Insurance for Pets?

Spiraling health care costs have been a political hot potato for years now. But people aren’t the only mammals around affected by high medical costs.

“I paid about 1800 dollars in premiums last year in 2008 and I had about 7000 dollars in vet bills and I got about 4000 dollars back.”
-Stephanie Lavendar, Pet Owner

Stephanie Lavendar loves all animals, especially her three Sharpes. So for her, health insurance on her pets wasn’t a luxury. It was doggone important.

But ask a vet and you’ll find that not many pet owners apparently share that conviction.

“I would say, if I had to put a number on it, probably less than 5% have pet insurance.”
-Dr. Robert D. Schachner, Veterinarian

Pet insurance has been around for years. Cost varies widely…from as little as 6 bucks and up. What should you be look for in a pet policy? The same things you look for in two-legged policies.

First and foremost, what’s covered and what’s excluded. Second, the deductible or co-pay. Third, the maximum the policy will pay. And finally, company strength. Remember, if they’re out of business, you’re out of luck. And of course rather or not pet insurance is important in the first place.

“I wouldn’t go without it. There has been times where I haven’t had health insurance but I’ve had pet insurance.”
-Stephanie Lavendar, Pet Owner

I would definitely recommend a people policy first. But if you find pet insurance is too expensive for you, here’s one final piece of advice. Keep Fido away from cigarettes, fatty foods, and busy streets.