A broken foot may seem like a small injury, but with x-rays, anesthesia (so the pet will be still for x-rays and treatment), medications and veterinary fees, it can be an expensive event for a pet owner. When the unexpected happens, pet health insurance can make it possible to give your furry friend the care it needs.
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If a pet has a serious health problem or an accident, veterinary costs could amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The owner may be faced with a dilemma. The term used by veterinarians is “economic euthanasia”, when an owner decides to have their best friend euthanized rather than allow it to suffer, because the cost of critical treatment for their pet is more than they can afford. Often the decision is made out of love and concern for the animal, but that doesn’t make it any easier for the owner.
So what’s the alternative? The answer for some owners is pet health insurance. More than a dozen companies offer it. You can find a policy to fit almost any budget, depending on the age of the animal and what kind of coverage you want. Some policies cover catastrophic situations, such as accidents, hospitalization, surgery, and even diagnostic procedures. Others include annual checkups and vaccinations, and even spaying or neutering, although the premium is a little higher to include preventive care coverage.
Just like human health care policies, those for pets often have deductibles. Almost all require co-pays. And many have limits on what they will pay out each year. Unlike health insurance for humans, you will probably have to pay the vet bills up front and then get reimbursed. It may be worth it to shop around, and check online. When Consumers Advocate ranked the top ten pet insurance companies, HealthyPaws came in as top dog, but PetPlan and TruPanion were also very highly ranked.
And ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. He or she may have experience with one or more companies and could tell you which ones are the most helpful.
Democrats and Republicans may disagree about health care for humans, but pet health insurance is bipartisan – both dogs and cats can benefit. Check out the various companies, ask questions, and make sure you’re getting the right policy for your situation. Then relax knowing that you’re doing even more to protect your best friend, when you’re speaking of pets.
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