10 Reasons All Animal Owners Should Get Pet Insurance

Pets are not mere animals, when you take them into your home, they become family members. Pet insurance is a must-have if you care for your pet as if it were a member of your family. Pet insurance works just like health insurance for people. It allows you to get reimbursed for eligible medical expenses when you visit the veterinary. Learn more about this type of insurance and why pet owners should get one.

1. Insurance Covers Your Pet in Case of Accidents and Illnesses
If you take out pet insurance, you are covered in case of accidents and illness. The insurer will reimburse you for the eligible costs you pay at the veterinary if your cat or dog falls ill or is injured. Pet insurance is useful at any age because unfortunate events such as car accidents can affect any pets, especially those that also spend time outdoors. If your pet gets hit by a car or suffers injuries due to other types of accidents, the consequences can be severe and they might require surgery and long-term treatment. CT scans and X-rays alone can cost hundreds of dollars, while surgery can easily reach thousands of dollars.

Treatment for chronic diseases such as heart or thyroid conditions can also prove expensive. These require continuous medication that can cost hundreds of dollars per year. Pet insurance can help you reduce the amount you need to pay based on your coverage limit.

2. It Helps Extend Your Pet's Lifespan
Regular veterinary visits are recommended for dogs, cats, and other common pets. The minimum frequency is a visit per year. During these regular checkups, the vet will examine your pet and let you know whether they need any special diet or treatment.

These checkups are essential to catch early signs of disease and start applying preventive care treatment. On these occasions, the vet can also administer the necessary annual vaccinations and deworming treatment. Essentially, these vet visits can extend your pet’s life and ensure they stay healthy and happy for as long as possible.

Pet insurance can help you cover some of the costs associated with routine health care, especially if you choose a wellness plan. This type of insurance covers grooming, annual checkups, and several other costs. Some of the services included in pet wellness plans are:

- Deworming treatment 
- Heartworm tests 
- Vaccines 
- Annual vet visits 
- Spaying and neutering 
- Blood work 
- Fecal exams 
- Behavioral therapy 
- Grooming 
- Acupuncture 
- Massage therapy 
- Dental care 
- Microchipping 

Pet wellness plans can be added to a basic insurance plan. One aspect to keep in mind is the reimbursement limits. Some plans have per-item limitations meaning that they cover specific expenses up to a certain limit. For example, you might get a cap on dental cleaning services or vaccination. Compare different plans and choose the one you think will benefit your pet and your finances the most. 

3. Pet Insurance Helps You Be Prepared for the Unexpected 
You never know when your beloved pet falls ill, even if you’re diligent about their care and always on the lookout for symptoms. Moreover, you cannot prevent or predict accidents that might cause your pet injuries that require immediate medical attention. The cost of treatment and rehabilitation can be overwhelming. Just like getting health insurance for yourself and your family, pet insurance helps you be prepared for unexpected medical bills that can take a great share of your savings if you don't have any coverage. 

4. Pet Health Care Costs Are Rising 
Prices are constantly increasing in all industries and pet health care is no exception. The average American pet owner spends around $500 on their pet per year. This is another reason to get pet insurance sooner rather than later so you avoid spending more money further down the line if your pet gets sick or suffers an accident.

Only routine vet visits cost more than $240 per year for dogs and almost $180 for cats according to the 2021-2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey. If you want to add other services as part of your pet's routine care, you can pay thousands of dollars per year. For example, dental cleaning for dogs costs between $500-$1000. Dog grooming costs up to $75 depending on the dog's size. All these costs easily add up at the end of the year and pet insurance can ease this financial burden. 

5. Pet Insurance Is Flexible
Another advantage of pet insurance is that you can customize your plan depending on your pet's age, health, and of course, your finances. If you have a dog with long hair, for example, you might want to get a wellness plan that can cover the grooming costs. These pet insurance plans also include other routine care expenses and can even cover diet foods or supplements. So, if your cat has kidney problems or a skin allergy and needs a special type of food, you can get a wellness plan that covers this expense.

You can add different riders to a basic insurance policy to get coverage for different veterinary costs. Moreover, you can customize your coverage limit and take out insurance for several pets, which can also give you some discounts. 

6. Pet Insurance Is Easy to Use 
Pet insurance is not hard to use. After comparing different plans and choosing the one you find most suitable for your pet, you have to pay for the insurance coverage monthly. The insurance company will calculate the value of your monthly premiums based on your pet's age, breed, and your zip code. When you go to the vet, you'll pay for their services regularly and then submit a claim to the insurance company with the proof of payment and wait for the reimbursement. 

