No matter if they have furry tails that wag or they spend their days sunning on a heat stone, many of us treat our pets just like family. This means getting them the best possible care, including a pet health plan.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Americans spent roughly $10.1 billion for pet health care in 2007 " a 40 percent increase from 2006. The insurance industry isn't ignoring these numbers. Jack Stephens, founder of Pet's Best Insurance, says that Americans spend roughly $250 million annually on pet insurance. That figure is expected to increase to $1 billion by 2011, he says. That makes pet insurance one of the fastest growing insurance lines.
These pet insurance plans can be very straightforward or complicated, depending on your needs. While most often taken out on the family dog or cat, they are available for almost all pets and livestock.
The hope is that you never need your coverage. But, even with a pedigreed animal there is always the chance they will need emergency care or surgery. These pet bills often spiral into the thousands and can catch you unaware.
The ASPCA has noticed a surge in the number of people contacting their office in recent months. Well meaning owners who simply can no longer afford the often veterinary care that their pets require.
Pet insurance policies generally covers vet bills that arise from illnesses and injuries. Many plans also offer preventative care, and liability coverage in case your pet damages someones property or person.
In addition, pet insurance policies often cover the cost of advertisements and rewards if a dog or cat goes missing, kennel costs if the owner is hospitalized and the cost of holiday cancellation if a pet requires life-saving surgery.
You must be aware of the terms of each policy though, and not shop purely based on price. This is an important family member, and adequate coverage should be your first goal.
These pet care plans are becoming much more common. This helps all owners feel comfortable knowing that their pets will be taken care of without causing undue financial stress on the family.
Making the life altering choice between euthanasia and an expensive medical treatment is never easy. According to Wallace Sife, who has counseled hundreds of guilt filled pet owners as founder of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, "There is no right answer."
While a pet insurance plan won't spare you from the emotional hardship of a pet needing expensive care, it can free you from worrying about the financial stress, and hopefully help you make a better decision.
These are the basics behind this issue, and it is important to do your research so you know exactly what you are covered for and how much this will cost. A simple internet search should yield a variety of insurance providers, and you should compare their websites to see which gives you the best deal. Do not just go for the cheapest option - make sure that your pet is covered so that you will be prepared and looked after if anything does go wrong with their health.
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Dr. Shirley Timmerson DVM, who has been a vet for over 20 years, offers more in depth information on AKC pet insurance on her website. This information is all available free at her petcare blog.
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