Taking your pet to the vet, even for a routine check-up, can be an expensive experience.
The bill tends to increase if your pet needs surgery, prescription medications, or treatment for illness. Enter pet insurance, a benefit offered by many employers because they know how expensive our furry, and some not-so-furry, friends can be.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Essentially, pet insurance is a policy offered in your benefits plan. It’s a policy that can help cover the costs of your pet’s medical care, from routine checkups to cancer treatments. In most cases, you pay a monthly premium and then submit a claim for any eligible expenses after going to the vet. It’s really that simple! Some plans may need you to hit a deductible before coverage kicks in.
What Does It Cover?
Pet insurance covers a wide variety of treatments, procedures, and injuries. Here’s a list of some of the things you could have coverage for:
- Broken bones
- Foreign object ingestion
- Cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Ligament tears
- Cataracts
- Medication
- X-rays, blood tests, or MRIs
- Emergency exam fees
What’s in It for You?
Enrolling in benefits can be overwhelming and adding in an extra cost for your pet may seem like something you can pass up. However, the American Veterinary Association encourages all pet owners to enroll in pet insurance because it can offset costs that will only keep rising due to the field becoming more technologically advanced. Better technology, equipment, facilities, and training required to perform procedures and implement modern medicine are rapidly increasing the costs of anything pet related.
Pet insurance can ease your mind by taking your thoughts off the financial burdens that come with a vet visit. This way, you can focus on your pet’s health instead of what it’s going to cost you. It allows you to choose the best treatment options without the financial constraints, and most of all, protects you financially by covering bills you would normally have to pay in full.
If you’re hesitant about pet insurance, you can always talk with your Benefits Department and can even consult your veterinarian on the best plan option for you and your pet.
