| Although pet insurance has been available for | | | | greater the range of benefits you and your pet |
| approximately 20 years, many pet owners have | | | | receive. |
| never used it and are surprised that such a thing | | | | The average plan is from $20 per month and has |
| would even exist. After all, insurance is for people, | | | | either no annual benefit limit at all or a limit of |
| right? | | | | approximately $15,000. Many plans offer discounts for |
| Well, if you have ever had to use your savings | | | | multiple pets. Your deductible will be determined by |
| account in order to pay for a pet's surgery or if you | | | | the plan you choose, but the average is |
| have ever had to put a beloved pet to sleep | | | | approximately $100 per year. |
| because you couldn't afford medical care, then you | | | | Since the majority of the medical expenses |
| know the usefulness of pet insurance. | | | | generated by a pet are related to routine |
| As is the case with most other health-related | | | | procedures, look for a plan that covers vaccinations, |
| expenses, the costs associated with an average | | | | neutering and spaying, annual check-ups and dental |
| pet's medical care are rising all the time. If you have | | | | care. You want your pet to be protected in case he |
| multiple pets, the cost of even the most basic care | | | | develops a serious illness or injury, but these |
| can be financially painful. When deciding whether or | | | | lower-budget procedures can also put a big dent in |
| not to buy a health insurance policy for your pet, you | | | | your bank account. Make sure you're pet is covered! |
| have to ask yourself a few questions. | | | | What Sort of Restrictions Are There? |
| 1. Do you consider your pet to be part of the family? | | | | You may be willing to pay for your pet's health |
| 2. Would you be unable to pay for (possibly | | | | insurance, but that doesn't mean an insurance |
| thousands of dollars in medical bills if your pet | | | | company will automatically cover him. If your pet is |
| develops cancer or needs long-term medical care? | | | | over a certain age, he may be denied coverage. Even |
| 3. Would it absolutely break your family's heart to | | | | if you find insurance for your pet, there are always |
| have to euthanize your pet because you didn't plan | | | | certain coverage limits and restrictions. Most policies |
| ahead for potential health crises? | | | | won't cover the treatment of pre-existing conditions |
| If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, | | | | or genetic defects. Sometimes cancer is also |
| then you'll want to seriously consider purchasing an | | | | excluded from coverage (although many companies |
| insurance policy for your pet. | | | | will add cancer care to the coverage for an additional |
| What Kind of Pet Insurance Is Available? | | | | cost). |
| Pet insurance is now available through a multitude of | | | | Be aware of any waiting periods that are written into |
| specific companies; and, just as with your average | | | | your pet's policy. |
| health insurance plan, the higher the premium, the | | | | |