Is pet insurance worth it? Discover the benefits

Find out if it’s worth having pet insurance

According to the American Pet Products Association, more than 66% of American households own a pet. With such a strong emotional bond, there is also a growing concern for the health and well-being of these companions, and it is in this scenario that pet insurance is starting to gain prominence.

But is it really worth taking out this type of insurance? Below, we will explain how it works, what the benefits are, and why this can be a smart decision for those who live with a pet in the United States.

What is pet insurance and how does it work?

Pet insurance works in a similar way to human health insurance. The owner pays a monthly fee (premium) and, in exchange, is entitled to partial or total reimbursement of veterinary expenses, depending on the coverage contracted.

There are three main types of plans in the US:

• Coverage for accidents and illnesses: covers unexpected situations, such as fractures, infections, poisoning, surgeries, hospitalizations, among others;
• Coverage only for accidents: includes emergency care in cases such as being run over, bitten or poisoned;
• Full coverage (with wellness): in addition to the cases above, it also covers check-ups, vaccinations, preventive exams and routine treatments.

Companies such as Healthy Paws, Trupanion, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Embrace offer different plans with premiums that vary according to the type of animal, breed, age, location and type of coverage chosen.

What are the benefits of pet insurance?

Now, it’s time for you to understand the benefits of having insurance for your pet. Below, we have provided a list that will help you better understand the advantages.

1. Savings on veterinary emergencies

In the US, a simple emergency visit to the vet can cost hundreds of dollars. More complex surgeries or hospitalizations can easily exceed $5,000.

With adequate insurance, much of this expense can be reimbursed, which eases the financial impact.

2. Easy access to modern treatments

Today, veterinary medicine is highly advanced, with chemotherapy, MRIs and specialized surgeries, all effective but expensive.

Having insurance ensures that the owner can choose the best care without thinking only about cost.

3. Greater emotional peace of mind

Knowing that you can care for your pet without compromising your family budget brings enormous relief.

In emergency situations, the decision about treatment will not be based solely on price, but on what is best for the animal.

4. Promotion of preventive health

Plans with wellness coverage encourage regular check-ups, up-to-date vaccinations and monitoring of chronic diseases, which can increase the pet’s longevity and quality of life.

When is pet insurance worth it?

Insurance tends to be more worthwhile in different situations. The first is when the animals are young, because the earlier you take out the insurance, the lower the monthly costs and the greater the chances of comprehensive coverage.

In addition, breeds with a predisposition to genetic diseases are also recommended. This is because certain breeds are more susceptible to health problems such as dysplasia, heart disease and allergies.

If you prefer to avoid financial surprises, a good plan may be the ideal solution.

Finally, those who live in large urban centers. Veterinary clinics and hospitals in metropolitan areas tend to have higher costs, making insurance even more advantageous.

Is it worth having insurance?

Yes, pet insurance can be very worthwhile, especially if you want to be prepared for emergencies and ensure the best possible care for your pet.

Although it represents an additional monthly expense, this investment can prevent unexpected expenses and provide greater financial security.

The tip is to research the options available on the market thoroughly, compare coverage, deductibles, reimbursement limits and read the fine print.

Evaluating your pet’s health history and your ability to cover emergency costs is also essential to making the right decision.

Ultimately, having insurance for your four-legged companion is a way of showing, in practice, how important they are to you, and ensuring that they always receive the care they deserve.

Written by

Juliana Raquel