7. You Can Choose Any Veterinary
Pet insurance is also flexible in terms of vet choices. No matter what plan you opt for, you are not forced to choose a certain veterinarian. You can go to any vet’s office, pay for their service, and then submit your reimbursement claim to the insurance company.

Being able to choose any vet allows you to offer your pet the best care. You can take your dog for grooming to a certain vet and for regular checkups, deworming and vaccination to another one, it’s entirely up to you. 

Some insurers have a network of veterinarians. If you choose one of their vets, you can walk out of their office without paying a dime as the company will pay the vet directly for the eligible services up to your coverage amount. 

8. You Don’t Have to Tap Into Your Savings Account
If your pet suffers injuries in an accident or develops a severe condition, you might have to pay thousands of dollars to get them diagnosed and treated. Without an insurance plan, you have to pay these costly expenses all by yourself. This might mean tapping into your savings account, which is something you might not want to do if you are saving money for a house down payment, college, or another goal. Pet insurance eliminates the unpleasant situation when you have to choose between your pet and your wallet. 

9. Insurance Is Important for Older Pets
Pets have a different life expectancy depending on their overall health, genetic factors, and their breed. However, the older they get, the more likely they are to start developing different conditions.

For example, dogs, especially large breeds, are more at risk of ligament problems as they get older. 
Cats are not devoid of age-related health problems either. Many of these pets start having kidney issues and urinary tract infections as they age and the kidneys stop functioning properly. Heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer are just some of the serious conditions both dogs and cats can get diagnosed with as they get older.

Treating these conditions or at least keeping them under control can require thousands of dollars in medical bills. Pet insurance helps you be prepared for any pet health problems and related medical care costs. 

10. You Gain Peace of Mind
Having a cat or a dog is great, but it comes at a cost. When pets become family members, you have the responsibility to take care of them. This implies a lot of different aspects from training them to giving them healthy food and taking them to the vet for routine checkups. Pet insurance can help you with all these expenses by providing you coverage for a wide range of services from behavioral therapy to diet food and supplements and other vet expenses.

Besides helping you minimize the toll pet health care can take on your finances, an insurance plan also provides peace of mind. Knowing your pet is insured in case of any medical emergency can be a comforting thought, especially if it’s old or its breed makes it more prone to developing certain conditions.

Conclusion 

Pet insurance has got your furry friend covered in case of illness or accidents. Moreover, there are also wellness pet insurance plans that cover a wide range of vet expenses including behavioral therapy, grooming, vaccinations, blood work, and plenty more. Pet insurance is flexible and can offer you peace of mind. With this insurance, your pet is well taken care of in case of emergency while your finances remain intact.

The Most Common Cat Health Issues

Cats can suffer from different diseases regardless of their age or breed. Treating cat conditions can require hundreds or even thousands of dollars, which not all pet owners can afford. To avoid this financial toll, watch out for early disease signs and take your cat to the vet as soon as they appear. Pet insurance is also essential as it can cover some of the costs associated with treating cat diseases. Learn more about the most common cat conditions, their symptoms, and treatment costs.

What Are the Most Common Cat Conditions?

Digestive Problems

This is one of the most common types of health problems affecting cats. There are many symptoms that accompany stomach diseases, with vomiting and diarrhea topping the list. The problem is that the cause is often difficult to pinpoint. It might be parasites, infections, food, or another disease. Tests are often necessary to discover the root of the problem, and they can be costly.

Gum and Dental Issues

Cats often develop gum diseases, which are as unpleasant in these pets as they are in humans. Periodontitis is the most common gum-related diagnosis. Some of the signs to watch out for include bad breath, gums that start changing their color and turn pink or red, and yellow teeth. Untreated, gum and dental problems can lead to more severe consequences such as heart or kidney problems.

Kidney Diseases

Kidney problems are the fourth most common condition in cats. Just like in humans, these diseases appear when the kidneys stop working properly and are unable to filter the blood. They start building up waste products, and as a result, the cat starts feeling sick. Frequent urination, lack of appetite, and increased thirst might indicate that your cat started developing kidney problems.

Heart Conditions

Cats can suffer from heart diseases too and the symptoms are similar to those experienced by people, for example, breathing difficulty or rapid breathing. They could also have blue gums or feel lethargic. Fainting is another sign of heart disease. If your cat gets diagnosed with a heart condition, there is some good news, namely, there are different treatment types including pills.

