The humanization of pets increased exponentially in the last 5 years, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the results is the growing popularity and demand for high-quality pet insurance.
Some large companies are now offering pet insurance as part of their benefits packages to entice new prospects and retain employees. And as inflation continues to cause veterinary costs to rise, it’s no wonder that many dog parents are finding the benefits in adding their dogs to an insurance plan.
So, what’s the deal with pet insurance? Let’s take a deeper look.
What is pet insurance?
Much like your own healthcare insurance plan, pet insurance is a health plan an owner pays a certain monthly amount into in exchange for reimbursement on eligible veterinary procedures and expenses. Depending on your plan, when a vet examines your dog, the owner will pay the vet bill in full and submit a claim to the pet insurance company.
The insurance company will issue a reimbursement depending on the policy you hold for your dog.
What types of insurance plans are there for dogs?
The policies available to you can vary largely on the company you choose, your pet’s breed and age, and a few other factors. However, the three most common plans are as follows:
· Routine Wellness and Preventive Care: This plan covers traditional veterinary expenses for services like vaccinations, yearly exams, spays and neuters, dental cleanings, heartworm treatment, and flea treatment. Fewer or more services may be included in this package, all depending on your provider.
· Accident and Illness Care: This plan covers costs for unexpected treatment, giving dog owners a form of protection and peace of mind. A plan like this will likely have coverage for infections, cancer, allergies, and others but tends to come with a higher premium.
· Accident Only Care: A plan like this provides protection to dogs who can be accident prone – covering portions of treatment for broken bones, foreign object ingestions, car collisions, etc.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The average cost for pet insurance is between $40-75 per month. However, this is largely influenced by your coverage plan, your pet’s information, and even your demographic information.
Your dog’s breed, age, and size will all play a determining factor in your monthly payment. For example, an English Bulldog on a pet insurance plan will likely cost upwards of $100+ per month due to the long list of pre-existing conditions the breed is prone to.
Meanwhile, a mutt will likely have a lower monthly payment due to the general good health of mixed-breed dogs, but it’s all open for interpretation by the insurance company.
Is pet insurance worth it?
The short answer is yes. If you’re in a place where you can afford and access pet insurance, it is strongly recommended. Not only does it assist dog owners through tough, unexpected expenses, but it also provides peace of mind during routine vet visits. As always, do what works best for you and your dog.