Why Pet Insurance Is So Important
Pets bring joy and learning, and also curiosity-caused accidents and stress—you can’t predict the future so it’s important to be covered for possibilities. Many pet owners believe pet insurance is a luxury and not a necessary expense, however insurance can prove to be a valuable investment when faced with an unforeseen trip to your veterinarian, which could end up costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, you can’t get pet insurance the second you need it most.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, veterinary bills have risen sharply as a result of labour shortages in the industry, supply chain issues and increased transportation costs, among other reasons. According to a 2022 Forbes Advisor survey, 42% of those surveyed said a veterinary bill of $999 or less would send them into debt, while 28% reported that a smaller bill of $499 or less would cause the same result.
Having pet insurance ensures you can avoid the financial strain that can come with out-of-the-blue veterinary expenses and will provide your companions with the best possible care.
Some Breeds Have More Expensive Vet Bills
Some dog and cat breeds are more likely to have higher veterinary bills, in some cases this is due them being prone to hereditary conditions that are difficult, and therefore more expensive, to remedy.
Breeds such as Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Siberian Forest cats, Bengals, Ragdolls, Maine Coons and Russian Blues have been noted in studies to be consistently costlier for pet owners. Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Bulldogs are both prone to hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can lead to lameness and arthritis, which on average, Forbes stated costs $1500-$6000 USD to diagnose and treat. It’s not just larger dogs that are at risk for developing diseases and conditions, any pet can find themselves battling an illness that affects the quality of their life.
There are many providers out there that offer customizable plans to fit your budget and your pet’s specific needs.
The Benefits of Pet Insurance
With pet insurance, you can ease the burden of unexpected veterinary costs and, often gain added benefits that support your pet’s overall health and happiness, from telehealth services to behavioral therapy. Policies can even cover alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care, and during stressful predicaments, some plans take care of the cost of lost pet advertising and boarding fees. It’s important to research different insurance plans and compare them to find one that suits your needs and budget. Investing in the right pet insurance plan will protect your pet and give you peace of mind.
References
