Is Pet Health Insurance Worth It? Here’s what you need to know before you buy it.

You may be thinking of adding a four-legged friend to the family during the holidays. And you’ll be in good company: 70% of U.S. households have a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 National Pet Ownership Survey.

As cute as pets are, they represent a financial commitment. Americans spent $103.6 billion on their pets in 2020 alone, according to APPA.

Some expenses, such as food and housing, are predictable. But if your new puppy or kitten gets sick or injured, an unexpected medical bill can derail your budget. For more Americans, pet insurance provides peace of mind.

The cost of veterinary care

Medical problems are almost inevitable for pets, and costs are likely to rise, says Kristen Lynch, executive director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, or NAPHIA.

Tendency

“The fact that there is continued innovation in the medical care of companion animals – just like for humans – means that the cost of these innovations will continue to rise. 

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Dog owners spend an average of $242 on routine visits and $458 on surgical visits each year, according to APPA. The cost to cat owners is slightly lower, at $178 for routine visits and $201 for surgical visits.

“I would say at least half of the clients I come in contact with have money issues,” Dr. TB Thompson, a Phoenix-based veterinarian at Natural Pets headquarters, said in an email. “When pets have complicated and life-threatening medical issues, the costs add up quickly. »

How Pet Insurance Can Reduce Surprise Bills

Pet insurance won’t reimburse you for every penny you spend at the vet, but it can help you avoid getting slapped with a costly bill.

A policy will typically pay 70-90% of your costs after paying a deductible, which can range from $0 to $1,000 or more.

“Consider getting pet insurance unless you can easily fund the treatment of a pet emergency that costs $2,500 or more,” says Thompson.

There are several types of pet insurance plans. Comprehensive plans, the most robust, cover the costs of care due to accidents, illnesses, and surgeries, as well as vaccinations and diagnostic tests. Accident and sickness coverage helps pay for emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, and prescription drugs, while accident-only insurance policies help cover expenses after an accident. Some insurers also offer wellness plans, which pay for certain tests, examinations, vaccinations, and preventive treatments.

Get the best pet insurance deal

While pet insurance may prevent you from dipping into your savings to pay a vet bill, it’s an added cost.

The average cost of an accident and sickness insurance policy is $594 per year for dogs and $342 for cats, according to NAPHIA. For an accident-only policy, you could pay $218 for dogs and $134 for cats.

Premiums are based on a range of factors including:

• Where you live. The cost of veterinary care varies by region.
• Species. Dogs are more expensive to insure than cats, for example. Coverage for other types of animals is rare.
• Raise. Some breeds are predisposed to medical conditions, which can increase the cost of coverage.
• Age. As pets age, they’re more likely to get sick or injured, Lynch says. Keep this in mind if you are considering adopting an older pet from a shelter during the holiday season.

As a new pet owner, many of these factors are beyond your control. But there are a few things you can do to get a lower premium.

• Look at the fine print. Consider choosing a higher deductible and a lower level of reimbursement.
• Check discounts. Some companies offer discounts for insuring multiple pets or for military service.
• Compare the prices. In the United States, about 20 pet insurers are competing for your business, so let them be. Compare quotes from three insurers for the same amount of coverage and choose the best pet insurance company for your budget.

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In Lynch’s opinion, pet insurance is better than nothing.

“People avoid taking their pets to the vet because they’re afraid of what those costs will be,” she says. “I like to think that pet insurance gives us the ability to say ‘yes’ to those decisions at a time when we’re emotional, stressed, and strapped for other things.”