Veterinary Views: Is pet insurance worth the cost?

By DR. NIGEL SKINNER

The topic of pet insurance comes up more and more these days, especially when families bring in their new puppies and kittens for their first visits.

Understandably, clients have many questions—most often, “Is it really worth it?” and “Which company do you recommend?”

Veterinarians aren’t affiliated with any insurance companies, and it wouldn’t be helpful to recommend just one.

Most clinics keep information on two or three providers that offer slightly different plans, giving owners a chance to choose the coverage that best suits their pet’s needs.

Just like with our own insurance, the number of options can feel overwhelming, so we try to narrow it down to a few solid choices that differ in meaningful ways.

So, is it worth it? The true purpose of any insurance is to provide financial protection when faced with an unexpected and often significant expense.

With the rising costs of diagnostics, treatments, and emergency care, insurance can make a real difference.

Of course, everyone’s financial situation is unique. Part of the decision involves balancing what you can comfortably manage as a monthly premium with the size of an unexpected bill you could handle out of pocket.

Insurance companies recognize this, and most offer a range of plans where lower premiums are balanced against higher deductibles or co-pay levels (where only a percentage of the total cost is covered).

When comparing plans, it’s helpful to consider your pet’s age, breed, overall health, and any common conditions linked to that breed.

It’s also important to look at how the coverage is structured, and have a good understanding of any exclusions based on pre-existing conditions.

Most policies still require you to pay your bill at the clinic and then submit a claim for reimbursement, but with newer technology streamlining the process, payments are often issued very quickly.

At the end of the day, while we all hope our pets will enjoy long, healthy, trouble-free lives; unexpected illness or injury can happen.

Pet insurance won’t remove the stress of seeing a beloved pet unwell, but it can ease the financial strain that often comes with those difficult situations.

Having that safety net in place allows families to focus on their pet’s care and recovery, rather than worrying about the cost.

• Dr. Nigel Skinner is the Founder/Owner of Shoreview Veterinary