Imagine playing with your dog; it suddenly jumps over the fence or falls off a height. You cannot decide the future, but you can help your dog get the best medical attention. 

Just like regular health insurance, pet insurance aims to cover veterinary expenses for your pet in case of accidents or health issues.

Pet insurance covers your pet for various illnesses, injuries, diseases, and accidents, including financial security, veterinarian of your choice, customizable plans, emergency medical care, preventive care, and peace of mind.

Let’s check some of the top benefits of having pet insurance.

Benefits of Having Pet Insurance

According to research, there were 4.8 million insured pets in the United States in 2022, a 22% increase from 2021.

The rise in number of insured pets shows that pet owners are becoming more aware of the benefits of pet insurance.

In addition, veterinary costs are consistently rising due to advances in pet healthcare. So, if you have not covered your pet already, here are seven reasons to help you consider.

1. Financial Security

Financial security is the most apparent benefit of pet insurance, where average monthly premiums for dogs are $50 and for cats are $28.

Pet insurance offers financial safety, especially for pricey medical procedures, surgeries, or emergencies.

This protection ensures pet owners can provide healthcare without fearing excessive bills.

• Pet owners can make medical decisions based on their pet's well-being rather than their financial situation. 
• Pet insurance policies often come with affordable monthly premiums. You can choose a plan that fits your budget.
• Pet insurance helps you manage unexpected veterinary expenses. It covers many costs associated with accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and treatments. 
• Sometimes, your pet may need specialized treatment from veterinary specialists. Pet insurance lets you access these experts without financial constraints, ensuring the best care.

In addition to offering financial security, pet insurance puts your pet's health and well-being first, ensuring they get the best care possible in an emergency.

2. Veterinarian of Your Choice

Most pet insurance plans typically allow you to select a veterinarian or specialist. 

It means you can receive care from the veterinarian you trust and is best for your pet's requirements.

The ability to choose the veterinarian of your choice is one of the top benefits of having pet insurance. 

• Staying with a preferred veterinarian ensures consistent care and treatment plans for your pet.
• In emergencies, having the freedom to choose your veterinarian or emergency clinic can be critical. Pet insurance allows you to make swift decisions in times of crisis.
• If you move to a new location or your preferred veterinarian retires or relocates, pet insurance lets you maintain continuity of care by selecting a new, trusted veterinarian. 
• It ensures you receive a comprehensive approach to your pet's health, including personalized recommendations and ongoing preventive care. 
• Staying with your preferred veterinarian is convenient, as they know your pet's medical background and specific health needs.

3. Peace of Mind

Life is full of unpredictable events, and pet insurance helps you face them confidently, knowing you have a financial safety net for your beloved pet.  

Pet insurance can provide you peace of mind and lessen your worry when things go tough.

More than focusing on your financial situation, you can choose the medical care for your pet based on what is best for their health.

It ensures you are ready to face the issue without financial restraints in case of unexpected accidents or illnesses. You can provide immediate care for your pet when needed most.

Here's why it is such a valuable aspect of pet insurance.

• Pet insurance lets you make informed medical decisions based on your pet's health needs rather than worrying about the cost of treatment.
• It offers coverage for preventive care, such as vaccinations and annual check-ups, promoting peace of mind regarding their overall well-being.
• Some insurance plans offer lifetime coverage, ensuring your pet remains insured regardless of age or pre-existing conditions. 
• You can explore various treatment choices to maintain or improve your pet's quality of life without being limited by financial concerns.

Having peace of mind goes beyond being worry-free financially; it also involves the psychological comfort of knowing that you are doing everything possible to keep your pet healthy.

4. Customizable Plans

Many pet insurance plans offer customizable plans that allow you to tailor coverage to your pet's specific needs and your budget.

This flexibility ensures that you are not paying for coverage you do not need.

Here's why customizable plans are helpful for pet owners.

