Having a new pet is expensive. The food, vaccinations, toys, collateral damage (ie: destroying your couch), and even the adoption costs add up quickly. While it doesn’t seem like a good time financially to consider pet insurance, when you first welcome your new family member in to your home is the best time to purchase it.
When you have a new pet, they have NO pre-existing conditions, and the insurance premiums are less expensive. The result is that if something unexpected happens, the insurance is really there when you need it—to cover the majority of the costs in an emergency or urgent care situation.
Additionally, some plans cover routine care, such as parasite tests and dental cleanings. Generally, they do not save you money for these services, but often can spread out the financial impact of having to pay all at once for routine visits.
Some things to consider when selecting a company are:
- What is the maximum reimbursement for a problem? Some plans are geared more toward the least expensive sectors of our country, of which Colorado Springs is not. For instance, if the maximum reimbursement for an abdominal exploratory surgery (to remove a non-food item from the stomach, for instance) is $600 with a $50 deductible, you will be reimbursed $550.
Since it is not uncommon for that surgery at our hospital to cost $1500-2500 dollars (double that for an emergency hospital), your reimbursement would be far below the cost of the surgery.
Some common general costs are:
Ear infection: $130-180
Animal attack: $200->>$1000
Dental disease: $600-$2500
Limping: $75- $225 (surgery if needed is around $3500-$5000)
Heartworm treatment if your pet is not on heartworm medicine: $750- $1800
(If your dog is consistently on heartworm medicine purchased from the veterinarian, the medication company will pay for the treatment!)
- Does the insurance company not cover some problems? Some companies do not cover events which happened because your pet did not receive preventative care, such as recommended vaccines. Others do not cover hereditary problems. In any case, make sure to review a list of exclusions to the policy.
- How am I reimbursed? You will pay for your visit, then submit a form to the insurance company. They will reimburse you for your claim.
- Have any other questions? Call us and ask! We are here to help.