Since when did everyone start talking about pet insurance?
It’s not a new concept, but the trend has gone mainstream in recent years for obvious reasons. As a result, there are more pet owners than ever, and it’s a responsibility not to be taken lightly!
However, insurance can be tricky if you don’t have the right knowledge from the start. Here’s a list of pet insurance pros and cons so you can learn the ropes and avoid common issues.
Pros – Why Pet Insurance is Key
Let’s start with five reasons why pet insurance is so important.
Essential Coverage
Even the most considerate and careful pet parents can’t avoid the realities of owning a dog or cat.
Pets are susceptible to illness, accidents, and chronic health issues that need to be addressed by a professional. You don’t want to pay 100& out-of-pocket at the vet, especially if your pet has a rare condition or emergency.
That’s where health insurance for your pet can be a literal lifesaver for your animal companion and your wallet.
Simple Claim Filing
Filing insurance claims is not known to be easy or enjoyable. Just ask anyone who has dealt with health or auto insurance before. Mountains of paperwork can take forever to process and organize.
However, today’s pet insurance companies are ahead of the game with smooth digital filing methods that reduce ambiguity and anxiety.
Most claims can be filed in minutes with simple inputs online. Before you know it, you’ll get the payment you need and carry on without a hitch.
Preventive Care Options
Pets need checkups too, just like humans. That’s why more pet insurers offer preventive care add-ons to their policies that give owners another layer of security and assurance.
Just one or two visits to the vet each year can go a long way for detecting health issues for your pet, before symptoms start to show.
These preventive care policies aren’t meant to replace health coverage for your pet but instead provide that first line of defense against problems that may arise.
Customized Policies
Every pet is unique in so many ways, so custom policies are so important from an owner’s perspective.
You want your pet insurance provider to give you the ideal mix of coverage and cost depending on your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle.
If a provider wants to sell you insurance with no questions asked, that’s a red flag!
Peace of Mind
The most powerful benefit of pet insurance can’t be put into words. It’s the unbeatable feeling that your pet is protected and cared for, no matter what happens.
When you run the numbers and realize how little you end up paying for peace of mind, the value of pet insurance becomes crystal clear.
Cons – Common Insurance Issues
Like all things in the world of insurance, you need to know the usual pitfalls and avoid them.
Not All Plans Are Equal
Just 20 minutes of pet insurance research will reveal a broad range of programs that vary in quality and cost-effectiveness.
It’s confusing to compare policies at first, but you’ll quickly see which companies are more trusted and have a better reputation in the eyes of real customers.
As a golden rule, transparency is vital in the insurance space. Only commit to a policy if everything is above board and spelled out in clear terms from the start.
Watch Out for Fees and Limits
A policy may be appealing at first glance until you get hit with fees or realize the coverage is not as comprehensive as you thought. For example, some policies don’t cover certain dog breeds or adjust prices by state.
This is yet another reason to research all available plans in-depth and never rush to conclusions with pet insurance.
Don’t Wait Too Long
Part of the insurance equation is that “sooner is better,”, especially with dogs and cats.
You want to lock in an excellent plan for your pet when they’re young and free of conditions that can make plans more pricey down the road. It’s a strategic move that will save you lots of stress and strain in the long run.
Still, many pet owners choose to let the years go by before they think about insurance, only to find themselves stuck with a costlier monthly premium. Don’t let that be you! A bit of planning goes a long way.
All the Benefits of Pet Insurance
Weighing the pros and cons of pet insurance can clarify some questions. But here’s the bottom line: these are must-have policies for any dog or cat owner.
Take time to compare the costs and benefits of different insurance providers to find the best plan for you and your pet. That effort will pay off when you need it most.
