My dear puppy’s daily habit of chasing squirrels and birdies got us both into some trouble a couple weeks ago when her pursuit landed her in the middle of a prickly bush in the back yard.  In the process, Little Miss Squirrel Stalker poked her eye and earned herself a visit in the Emergency Veterinary Hospital early on a Sunday morning. Though she didn’t sustain any lasting injuries, she needed a week of eye drops and an E-collar (I.e.; “cone of shame” for those of you who’ve seen the movie Up).  I got a whopping $400 dollar veterinary bill.  My pup continues to stake claim to the title of “most expensive free dog ever.”

This unexpected misadventure and the subsequent vet bill led me to re-examine whether or not it’s worthwhile to invest in pet insurance.  This is a common dilemma faced by many pet-owners who are finding that even basic veterinary care can be quite expensive.  Routine annual exams, vaccines and regular flea or tick preventative medications can add up quickly, but the largest bills come from unexpected trips to the vet for problems.  Fortunately for pet owners, advances in veterinary care mean access to more treatment options than ever before.  These medical advances, however, come with increased cost and owners can easily find themselves owing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  The price tag can be overwhelming, especially for pet owners who are financially strapped or wholly unprepared.  Sadly, many pets are surrendered to shelters every year because of their owners’ inability to pay for necessary medical treatment, especially in cases of major injury or health crisis. 

Pet insurance operates in a similar manner to human health insurance – clients apply for coverage, provide a brief medical history, and are provided with quotes based on age and current health.  Pre-existing or chronic conditions are often excluded from coverage although some insurers offer coverage at an increased rate.  Multiple levels of coverage are available ranging from the basic plans which simply cover illness or accidents, to more inclusive plans that include provisions for annual exams and other “basic” maintenance care.  Plans generally include a deductible and a maximum benefit level, varying based on the coverage package selected.  The great news for owners’ is that different insurance companies offer a host of plans that allow owners to tailor coverage to meet their pets’ anticipated needs as well as their own budget.    

One of the most important things to consider when selecting a coverage plan is how far you would be willing to go to meet your pet’s medical needs should he/she face a medical emergency?  If your pet is diagnosed with cancer, for example, would you pursue advanced care such as chemotherapy and radiation?  Or would you prefer to manage the pain and give the best quality of life possible without resorting to complex treatments?  If you answered yes to the former, investing in a plan with comprehensive coverage is a wise choice.  If not, a mid-level coverage plan would likely suffice.  A basic plan would be ideal for those seeking a minimum monthly premium and only basic coverage. 

Before you make a decision, I strongly encourage you to speak with your local vet.  They can offer insight based on the experiences of their patients and help you to decide which type of coverage best fits your dog or cat. As pet owners, it is important to be prepared to meet the responsibility of maintaining your pet’s well-being.  In many instances, the reassurance of having your pet covered by insurance will allow you to make treatment decisions based primarily on your pet’s welfare, and not on personal finances.