Just got back from a visit to the vet for all three of my dogs to get their scheduled booster shots and tests. I saw a sign at the vet for a Senior Pet Wellness Insurance Plan that would cover a checkup along with necessary tests and some preventative care. I didn’t think I needed this insurance, but he got me thinking about ways I could have saved money on my vet bills. It hasn’t been an affordability issue, but with all the talk about health insurance it got me thinking about caring for my pets as they get older and may face potential health issues down the road.
Taking care of your pet’s health is a responsibility like taking care of your own health. Just like you, you can choose a health insurance plan for your pet. There are so many good pet health care companies to choose from. You may want to consider a company that offers a wellness insurance plan that would help with some of the costs associated with keeping your pet healthy through regular wellness checkups. These plans may be a good option if you visit your vet regularly and have your pet on a maintenance schedule.
Then there is the unforeseen situation where your pet may have had an accident or major health issue that will leave you facing a large vet bill. Sure, you can pay these vet bills the normal way with your credit card or even apply for a loan. In this case, calamity health insurance would be more beneficial. You can look at pet insurance like car insurance: it’s there if you need it, but it probably won’t cover all costs if something happens to your pet.
The best thing to do is talk to your vet about the pet health insurance companies out there and the ones your vet would recommend. You should also research these companies to see what they offer and how they are different. It is difficult to face the decision of whether or not to perform procedures for your pet if it comes down to cost. Sometimes your vet will cut costs in the event of a serious illness, but this should not be expected. Pet health insurance is there if you need it, and it could possibly save your pet’s life.