Pet owners don’t ever want to think about a crisis. But accidents happen, illnesses show up out of nowhere, and veterinary care can be expensive, especially when it’s an emergency. That’s where pet health insurance for dogs and cats comes in, and it’s worth thinking about long before you actually need it.
Consider Pet Insurance
It’s best to consider pet health insurance for dogs and cats as soon as you get your pet. Having your dog or cat insured can help alleviate some of the cost of emergencies and specialty care needs and give you some peace of mind. If you’re not sure where to begin, here are a few options we recommend to our clients: Nationwide, Trupanion, and Embrace. Each company offers different coverage levels and price points, so it’s worth making a pet health insurance comparison before deciding what fits your pet and your budget. And speaking of budget…
Pet Health Insurance Cost
Just as with standard health insurance, determining pet health insurance cost can get complicated. A lot of factors are taken into account including:
- Species
- Provider
- Puppy/kitten or adult
- Breed
6 months of insurance for a golden retriever puppy could be anywhere from $29 to $116. In general, pet health insurance cost for cats is lower than it is for dogs. In Maryland and its surrounding areas, the average monthly cost for a dog is around $55, while it’s roughly $30 for cats. Because of the generally wide range across the board, however, it’s important to take the time to do a pet health insurance comparison to determine the best fit for you.
The Benefits Add Up
Adding another expense to your monthly budget may seem overwhelming. But consider the benefits of having pet health insurance for dogs and cats.
Covers major accidents and unexpected illnesses. From a swallowed toy to a sudden diagnosis, insurance helps make sure cost isn’t the deciding factor in your pet’s care.
Prevents dipping into your personal emergency savings. A trip to the emergency vet can run into the thousands. Insurance keeps that expense from eating into the fund you’ve set aside for your own emergencies.
Allows you to choose any licensed veterinarian or emergency hospital. Unlike some human health plans, most pet health insurance for dogs and cats doesn’t lock you into a network. You can go to the vet or specialist you trust.
Offers peace of mind during late-night health crises. When something goes wrong at 2 a.m., the last thing you want to be doing is worrying about whether you have enough funds in your bank account. Insurance lets you focus on your pet instead.
Reduces stress over difficult financial and medical decisions. No one should have to choose between their finances and their pet’s wellbeing. Pet health insurance for dogs and cats helps take that impossible choice off the table.
The Bottom Line
Pet health insurance for dogs and cats isn’t about expecting the worst, it’s about being ready for it. Looking into a plan now, while your pet is healthy, means one less thing to worry about if an emergency ever does arise.
Do you have a pet insurance success story? We want to hear how it saved the day for your beloved friend! Share it with us here!
Should you find yourself in a veterinary emergency, we can help!
Call our Frederick location at 301.200.8185
Call our Richmond location at 804.206.9122