Pet Health Insurance: Is It Right for You and Your Pet?

I just got back from a visit to the veterinarian to have my three dogs get their scheduled booster shots and tests. I saw a sign at the vet for a Senior Pet’s Wellness Insurance Plan which would cover a check-up along with necessary tests and some preventative care. I did not think I needed this insurance but it got me thinking about ways I could possibly have saved money on my vet bills. It has not been an affordability issue so far, but with all the talk about health insurance it got me thinking about care for my pets as they get older and may face possible future health problems.

Taking care of your pet’s health is a responsibility just like taking care of your own health. Just like with 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 check-ups. These plans may be a good choice if you visit your veterinarian on a regular basis and have your pet on a maintenance schedule. Then there is the unforeseen situation where your pet may have had an accident or a major health issue which will result in your facing a large veterinarian bill. You can certainly pay these vet bills the normal way with cash, your credit card or even taking out a loan. In this case the calamity health insurance would be most beneficial. You can look at pet insurance kind of like auto insurance – it is there if you need it but it probably won’t cover all the costs if anything should happen to your pet.

The best thing to do is to talk with your veterinarian about the pet health insurance companies your vet would recommend. You should also research these companies to see what they offer and how they differ. It is difficult to face a decision of whether or not to have procedures done for your pet if it comes down to cost. Insurance is there if you need it, and it could possibly save your pet’s life.