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Written by the Town House for Dogs and Cats, 2021
The decision to get pet insurance for your furry child isn't always a simple one. There are many factors that play in and the process can be somewhat complicated. We break down the basics for you here, so you can make the choice that's right for you both!
Let's dive into this, starting with cost.....
So, is insurance really necessary and more importantly, is it worth the price? Currently, over 2.2 million pets in the U.S. and Canada were covered by a plan at the end of 2018, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. That’s less than 1% of the total number of pet cats and dogs! That stat says a lot.
Now let's review the players. Major policy providers include the ASPCA, Embrace, Healthy Paws, PetFirst, Petplan, Lemonade and Trupanion. Most companies cover only cats and dogs, but one company, Nationwide (formerly Veterinary Pet Insurance), also insures birds, rabbits, snakes, turtles, and other animals. Keep that in mind if you have one of those pets.
Taking a look at the plans themselves and how they work, most companies offer a variety of option. Like insurance for us humans, pet policies come with a variety of deductibles, co-payments, and premiums. You usually have to pay the vet bills in full and wait for reimbursement. Also, good to know that many plans do not cover routine vet visits like annual physicals.
The cost of coverage can increase depending on your pet’s breed (note: purebreds typically cost more to insure, because they’re more prone to some hereditary conditions), age (to no one's surprise, plans may cost more as your pet gets older), the rising cost of veterinary care, and the coverage options you choose, such as your deductible amount. Make sure to read all the fine print about how these companies calculate reimbursements and whether or not you'd have a deductible. Almost all policies exclude pre-existing conditions and may exclude breed-specific conditions (or charge you more to cover them).
According to Money.com, the Top Picks for Best Pet Insurance of 2021 are:
Healthy Paws – Best Overall Value
ASPCA – Best Budget Coverage
Figo – Best 100% Coverage
Pets Best – Best for Competitive Pricing
Petplan – Best Early Coverage
Trupanion – Best for Hereditary Conditions
Embrace – Best for Dental Illnesses
Nationwide – Best for Exotic Animals
PetFirst – Best Preventative Care
TrustedPals – Best Customizability
For more information on this topic, we highly recommend Money.com's recent article on the subject.
And as always, please reach out to us for any day care, boarding, training or grooming needs. Here at the Town House for Dogs and Cats, we look forward to serving you with the highest quality. Your pet deserves the best. It deserves a Town House.