The Pet Insurance Trap Too Many Owners Fall Into
Pet insurance can make vet bills more manageable, but these plans don’t shield you from every expense. It’s still possible to face thousands of dollars in uncovered bills if you aren’t careful.
There are a few common mistakes that, once addressed, make it a lot easier to maximize pet insurance and reduce how much you have to pay to take care of your furry friend. Here’s what you need to know.
Must Read
What owners overlook
Insurance policies offer some protection, but they aren’t a guaranteed financial safety net. They typically don’t cover pre-existing conditions, which gives pet owners an incentive to enroll their pets in policies when the animals are healthy. If your pet gets sick or injured and then you enroll in pet insurance, you likely won’t get coverage for vet bills related to that sickness or injury.
It’s also important to review your policy to see which treatments are reimbursed. Routine preventive care and cosmetic procedures are some of the common treatments that are not covered by most pet insurance policies.
When a pet insurance policy covers the treatment you need, uncovered bills can still accumulate, depending on reimbursement percentages and annual caps on coverage. You also have to consider that your premiums can go up over time due to factors such as inflation and your pet aging.
Healthy Paws pet insurance: Get competitive rates here — it's quick and easy
The benefit of planning ahead
During emergencies, people will often shell out cash to ensure their pets can receive quality care. However, a lack of advanced preparation can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills, even if you have a pet insurance policy.
While no pet owner wants their furry companion to need treatments and emergency procedures, it’s better to prepare than be caught completely by surprise. You can review your pet insurance policy and compare other options to make sure you have the right coverage. Pet insurance can be an investment in your pet, your finances and your emotional wellbeing, as it can make it easier to focus on giving your pet the best care instead of worrying about a high cost.
Pet Protection: See Lemonade's pet insurance options — save and protect your dog or cat from high vet bills
How to choose pet insurance coverage
Not every pet insurance policy will be right for every owner, and if you limit your search to the first option you find, it’s possible to incur a lot higher vet bills than expected. Ask for quotes from several providers and compare the fine print of their policies to see how much protection you truly have.
Pet insurance providers will also let you include add-ons that offer additional safeguards at the cost of higher premiums, but you can also start with the most affordable option — especially if you are operating under a tight budget. Accident-only is typically the most affordable option, but it has the least protection and excludes illnesses and chronic conditions.
Discounts on Gas, Travel, Food and More: Secure an AARP Subscription for Just $15 a Year
Comprehensive policies offer broader coverage, but you should still gauge whether the safeguards are sufficient. You can also include wellness add-ons for more protection, but your policy will then be more expensive. Your premiums will likely go up as your pet gets older, but the rate at which premiums go up also depends on your pet’s breed. Seeing how premiums change over time based on your pet’s breed can help you calculate rising premium costs when planning out your monthly budget.
Even with a good insurance policy in place, it’s important to keep an emergency fund for deductibles and out-of-pocket items. Continuing to build this fund over time will help you cover expenses for your pet without worrying about whether you can afford it.