In this period of staying at/working from home, you may be spending a lot more time with your pets. It’s possible your pets are asking, “Why are you always here now?” While we’re all thinking how we can best take care of ourselves and each other during these unusual circumstances, you might also be thinking about how to take care of your pets.
A pet’s medical care can often lead to a financial surprise. The decisions facing a family over a pet’s health can be especially difficult in a life and death situation. According to the Washington Post, every six seconds a pet owner faces a vet bill of $1,000 or more. When up to 40% of households in the US are unable to handle a $400 unexpected expense of any kind, a serious veterinary issue is a concern.
An option for addressing this emotional challenge is pet insurance. It can provide financial protection, peace of mind and more predictable expenses over time. Pet owners in the United States cover more than 1.8 million cats and dogs.
Many decisions regarding pet insurance are similar to those for the leaders of the pack – namely, you! Here’s a few considerations for protecting our animal friends.
"Pet insurance can provide financial protection, peace of mind and more predictable expenses."
Pet insurance typically comes in three forms. Accident insurance is perhaps the most common type. Illness coverage can become more expensive the older the pet is and based on any pre-existing conditions. Wellness coverage addresses routine exams and procedures that support ongoing health, often in bundles with a single price. These options offer flexibility in choosing the coverage that best fits your finances as well as your pet’s age and health profile. There are also plans specifically designed for young animals like puppies.
Claims usually require submission of an itemized receipt with reimbursement based on the policy terms. You may need to cover the cost upfront with reimbursement to come later, though some vets may work directly with pet insurance.
Some insurers feature useful mobile apps providing digital access and sharing of documents like medical records. You can set reminders for important dates like vaccination renewals. Some even offer 24/7 veterinary telemedicine. Other resources can include social sharing about your pets with friends and neighbors, as well as locators for places like pet parks, dog walkers and day care.
