Vet’s Opinion – What You Should Consider BEFORE Getting Pet Insurance

What You Should Consider BEFORE Getting Pet InsuranceAs a veterinarian some pet owners ask what should they consider before getting pet insurance. To prepare for writing this article, I interviewed and asked several trusted colleagues about their experiences with pet insurance companies as well as questions they commonly are asked about pet insurance from their clients. Below we will tell you what dog and cat owners should consider before getting pet insurance from a vets experience and perspective.Questions dog and cat owners should consider before getting pet insurance.

1. Do you really need pet insurance?

The answer to this question is dependent upon your budget. If you can NOT afford an unexpected large pet expense such as a $2,000, $4,000 or even an $8,000 expense, then pet insurance is for you. It can really help you do the best for you pet in the case of an emergency.

2. What coverage do you want?

Do you want coverage for accidents only? For illnesses? Do you need hereditary conditions such as coverage for hip dysplasia in the policy? Some policies offer all the above and others only offer some. You can get policies for accidents only and for cancer only or other policies for everything. If you have a dog with any potential heritable conditions – then this is important. For example if you have a Labrador retriever or a German Shepherd dog – I’d want coverage for things like hip dysplasia. If you have a boxer, I’d surely want coverage for cancer based on their risk potential. If you have questions about what should be included in your policy – discuss this with your veterinarian. If you can afford the premium and really can’t afford ANY unexpected expense – then the more coverage you have the better.

3. Do you want wellness or general care coverage?

Wellness or general care items are not covered by an accident and illness pet insurance policy. Some companies offer add-ons for full general care/wellness options and others don’t offer any. If coverage for vaccinations, spaying, neutering, dental procedures and heartworm testing are important to you – then a company that offers wellness coverage would be important to you.

4. What premiums can you afford?

Your premiums are directly affected by the level of options, annual limits, deductible, and/or co-insurance options. Many of the websites have nice calculators so you can see how your premiums change by changing variables such as the benefits or deductible. The more coverage you get the higher the cost. This is similar to your own car insurance. For example if you have a $200 deductible, it will be more expensive than a policy with a $1000 deductible.

I hope this gives information based on our vets’ opinions on “What You Should Consider BEFORE Getting Pet Insurance”.