Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Purebred dogs tend to have more health issues than mixed-breed dogs. For example, pugs and french bulldogs are more prone to allergies and possible breathing issues, which in turn can easily mean costly vet visits. In this instance, pet insurance may be worth the premium. Due to the fact that these specialty breeds have more health concerns, it’s important to get your coverage as soon as you acquire your new pet. When in question, research possible health concerns associated with your chosen breed prior to forgoing coverage.

Now, this isn’t to say that pet insurance can’t be beneficial for your lab-pit-hound mix, but statistically speaking, purebred dogs tend to have more health-related issues which directly translates to more money out of your pocket.

Several experts say that most pet owners pay the most in veterinary bills during the dog/cat’s early and late years. A pet’s middle years tend to be their healthiest and easiest on an owner’s wallet. Therefore, purchasing a plan when your dog is a puppy and scaling back on the coverage during their middle years (and ramping up the coverage in their senior years) may be a good savings option. Make sure you keep continuous coverage; a lapse may result in increased premiums and/or a pre-existing clause, costing you a lot more in the long run.

Consumer advocates tend to recommend a pet emergency savings account over pet insurance, setting aside a certain amount to go towards vet bills should an accident or injury arise. However, pet insurance advocates disagree, posing the question for pet owners, what if your dog gets sick after only two months of saving? But consumer advocates still state that if your pet is generally healthy, pet insurance isn’t worth it, but of course that is only if you are willing to gamble.

All pet insurance plans are different, and coverage varies from minimal to supreme. Some plans even cover preventive care, which includes vaccinations and wellness checks, but the monthly premium on these plans aren’t cheap. Before purchasing a preventive plan, run the numbers. How much will annual check-ups and vaccinations costs as opposed to your premium? Most experts agree this type of plan is a waste of money, and pet owners should be able to budget for annual costs. The most popular plans tend to be the most moderate ones, both in their price and their coverage. Covering accidental illness and injury, depending on your annual deductible, monthly premiums tend to hover around $30 a month.