Can you catch a break on vet bills with pet insurance? You sure can’t put a price on your little friend’s health so it may be time to find out. Pet insurance providers have made a good case in favor of it.
Pet insurance can cover everything from preventive care to treatments for accidents or illness, including medications, X-rays, surgeries, and hospital stays. You can stay with your own vet or find a licensed in-network vet. Costs depend on your pet’s breed, age, species and the coverage level selected.
Average Prices
The average monthly premium for a dog is $32 and $22 for a cat, although you can opt for emergency care only, which can lower the monthly premium to about $10. On some policies, premiums can exceed $100 per month for comprehensive coverage for exotic birds or pets.
Pros
Emergency care treatments can be extremely expensive.
It’s a good idea when you have a pet with a chronic illness.
There’s a high value for your peace of mind.
Most policies offer discounts for two or more pets, micro-chipped pets and for pet owners in the military.
Cons
Most policies require deductibles and copays.
Some pre-existing conditions may be excluded.
Premiums will vary by state and may increase annually.
If pet insurance is starting to make good sense, shop for the best rate by comparing quotes from several companies.