Cancer

Cats can suffer from different types of cancer. These usually start developing as the cat gets older and symptoms vary depending on the affected organs. Some of the symptoms include weight loss, lack of appetite, and digestive problems. These symptoms often accompany lymphoma, one of the most frequent cancer types in cats. Mammary carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are other cancer types cats frequently get diagnosed with. There are multiple cancer treatment options for cats. The earlier you take your cat to the vet, the higher the chances of successfully treating the disease.

URI

Upper respiratory infections (URI) are also common among cats, especially young ones, and are caused by different viruses. The correlated symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. Many cats with URI also have eye and nose discharge.

Lower Urinary Tract Disease

This is another common disease that mostly affects male cats. If your furry friend has blood in the urine, seems to be in pain while urinating, or urinates very little despite going very often to the litter box, you should see the vet as they might have a urinary blockage. 

Other Common Health Problems Affecting Cats

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks can affect both indoor and outdoor cats and lead to various consequences besides making pets feel uncomfortable. Skin allergies and painful lesions are some of the consequences of a more serious infestation. Infections or anemia can also be caused by these common parasites.

Hyperthyroidism

A hyperactive thyroid in cats can cause different problems such as weight loss, hyperactivity, and increased heart rate. However, just like in humans, there are different therapies and medications to keep the disease under control.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites such as roundworms or hookworms are quite common among cats of all ages and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It’s recommended to take your cat to the vet periodically for deworming treatment. While these medical expenses are typically not included in basic pet insurance, you can find them in wellness insurance plans.

Diabetes

This disease can occur at any age and lead to serious complications if left undiagnosed and untreated, just like it often happens in people. Some of the signs that might indicate the onset of diabetes are increased appetite and thirst.
 

Cat Treatment Costs 

Different cat conditions require different treatments, so the costs also differ. For example, diabetes can cost cat owners approximately $900 a year in treatment. Cats diagnosed with kidney diseases cost their owners over $600 per year to treat. Cats’ stomach and digestive problems cost on average almost $350 a year. Heart diseases can also prove costly with pills costing almost $70 for a 60 ml flacon.

The different tests required to diagnose a disease can also cost a lot; X-rays are around $250-$500, CT scans can cost over $1,000, and allergy tests are around $300. Surgery prices range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the condition and surgery type.

How to Treat and Prevent Common Cat Health Issues

Cats need routine checkups to be able to steer clear of diseases. Vaccinations are necessary, especially those in the first months of life when the kitten is barely developing their immune system and is more prone to complications if they catch a disease. Regular deworming and a healthy and balanced diet are also important to prevent common illnesses.

If your cat gets diagnosed with a disease, it’s essential to start treatment immediately to prevent it from worsening. Because cat treatments can be costly, you might want to consider getting pet insurance. An insurance plan will cover the medical expenses related to most diseases and injuries. For decent monthly premiums (below $50 for a basic plan), you can get reimbursed for medical expenses costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Conclusion

Cats can develop different conditions at any age. To keep your cat healthy, take it to regular checkups, vaccinate it, and administer suitable treatment as soon as the first signs of a disease start showing. Pet insurance for cats can help you cover a large part of your cat’s health care costs and provide you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to break the bank to keep your furry friend healthy.

Cat Insurance: Balancing Affordability and Comprehensive Coverage 

Cat ownership comes with many responsibilities, including ensuring that our furry friends receive the best veterinary care possible. However, veterinary expenses can quickly escalate, making it difficult for dog owners to afford the care their pets need. This is where pet insurance comes in as a valuable investment, providing peace of mind and protection against the financial burden of veterinary care.

The cost of cat insurance is determined by various factors, including the age, breed, and location of your pet, as well as the type and scope of coverage desired. While the average cost of cat insurance may seem steep, is a worthwhile investment that protects your cat’s health and financial stability. In the event of an emergency, such as surgery, the cost of veterinary care can reach thousands of dollars. Without pet insurance, cat owners are left with the difficult choice of either compromising their pet's health or struggling to afford the necessary care.

While the cheapest cat insurance may seem like a good deal, it is important to consider the coverage offered and any restrictions or exclusions. Comprehensive cat insurance coverage is crucial for ensuring that your pet receives the best care possible, but it can also be affordable. Our sponsored comparison site is here to assist you in finding the perfect pet insurance coverage at an advantageous price.

In conclusion, pet insurance is a necessary investment for cat owners. Don't be caught off guard by unexpected veterinary expenses, secure comprehensive and affordable pet insurance coverage for your pet today. The pet insurance cost may seem small, but the peace of mind and the financial security it provides are worth far more.