduce the cost of care, this often isn’t possible to meet the outcomes and level of care we provide.
Most veterinarians will agree that pet insurance can help lift the burden of those unexpected medical bills. We see first hand how beneficial it is for pet parents that are supporting their pets with the best care. But we also see how misunderstood insurance can be, which is why we would like to shed some light on the difference it can make for you and your pet.
Some things to consider when contemplating pet insurance:
Prevention is key, you can’t buy insurance after the moment you may need it most. Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions so considering a plan while your pet is young and healthy may be the right decision for you.
Before you decide…
Consider the health of your pet over their lifetime:
Think about the average cost of a healthy pet over their lifetime. Maintaining a healthy dog or cat is a costly endeavor, the average can be 15k-20k. Unfortunately most pets will get sick or hurt at some point in their life. If there is illness or injury, this number can go up a staggering amount.
Take into consideration the breed of your pet. Many breeds have common health concerns that can occur throughout their lives. This can help prepare you for the unexpected. Plus the age of your pet and the breed will be a consideration in determining the cost of your plan. View Trupanion’s guide to common conditions to have a better understanding of potential health concerns that you may need to look out for.
Consider the coverage:
Look into what will be covered with pet insurance, including new illnesses and injuries, breed-specific conditions, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, advanced dentistry, etc.
Then consider what isn’t covered, including pre-existing conditions, routine or preventative care, and exam fees.
Consider the Journey:
When researching pet insurance, consider the process of claims and payment. Trupanion claims are submitted by our hospital after treatment and the pet parent only has to pay their share at checkout. This efficiency allows you to concentrate on the recovery of your pet and not on the bill. This might be an important aspect for you.
Pet insurance can definitely help to alleviate the stress in knowing that you won’t have to make difficult decisions based on finances. With coverage in place, you’ll be able to provide the best possible care for your loved one.
