Is Health Insurance the Best Policy for Your Pet?

Your pet is a member of the family. When he or she isn’t feeling well, you want to do whatever you can to help — and these days, there’s a lot of help available. Many advances in human medicine also work for pets. Vets can now use MRIs, ultrasound, laser surgery, endoscopy and other techniques to diagnose and treat cats and dogs.
While being able to extend your pet’s life is priceless, sophisticated medical procedures don’t come cheap. Not only are the diagnostics themselves expensive, but they uncover problems that couldn’t previously be detected. Treating these conditions can cost thousands of dollars.

Start Early

The older your pet, the higher your premiums are likely to be. In fact, you may not be able to obtain coverage for an older pet at all. Many policies won’t generate a policy for a pet older than nine.  Of course, the younger you start, the longer you’ll pay premiums. This can cost you thousands of dollars by the end of your pet’s life.
 
AVERAGE COSTS OF MEDICAL TREATMENTS

Dogs
Hip replacement - $2400
Liver cancer - $8500

Dogs & Cats
Tooth extraction - $900
Abscess - $450
Malignant skin tumor - $1500
Bladder stone - $1000

Every pet is different. So is every plan.
Insurance companies and plans vary considerably. Your best bet is to research and compare online. Only by taking your specific information into account can you make the decision that’s best for you.