Why Pet Health Insurance is a Good Idea

This isn't just my opinion, it's the opinion of veterinarians, pet lovers, pet communities, and even MSN money. In fact, Liz Pulliam Weston, at MSN Money, says, "A few years ago, pet insurance would have ranked right up there with life insurance for children and dread-disease coverage on my list of policies you don't need. Now, I'm not so sure."

Why isn't she so sure now? Because she recognizes (a) that pets are people, too - to some of us, and we would do anything, spend anything, to make sure our pet is happy and health; and sometimes, that means really big vet bills - for treatment of accidents, cancer, disease, whathaveyou; (b) she cites the rise in new treatments and the cost of medical care for pets.

Well, Dr. Larry discusses that on a regular basis, and he gets his information not only from experience but from Dr. Bill, who sometimes shares pet health insurance stories with us. I believe this option is a good one precisely because no one's pet should suffer for diseases or medical problems that pet parents aren't prepared for financially. Insurance helps us be prepared. Plus, when we have pet health insurance, we're more apt to take our dog or cat in for some medical issue that, without insurance, we might let go for a day or two, before trekking off to the vet. Not a good idea.

I like this page at VIN (Veterinary Information Network) that describes "Pet Health Insurance: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". They cover the Q&A that goes through most pet parents' minds, when trying to decide on pet health insurance. The best part of this list is, "The Good: You don't have to shop around for a veterinarian who "accepts" your policy. Virtually any national company will cover you for service done by any licensed veterinarian." And, she points out that vets don't usually charge for help submitting claims.

PurinaCare® offers a page that helps pet parents understand our pet health insurance by giving an explanation of the plans we offer. They also have an online chat if you have a question not answered in the descriptions. I don't know how much easier they can make it - to get your questions answered and to help you make that decision: should I protect my pet with pet health insurance, or not?

If not, I'd love to know...why? Why not choose this protection for your dog or cat?

Comments

[Michele Miller]

We purchased pet insurance when our dog was a wee pup, and are so happy we did it! It covers a large percentage of vaccines and wellness care, along with "peace of mind" should anything terrible happen to her. It came recommended by our vet, and their office handles all paperwork filing. It's not cheap, but in the long run worth every penny.

[Katharine M]

Pet Insurance is a great idea ... but get it while your pets are young and don't let it lapse. I made the mistake of letting it lapse for a year at one point, and then I could not get one of my dogs insured again. I carried both the "major medical" policy as well as the "routine care" policy for several years - the routine care policy worked out to be a wash from a financial perspective. I do think it is a good idea though, and my next dog will have a policy.