The COVID-19 pandemic prompted an unprecedented number of pet adoptions across the U.S.. As people hunkered down at home with more time on their hands, they turned to furry family members to fill their life with joy and companionship.
This increase in new pet ownership means additional monthly expenses for many families. Health care presents one of the biggest unknown financial risks of owning a dog or cat.
One way to plan wisely for unexpected situations is to get pet insurance. Pet insurance helps save money while protecting a pet’s health. It can also help you make the best medical decision in an emergency since you won’t have to choose between a treatment and its high cost. Economic euthanasia (the decision to put your pet down when you cannot afford treatment) is not a concern when you have a pet insurance plan to cover unexpected veterinary costs.
Monthly premium costs vary for every pet. Deductibles and reimbursement percentages may be adjustable. the monthly fee is a small price to pay compared to the potential out-of-pocket expenses from an emergency pet health concern like a stomach issue which can cost over $29,000 to treat.
A typical pet insurance plan is designed to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses, pre-existing conditions are not covered under most policies. Some providers also offer wellness plans to cover routine expenses like annual checkups, vaccinations, and other preventative costs. As with any contract, be sure to read the fine print of what’s included for your pet. Also, shop around for at least three quotes so you can compare pricing and coverage, as both can vary widely.
Visit a vet online
Another way to save on a pet’s health care costs is with online vets. Expert veterinarians are available 24/7 to advise you in the comfort of your home without the stress of visiting a vet’s office. This can be especially helpful when attempting to keep social distance during the COVID-19 crisis.
These money-saving tips can help pet parents budget and sustain their furry family members during the rest of the pandemic and beyond without having to surrender them due to unexpected expenses. These options may allow dog and cat owners to focus on their pet’s health rather than making life or death decisions based on the impact to their wallets.