I just got back from a visit to the vet to have my 3 dogs get their scheduled booster shots and exams. I saw a sign at the vet for a senior pet health insurance plan that would cover the exam as well as necessary tests and some preventive care. I didn’t think I needed this insurance, but it made me think of ways I could have saved money on my vet bills. This wasn’t an affordability issue, but with all the talk about health insurance, it made me think about taking care of my pets as they get older and may have potential health problems down the road.
Taking care of your pet’s health is just as responsible as taking care of your own. Just like with you, you can choose a health insurance plan for your pet. There are many good pet health care companies to choose from. You may want to consider a company that offers a health insurance plan that will help with some of the costs associated with keeping your pet healthy through regular check-ups. These plans may be a good choice if you visit the vet regularly and keep your pet on a maintenance schedule.
Then there is the unforeseen situation where your pet may have had an accident or a major health problem that will result in a large vet bill. You can certainly pay your vet bills the normal way with your credit card or even take out a loan. In this case, disaster health insurance would be very helpful. You could look into a type of pet insurance such as car insurance – it’s there if you need it but it likely won’t cover all costs if anything happens to your pet.
The best thing to do is talk to your vet about pet health insurance companies that exist and which ones your vet recommends. You should also research these companies to see what they offer and how they differ. It is difficult to face a decision as to whether or not to perform procedures on your pet if it comes to cost. Sometimes the vet will cut costs in the event of a serious illness, but this should not be expected. Pet health insurance is available if you need it, and it can save your pet’s life.