Five Reasons Why Pet Insurance Is Worth It

Dog and cat owners know the joy that their pets bring to their daily lives, and ensuring that their pets are healthy and happy is a priority.

Your pets’ vet bills can add up quickly. Having the right pet insurance can help you afford the best veterinary care available when unexpected pet health issues arise. Below are five good reasons why pet insurance is worth it.

1. Pet insurance can help reimburse you for both routine and preventative pet care procedures¹

Healthy pets are happy pets. Just like people need regular doctor visits, your pet needs to see the veterinarian at least once a year to stay healthy. 

Going to the veterinarian annually allows your pet to get a physical so any health problems can be addressed. Your veterinarian can also provide advice on weight management and any necessary vaccinations to prevent serious disease. Yearly pet dental care can also be provided to reduce the chances of periodontal disease.

Pet insurance makes it easier for you to work these routine visits into your budget, so you’re never tempted to skip a vet visit because of cost concerns.  

2. Pet insurance can help you respond quickly in times of illness or injury

When your dog or cat gets sick, it’s sometimes hard to know if the symptoms warrant a visit to the veterinarian. 

Unfortunately, animals can’t communicate to people whether they have a minor tummy ache or major pains that could come from an abdominal blockage. They often mask symptoms, so their humans don’t know they are in pain until the problem is severe. It can be impossible for pet owners to know exactly what’s going on inside their dog or cat.

You don’t want to have to worry about whether it’s worth paying for a vet visit to see if your animal needs intervention. With pet insurance helping you to cover the costs, big bills won’t put a visit to the vet out of reach. As soon as your dog or cat seems unwell — perhaps they’re exhibiting strange behavior, have a weird new lump, or show other symptoms that are concerning to you — you can get to the vet immediately.

This should make many conditions more treatable, and early intervention for medical problems can help keep your dog or cat feeling healthier and in good physical condition for as long as possible. 

3. Pet insurance can save a trip to the vet with veterinary telemedicine

Virtual and telephonic pet helplines are becoming more common among pet insurance providers. Some offer 24/7 helplines² that allow customers to call, chat, or email a veterinary expert anytime, anywhere. These virtual vet visit services can offer guidance and tips to help new as well as experienced pet parents when it comes to behavioral issues, training, toxicity questions, chronic health issues and more. Using a pet helpline can help pet parents find out how serious an injury or condition is and potentially save an expensive trip to the vet.

4. Pet insurance can help you maintain your animal’s smile with pet dental care³

Pet insurance policies may cover periodontal disease if your animal doesn’t have this as a pre-existing condition when you sign up for pet insurance coverage. Some policies may also require that your pet’s teeth were cleaned under general anesthesia within a certain time period before treatment is needed. 

Dental care for pets can be expensive, as dogs and cats need cleaning under anesthesia. Without routine dental care, periodontal disease may develop. Your dog or cat could develop abscesses, infections, or serious ailments that could result from too much bacteria in the mouth. Heart, liver and kidney problems could even develop if your pet’s oral health is not properly maintained. 

When a policy includes coverage for dental care, you can rest easy knowing you’ll have help paying for pet dental cleanings. Your dog or cat can have fresh breath and hopefully avoid problems like gum disease or tooth loss that are a part of life for so many companion animals. 

5. Pet insurance can help you keep your pet pain-free with pet therapies

Some insurance policies cover alternative therapies such as pet chiropractic care, cold laser therapy, hydrotherapy and pet acupuncture in addition to accidents, illnesses and routine care.

Many of these procedures are effective at keeping your pet pain free, without the use of harsh medications. Older pets may be able to stay comfortable and mobile for longer, and pets with injuries may have an easier recovery.

Paying for these types of pain-relieving and life-improving treatments can get very expensive, especially if your pet needs multiple courses of therapy. When insurance helps to foot the bill, you can get these treatments regularly so you can help your pet feel as well as possible for as long as possible. 

Find the right pet insurance partner in protecting your pet’s health

While pet insurance can help your pet stay healthy and happy, it’s important to remember that not all pet insurance policies are created equal. If you want coverage for dental health, routine care, accidents and illness, you’ll need to shop for a comprehensive pet insurance policy that provides all these types of coverages.

Pet insurers may offer flexible coverage options so you can customize your policy to protect your dogs and cats. (For a pet insurance example, see this information about Pets Best.)* It is important to find a pet insurance policy that will help you pay for not only the care your pet needs today, but also the care they may need in the future.