VIP Pet Insurance
Your “Very Important Pet”. Insurance to protect the life and health of your beloved pet is a no brainer! (Or at least it’s something to seriously consider.)
Let’s face it. We love our pets. They shower us with unconditional love, don’t ask for money, and they could care less if we get fat. What’s not to love! Our pets naturally have a special place in our hearts and we want them to have a long and healthy life. So of course, our pets deserve the VIP treatment!
But unfortunately, our pets do succumb to illness. And because we are blinded by love, we will exhaust any possibility for a cure or to their ease pain. At the time, money may not be at the forefront of our thoughts. Getting your ‘baby’ well again is the only thing that matters. Unfortunately, the necessary care to get your pet back on his/her feet can be expensive. Very expensive. And although you can’t put a price on the love you receive from your pet, there must be some limits.
That where VIP pet insurance comes in. Protecting the health and well-being of the Very Important Pet in your life.
Americans alone spend close to $11 BILLION in veterinary care a year. And that humongous number continues to grow with each passing year. Our pets are like family members, and we’ll do what it takes to keep them healthy.
It’s the baby-boomers who are leading this spending-pack since nearly 50% of those over 50 have at least one pet in their lives. But only 3% or so pet owners have pet insurance. That can leave many with mounting vet bills over the life of their pet.
It may be because we don’t want to think of our precious pet getting ill and requiring care. But this happens all too often.
Case in point: One owner of two very large dogs was paying out $700 a year for pet insurance. Was it worth it? One dog required a root canal. Cost: $1,800. The other dog needed to have a toe amputated. When the price of antibiotics and diagnostic tests are added to the surgery, the bill was close to $3,000. That amount is one most owners can’t easily ‘absorb’ into their budget.
If you take the time to research a policy for your VIP, you can lighten the financial load for these calamities. Responsible pet ownership should include a financial plan to cover unexpected pet health problems. “Insurance is an important tool to help pet owners meet unexpected veterinary bills,” one veterinarian was quoted as saying.
The American Animal Hospital Association doesn’t endorse any particular pet insurance companies, but they highly recommend taking time to understand what a policy covers.
The AAHA advices to research the policy to determine any exclusions like preexisting and hereditary conditions. Know the deductibles and co-pay requirements. And find out if you can choose your own vet or if you’re required to use one within their network.
To keep monthly payments low, you may want to consider choosing a higher deductible. A deductible in the $500-$1000 range will help defray the cost of the premium.
There’s no question, providing VIP pet insurance is expensive, but at the same time you’re reducing the risk in your life as well. Accidents and illness happens. This is life after all. And just like hindsight is 20/20, so is realizing the benefits of providing health insurance for your pet.
VIP pet insurance will involve the investment of money. But for all the fun, love, and joy your pet brings to your life, isn’t it worth it?