If you are looking for a clear cut answer to that question, you are unfortunately going to be disappointed. There really is no definitive answer. It depends on a number of different factors.
Like any insurance, you buy pet insurance hoping that you will never need to use it. If you do need it, you can pat yourself on the back for having bought it. Less than one percent of all pet owners do have insurance.
The cost of pet care, like everything else, is constantly going up. Many typical surgical procedures can run $1,000 to $2,000. So, if you are the kind of person who really hates to gamble, and wants the peace of mind of knowing you are covered, it may be worth paying the $20 to $60 pet insurance premium each month. You are insuring against financial hardship and having to make a decision about your pet’s care based solely on cost.
If you do decide to get insurance, there are a few things you should be aware of.
- Read the policy closely.
Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not. Different insurance companies will cover different things. This way, it won’t come as a surprise if a claim is turned down. Make sure you understand the terms.
- Know about co-pays, deductibles and caps.
This is similar to human health insurance. Co-pays and deductibles are the amounts you have to pay for each claim before the insurance kicks in. There are also caps on what the insurance company will pay, and there are different kinds of caps, so you need to know about them.
- Be aware of exclusions.
These are conditions and treatments that are not covered under an individual policy. They can vary from policy to policy and company to company. But, according to pet law attorneys, few policies cover pet medical issues such as dysplasia, ligament tears, congenital conditions, hereditary conditions, and developmental conditions.
- Make sure your veterinarian qualifies under the policy.
Some companies require vets to be licensed and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
If you are reluctant to get insurance, there are other options. One is to set up a savings account for your pet, and then deposit money into the account on a regular basis so you have the funds if they are needed for a major medical emergency.
Another idea to research is CareCredit, a line of credit that can be used at participating vets. It works just like a credit card and can be used for routine checkups and more advanced care. (Please note that mentioning CareCredit here in no way means we endorse – or don’t endorse – the service. We are just presenting it here for you as a resource.)
Help keep your pet healthy and happy with plenty of outdoor exercise here at Barney’s Ranch. All of our canine boarding guests – whether staying here for the day or overnight – get to enjoy our 4,000-square-foot outdoor run. Contact us at (469) 273-1661 for more information on our boarding services.