In this Pet Health Insurance 101 series we help you better understand what we do at Pets Best, why we do it, and why you need it.
Being a pet parent means your day-to-day life is full of little surprises, sometimes pleasant and other times not. The next time you’re faced with an unexpected vet bill, you won’t have to worry about using high-interest credit cards, borrowing money or worse, choosing euthanasia because you can’t afford to pay the bill. Knowing Pets Best is on your side, your pet can have the veterinarian recommended treatment without financial worry. A staggering 1 in 3 pets will need unexpected veterinary care each year.*
Here are five important reasons you need to get pet insurance as soon as possible:
1. Dogs & cats get sick
Just like human children, pet children can also get sick at a moment’s notice. Common symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can happen often for small reasons or be signs of something more serious. Dogs and cats can also develop chronic illnesses such as allergies, diabetes, and cancer which can end up costing lots of money between the regular vet visits, surgeries, medications, and tests.
2. Dogs & cats get injured and have accidents
Whether your pet is mischievous, brave, or just unlucky, accidents can happen at any time including broken bones, torn nails, lacerations, or getting hit by a car, just to list a few. 4 out of 5 pets will experience a medical emergency in their lifetime, according to Pets Best 2013 claims data.
3. It’s the responsible thing to do!
We have health insurance, car insurance, and homeowners insurance to protect us financially against the unexpected, and pet insurance is no different. Veterinary care is rising in cost and for good reason, the care available to pets is often on par with human medical care. And when pets are part of the family, people go to extreme lengths to help their pets live long, happy and healthy lives. Pet insurance enables you to afford your veterinarian’s recommended course of treatments for your beloved pet, without wiping you out financially.
4. Vet bills can be huge and come at unexpected times
Life is full of surprises but protecting your finances with pet insurance will ultimately help you protect your pets. When unexpected vet visits arise you can simply pay with your credit card, file a claim, and if approved be reimbursed by the end of the week. Americans spent an estimated $14.21 billion on veterinary care in 2013, a 4% increase from 2012.**
Recent Pet Insurance Claims in July
Paid $6,670 for Harley, a mixed breed with neosporosis, vet bill was $7,411 Paid $3,646 for Bella, a Newfoundland with a cruciate ligament injury, vet bill was $3,650
5. Savings account vs. pet insurance
Purchasing an insurance plan is a great way to ensure you can afford the best veterinary care as soon as your pet needs it, rather than a savings account which can take years to save enough to cover even just one large vet bill. Pet insurance is truly the gift that keeps giving – both to the pet and the pet owner! Consider insuring the pets in your life, making the best veterinary care more affordable. *From Datamonitor **From the American Pet Products Association