The pet insurance industry has been growing at an astounding rate. Some experts estimate it will double by 2022, reaching a value of $2 billion.
More people than ever are investing in insurance policies for their four-legged friends. You’ve considered a policy yourself, but you’re still asking, “Is pet insurance worth it?”
Some people aren’t convinced they should invest in an insurance policy for their pets. You may hear conflicting opinions. Some people think pet insurance is worth every penny, while others will tell you it’s not worth a dime.
We took a closer look at the policies on the market to help pet parents like you weigh the pros and cons. It turns out there are probably more benefits than drawbacks to pet insurance.
If you’re still not sold on pet insurance, you should consider these seven benefits.
1. Insurance Can be a Life Safer
Let’s start by reviewing the basics. What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance works almost the same as any other health insurance policy. You pick a plan with the coverage you need. Then you pay the premiums.
When your pet gets sick or visits the vet, your pet insurance policy will cover the costs.
For most pet parents, the right insurance means not needing to choose between their pet’s life and their wallet. Improved medicine means it’s possible to do more for animals with diseases like cancer.
Those treatments come with a cost. Those who can’t afford them often have to make the difficult choice to say goodbye. With pet insurance, you can give your beloved pet a fighting chance.
2. Cover Routine Care Costs for Your Pet
When pet insurance policies were first introduced, they most covered illnesses like cancer. Accidents were also covered.
You can still buy injury and illness policies, but there are more options on the market now. Some policies will cover routine care for pets, such as vaccinations and annual exams.
With the right insurance policy, you can both protect your pet’s health and save yourself these costs.
3. Plan for the Future
If you just got a puppy or a kitten, you might ask yourself, “Do I need pet insurance?”
While you hope your new pet will have a long, healthy life ahead of them, the truth is you can’t predict the future. What happens if Rover slips his collar and runs into the road? Fluffy might escape from the house and be injured in a fight with another cat.
You also can’t predict if your pet will get sick in the future. While no pet parent wants to think about their pet being diagnosed with cancer, it is a possibility. Having the right insurance can help you plan for these big “what-ifs.”
4. Give Yourself Peace of Mind
One of the biggest of benefits of pet insurance is the peace of mind it brings. You want to protect your furry friend’s health and wellness, and a pet insurance policy can help you do that.
Your animal may be healthy today, but what about tomorrow or a few years from now? You could start a veterinary costs fund just in case Fido gets sick, but the truth is most of us don’t prepare that well.
Pet insurance lets you stop worrying about the “what-ifs” of pet ownership. There’s no need to worry about what will happen if your pet needs to have surgery or gets an infection. You know you have the coverage, so you can focus on helping your pet get better.
5. Is Pet Insurance Worth it for Pre Existing Conditions?
Many pet parents will ask, “Is pet insurance worth it for pets with pre-existing conditions?”
Until recently, most pet insurance policies didn’t cover pre-existing conditions. If your cat has allergies or your dog has a thyroid issue, their treatments might not be covered under a new policy.
That picture is starting to change. There’s now pet insurance that covers pre-existing conditions, which can help you benefit as much as other pet parents. You might even benefit more from the right insurance.
6. Save Your Wallet
Pet insurance companies can also help you save money. While some think pet insurance isn’t a good idea, most people get a good return on their policies.
You need to be sure to pick a plan that fits your needs. If your animal is older, you’ll pay a higher premium. It’s also more likely they’ll need coverage for an illness or injury.
For a younger animal, a plan that covers routine care and wellness makes much more sense.
Having the right plan in your pocket can actually save you money. This is obvious in cases where an animal is injured or becomes ill.
Even when your pet is healthy though, it can help you save on those everyday costs. Annual exams, vaccinations, and more add up, especially over a pet’s lifetime.
7. More Diverse Plan Options Protect Health
A few years ago, there were relatively few pet insurance policies to choose from. Coverage was usually limited to accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
Today, you might have trouble answering the question, “Which pet insurance should I get?” There are so many more choices on the market.
The expanding diversity of the market makes it easier to pick a plan that really fits your needs. In turn, it’s easier than ever to find a plan that will help support your pet’s health and wellness. No matter what stage of life they’re in, the right plan is out there.
A Happy, Healthy Pet
If you asked, “Is pet insurance worth it?” at the beginning of this guide, these seven benefits should convince you the answer is yes.
Pet insurance can help your pet lead a happier, healthier life. As pet parents, that’s all we can ask for.
Looking for more great articles about how you can help your pets live a better life? Check out the blog for more information and inspiration.