Is Pet Insurance Worth It & What Does It Cost? Here’s What To Know…

Is pet insurance worth it? Here’s what to consider and recommendations for where to shop for insurance.

To Insure or Not to Insure…

Choosing to obtain pet insurance is much like choosing the right home or school for your family. There are several factors to consider, and it’s a decision that only you, a loyal pet mom or dad, can make.

When my family adopted now-11-year-old Oskar, we didn’t think the cost of pet insurance was really “worth it”. We’ve had him since he was a kitten, and he’s always been a very healthy, active kitty.

Back in 2020, I noticed a strange shift in Oskar’s behavior. He was very lethargic and lazy, which is super unlucky. When we took him to the vet, they were able to find out he was having some serious stomach issues. This was an ongoing problem for months. At one point, I was talking to the vet on the phone every other day, panicking about what to do.

Oskar lucked out by not needing surgery, and with some medication, diet, and behavioral changes, we were able to get him back to his regular self. This was, however, not an easy process, and it made me question if we had made the right decision by omitting pet insurance.

When pets need surgery, it can be thousands of dollars out of pocket. With insurance, it’s about $35/month, and, most of the time, that includes surgeries. No family should have to pick between saving a furry family member or paying their expenses, so this is really something important to consider whether or not it’s a good fit for you.

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While we can’t always learn from other’s mistakes, it’s important to weigh your options and give pet insurance a solid consideration.

Pet insurance plans are flexible to meet your individual needs.

For those who can’t afford expensive surgeries or treatments, sometimes putting your pet to sleep is the only option. That’s a painful decision. 💔 And it’s also pricey, with euthanization costing around $300. And since not all cities allow backyard burials, you might have to pay even more to cremate your pet.

Additionally, you’ll need to take your pet’s breed, especially dog’s, into consideration. If you have a show dog, you’ll want to think about theft or life insurance coverage for your furry friend, whereas if you have a breed deemed “dangerous”, canine liability protection is another facet you’ll want to consider. Check out this article from Bankrate, which takes a deep dive into determining the right coverage for your pets.

That’s where pet insurance comes in.

Just like human medical insurance, you pay a small amount every month to get coverage for those big, unplanned vet bills. Whether you want an emergencies-only plan or one that covers routine care, there are plenty of options at various price points on the market.

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Let’s consider the benefits of pet insurance…

Pet insurance will give you more peace of mind if your pet were to become ill or injured. With a plan in place, you’ll:

• Be able to select care from any licensed veterinarian in your area
• Get coverage for dogs, cats, birds, and even exotic pets
• Drastically minimize the budget hit from hefty vet bills
• Focus more on your pet’s health than the cost of their care

Besides, you already know the importance of home, health, and auto insurance… why not ensure that peace of mind for your beloved pet?

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Get the most out of your pet insurance plan with these helpful tips:

• Be aware of pre-existing conditions. If your pet already has a serious health problem, you might not be eligible for coverage with many plans. Some insurance providers also have age and breed limitations.

• Read the fine print. Many plans require you to pay the vet first and then be reimbursed, however, some may pay their portion of the cost directly to your vet on the same day of service.

• Do the math. Monthly premiums tend to average about $25 per month for cats and about $45 per month for dogs. If your pet is relatively healthy, an expensive plan might not save you money in the long run.

• Shop around. Save money on prescription medications by asking your vet to write you a prescription and then check your local pharmacies–most also carry pet medications. For example, Walmart’s online pet pharmacy is very affordable. Vets are often willing to price match, too!

• Check for discounts. Some employers offer pet insurance discounts that could help keep more money in your pocket. Many insurance providers also offer discounts for multiple pets, so you’ll likely save more when you insure your second furry friend. In fact, in most states, Embrace offers a 10% discount when you insure more than one pet through their insurance policies.

• Open a pet savings account. Just like a health savings account, you’ll be able to conveniently manage your pet’s expenses in one place.

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So… is pet insurance worth it?

It depends on you, your finances, and your pet! If your emergency fund is sufficient to cover unexpected vet bills, you can probably skip the pet insurance.

If an expensive vet visit would present a serious problem for your budget, pet insurance will soften that blow to your wallet. With numerous plans and deductibles to choose from, you can easily pick one that will meet your needs and suit your budget.

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Choose a top-rated pet insurance provider.

If you do decide pet insurance is for you, here are some top-rated providers that we recommend:

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We think it’s better to be safe than sorry!

We’re so glad to hear that some people have been saved from financial ruin and able to take care of their pets thanks to pet insurance. As always, consider what is best for you and your furry friend. No matter what you decide, I think we can all agree that pets make the world go around. ❤️

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Is all this pet talk making you want to spoil your furry friend? Check out the latest pet deals!

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