top of page
Writer's pictureAhsan Malyk

Is Pet Insurance Worth It in 2022?

There is no way to foretell the future; you cannot anticipate when or how your pets will become unwell or how much it will cost to treat them. Pet insurance protects against unexpected veterinary expenditures.


The appropriate pet insurance can be a lifesaver because most Americans struggle to pay a $1,500 emergency medical bill, yet one in three pets needs emergency care annually.


The lives of our pets are not without risk. Regardless of how cautious or responsible we are, our pups find and eat socks, and our kittens climb and fall off shelves. We must take care of them and get them back to health. We adore our pets, and pet insurance gives us the freedom to provide for them without worrying about the cost.


Pet Insurance in 2022: The Case


In the last five years, more than twice as many insured cats and dogs have been in the United States.


Pet insurance is more crucial than ever in these times of economic uncertainty, with a potential recession and the worst increase in inflation we've seen in years. Given the growing living expense and declining market, you should consider what you would do if your dog or cat got an unexpected $5,000 vet bill.


One of his colleagues claimed he has five to ten challenging conversations with pet owners who cannot afford the cost of caring for their animals every day. Please think about pet insurance if you would do anything to provide your pet with the necessary medical care.


According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the number of insured pets in the U.S. increased by 28% last year1. In the US today, there are over 4 million dogs and cats insured.


What Does Pet Insurance Cost?


For dogs and cats, respectively, the average monthly cost of pet insurance is $47. Your real expenses could be greater or lower based on:


  • Where you live,

  • The age and breed of your pet,

  • How to adapt your policy

  • Which discounts on pet insurance may you be eligible for


For instance:


  • Pet insurance in Sacramento, California, ranges from $22 to $31 per month for a Chihuahua puppy.

  • Pet insurance for an adult Golden Retriever in Newark, New Jersey, ranges from $43 to $100 a month.

  • In Austin, Texas, pet insurance for a cat is between $16 and $22 per month.


What Is Covered by Pet Insurance?


Your pet insurance reimburses you for unforeseen medical expenses resulting from mishaps, diseases, and injuries. The top insurance providers will cover 80%, 90%, or even 100% of the vet bill (after your deductible is met).


You'll have to pay monthly to maintain your coverage, just like with most insurance alternatives. Once your deductible is satisfied, you can anticipate that your insurance company will cover your pet's qualified expenses up to the amount of your policy, based on your reimbursement rate.


Most plans often cover:


  • Accidental harm (foreign object ingestion, broken bones, bite wounds, and more)

  • Emergencies in health (skin allergies, gastrointestinal issues, glaucoma, and more)

  • Chronic illness (diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions, and more.)

  • dental conditions (periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth resorption, and more)

  • Hereditary disorders (i.e., hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, von Willebrand disease, and more)

  • Surgery (bloat, cruciate ligament conditions, cataracts, and more)

  • diagnosis and treatment of cancer

  • Medications on prescription

  • diagnostic examination (i.e., fecal exams, allergy tests, x-rays, bloodwork, MRIs, and more)

  • fees for urgent exams


Many providers provide extra coverage benefits, which can lower the cost of caring for your pet. Depending on the features you need in a pet insurance policy, you can also be eligible for reimbursement for the price of:


  • Alternative therapies like chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, and physical therapy

  • Therapy for behavioral modification

  • cancellation charges for trips

  • advertising and reward for lost pets

  • pregnancy and reproduction costs

  • care for the dying, assisted suicide, and cremation or burial


What Pet Insurance Excludes?


Any pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, some insurance companies will pay for treatable conditions after a set waiting period and in the absence of recurring symptoms. Additionally, pets with a disease are still eligible for insurance; the state itself would be the only exclusion.


Exclusions from pet insurance coverage may also apply to:


  • pet products (food, toys, treats)

  • cosmetic techniques

  • elective procedures

  • Preventive treatment, wellness examinations, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and routine care

  • Daycare or boarding

  • Property damage from pets

  • Personal responsibility claims

  • particular exclusions


Consider a Wellness Plan add-on if you're interested in plans that pay for routine and preventive care (checkups, vaccines, spay/neuter, dental cleaning).


Always read the fine print of your pet insurance policy so you are aware of what is and is not covered. By immediately identifying these crucial details, Policy Advisor enables you to compare providers and discover the most suitable coverage for you, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.


If you have accident-only insurance, you will only be reimbursed for accident-related emergency care, such as if your pet is hit by a car or suffers an injury from falling down the stairs. This sort of coverage does not cover health conditions or breed-specific problems.


Take Away


Both accidents and unforeseen illnesses are covered by accident and illness insurance. It is the most prevalent, making up around 98% of the policies offered by the pet insurance sector. 2 Preventive care and pre-existing conditions won't be covered by this kind of coverage, but practically everything else will be reimbursed.


An accident-illness plan with a wellness add-on is, at last, available for purchase. Although this is the most expensive plan open, it offers the highest degree of coverage. Only pre-existing conditions are not covered by insurance.


You should compare pet insurance companies to find the one that offers the best lifetime value and comprehensive coverage.

1 view0 comments

Comments


bottom of page