Everyone who’s owned a pet knows just how pricey owning an animal can be. Between the costs of food, toys, and treats, not to mention license fees and kennel costs, your furry friend can run up your bills pretty quickly.
The highest cost of pet ownership is almost always their healthcare, though. The price of vet visits, including annual checkups and vaccines, can add up fast. As a result, many pet owners have opted to invest in pet insurance to help alleviate some of those costs.
The biggest question, then, is whether or not pet insurance is right for you. So whether you’re looking for health insurance for horses, dogs, or cats, here are a few reasons why pet insurance might be worth it.
Bad Behavior
Pets, especially dogs, are curious creatures. Dogs love to taste tests household items, including toys, shoes, electronics, and, of course, garbage. It’s not uncommon for a dog to eventually come across something that can harm them. A toy, plastic bag, or another item can easily cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed, which could require surgery to repair.
Accidents
If your your horse steps into a hole or stumbles in its paddock, it could easily roll or even break its ankle. If that happens, it will require treatment. Even if the injury turns out to be minor, you will still have to pay for X-rays and treatment. If this injury is more severe, you might be hit with the cost of anesthesia and follow-up care.
Chronic Issues
Some dogs are prone to specific health issues. For example, bulldogs often have hip or breathing problems due to the way they are bred. For long-term care relating to issues such as these, pet insurance can help make care costs a bit more manageable.
Medicine
Some medical needs are not as severe as those mentioned above. For example, suppose your cat has a urinary tract infection or infected eye. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of medications for those ailments.
Prevention
One of the best ways to avoid many ailments is to prevent them entirely. By alleviating the costs of medical care, pet insurance can help you prevent minor problems from becoming larger or more chronic issues.
Although pet insurance is an added expense, it can save you a significant amount of money if an emergency arises. There are also options to include routine care into your coverage, which could save you even more money in the end. But much like health insurance for humans, the type of coverage you choose depends on your needs, finances, and your pet’s health.