• You can choose coverage options that align with your pet's health requirements and financial capabilities.
• You can change premium amounts by choosing coverage limits, deductibles, and reimbursement percentages.
• You can choose a deductible that fits your budget, whether you'd rather have a greater deductible with lower premiums or the opposite.
• Many pet insurance plans offer optional add-on coverage for specific needs, such as dental care, prescription medications, or alternative therapies. 
• If you have many pets and insure more than one pet under the same policy, your insurers offer discounts.

5. Emergency Care

Emergencies can be financially draining. Pet insurance covers emergency and critical care, including visits to 24-hour pet hospitals. 

Did you know that 36% of Americans admitted they could not pay $400 or more in cash for an emergency?

Knowing that your pet is covered for emergencies offers peace of mind. 

Without worrying about how to pay for medical care, you can act quickly in emergencies.

• Pet insurance provides the financial support necessary for immediate care, saving your pet's life.
• It ensures you are prepared to handle unexpected accidents or illnesses without the burden of high veterinary bills.
• It covers hospitalization costs, diagnostics, surgeries, and medications needed for emergency cases.
• Emergencies need lifesaving procedures, like surgeries or blood transfusions. Pet insurance ensures that these critical interventions are workable.
• In unfortunate situations where euthanasia is necessary, pet insurance can cover these costs, alleviating the financial burden.
• If you travel with your pet and an emergency occurs away from home, pet insurance can provide coverage for veterinary care in unfamiliar locations.

Having pet insurance with emergency care coverage is like having a safety net for your pet's health. 

It enables you to take immediate action in medical crises, ensuring your beloved pet receives the best care possible without delay or financial burden.

6. Preventive Care

Preventive care, including vaccinations, annual check-ups, and dental cleanings, is an optional coverage offered by some pet insurance plans. 

Preventive care coverage encourages pet owners to be proactive about their health.

 

Pet insurance reduces the financial burden of preventive measures by covering routine vaccinations, check-ups, and screenings.

While these may cost extra, they can help maintain your pet's health and catch potential issues early.

Here's why preventive care coverage is beneficial for pet owners.

• Preventive care promotes regular veterinary visits, wellness exams, and routine procedures that can help address health issues early before they become serious.
• It can save pet owners money in the long run. 
• Some pet insurance plans cover dental cleanings and oral health services, preventing dental diseases.
• Coverage for parasite control measures includes flea and tick prevention, deworming, and heartworm medication. It ensures your pet is protected from harmful parasites.
• Some policies cover behavioral consultations, which can be beneficial for addressing and managing behavioral issues early.
• Health screening coverage, such as blood tests and urinalyses, can help find underlying health conditions before they become symptomatic.

7. Reimbursement of Costs

Pet insurance operates on a reimbursement model.

You pay the veterinary costs upfront; the insurance provider reimburses you for allowable expenses.

Pet insurance policies allow pet owners to customize their coverage by selecting reimbursement rates, i.e., 70%, 80%, and 90% options and deductible levels that suit their preferences and budget.

You have control over your pet's care and are not restricted to a specific network of providers.

Here's why reimbursement is a valuable aspect of pet insurance.

• Pet insurance policies offer different reimbursement levels, allowing pet owners to choose the percentage of costs they want to be reimbursed. 
• Reimbursement alleviates the burden of paying for costly medical treatments and procedures out of pocket.
• You do not have to set aside a significant savings fund for unexpected veterinary expenses. 
• Knowing that you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses encourages pet owners to seek high-quality veterinary care.
• It is valuable for emergencies, ensuring you can authorize necessary treatments and procedures without hesitation.

 

Conclusion

Owning a pet is a privilege; you must consider the costs of seeing a vet when taking on this responsibility.

Therefore, pet insurance can offer numerous benefits, enabling you to concentrate on giving your beloved pet the finest care possible without worrying about the costs of unforeseen medical difficulties. 

Additionally, it is essential to research different insurance providers and policies to find the one that best fits your needs, budget, and pet's demands.

Otherwise, you can contact Urban Pet Hospital & Resort, the best pet hospital in Des Moines.