Pet Health Insurance is Needed But Rarely Bought - Odd For a Pet Loving Nation

What do you do if your pet suddenly gets hurt or comes down with a serious illness? A vets services are almost if not just as expensive as a human doctor is. How will you be able to pay those medical costs?

Every pet owner should have pet insurance and it has been available in the United States since 1982. Since then more than 30 different pet insurers have made their way into the market and some of them have made their way out too. Some died out and many still survive offering different plans and prices which will protect your pets health and will ensure that you are able to pay your vet bills when needed.

The Unites States is one of the biggest pet loving nation in the world and yet many pet owners do not take the time to look into pet health insurance. Only about 1% of pet owners actually insure their pets, whereas about 50% of pet owners in other countries think of pet insurance.

How Do You Find the Right Insurance?

Pet insurance works just like human insurance does. There are traditional plans where you use the vet you like, and then there are pet HMO´s and pet clubs where you can get a discount on pet medical services. You want to shop for pet insurance just as you would shop for insurance for yourself. Pet health insurance companies use just as much fine print as regular health insurance companies.

They include things like coverage levels, exclusions, deductibles, time for policy to go into effect, a payout cap per year and per incident. So you need to ask your vet about the type of coverage your pet needs. He may be able to shed some light on the subject and even recommend a company.

What Is and Isn't Covered

Often hereditary illnesses or congenital problems are not covered. Neither are pre existing problems covered in the pet. Before deciding on your pet health insurance, you should compare several companies.

Any insurance premium you pay will be based on the type of pet you have and the age of the pet. Some policies will only insure a pet for accidents, especially after they reach a certain age.

In the end its important that you get pet coverage but its also important that you get the right kind of pet coverage. If you are looking for something to cover you in case of emergencies, then look for only that. But if you want a more comprehensive plan, then understand you will probably have to pay more for this type of pet health insurance.

By Matt Murren