Posts tagged "pet health insurance"

All pet owners must decide whether or not to buy health insurance for their animals. While we all love and care for our pets, there are many different philosophies when it comes to insurance. For some, the idea of not having pet insurance is appalling. Some may find it more prudent to simply put money aside for any pet-related medical expenses and pay out of pocket if necessary. Other may wish to buy pet insurance, but with money being so tight, it can be hard to rationalize the expense, especially for those who don't even have health insurance for themselves.

Lifehacker tackles the questions of pet insurance in a column, "Is Pet Insurance Worth It?" Their ultimate answer to that question is essentially this: Maybe. It depends.

"Even if your pet does have a major surgery, say $4,000 once in its lifetime, you will still be breaking even in a best case scenario," Lifehacker says. "Pet insurance is geared more toward people who don't want to set up a separate fund to cover health costs, or who want the peace of mind that comes from insurance."

If you've been wrestling with with this issue lately, read Lifehacker's post. It tells you what insurance will and won't cover; how to go about choosing the right insurance; and, if insurance isn't right for you and your pet, what your other options may be.

Tell us, Paw Nation readers: Are your pets insured? Why or why not?

Your dog's ears may be better at hearing than yours will ever be --- but taking care of them comes at a price.

According to an evaluation of veterinary claims filed with the Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), canine ear infections were the leading cause of vet visits in the United States. In 2009 alone, VPI -- the company that insures almost half a million American pets -- received about 68,000 claims for ear related vet visits. The average cost per visit was $100.

Also among the company's top reasons for doggie vet visits were skin allergies at number two, followed by skin infection/hot spots, gastritis/vomiting and enteritis/diarrhea.

In cats, lower urinary tract disease was the most common concern -- the VPI counted 3,700 claims for cats with urinary issues, costing their owners an average of $260 a visit. The other common reasons felines went to the vet included gastritis/vomiting in the number two spot, followed by chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism and diabetes.

Pet insurance covers your pet's accidents, injuries, and illnesses; sometimes it will even take care of chronic conditions, dental care or check-ups. Depending on the type of care your pet needs, pet health insurance can help your four-legged friend maintain a healthy lifestyle without the build up of vet bills.

Unlike most human health insurance, many pet insurance plans let you keep your vet, so your pooch or kitty won't have to leave his or her favorite doctor. Some insurance companies will pay a percentage of your veterinary bills, while others pay a fixed amount based on a benefits schedule, according to the ASPCA.

While some companies have pet insurance included in their benefits, you can also purchase pet insurance. When choosing a plan, make sure to take into consideration your pet's age, breed and lifestyle. The ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has four different, increasing levels of protection to choose from, where the lowest level covers only accidents. On the other end of the spectrum. Embrace Pet Insurance covers cancer treatments and chronic illnesses, but not pre-existing conditions, like respiratory infections. VPI Insurance has plans for birds and exotic animals, in addition to cats and dogs. Unlike many insurance companies, PetFirst Healthcare's protection rates are the same regardless of the breed or age.

Pet insurance isn't for everyone. Talk to your vet about what type of pet health insurance plan would be best for you and your furry companion.