Pet Insurance – is it a waste of money?

Ever since dogs became mans best friend, people have been spending more time and money thinking about how to keep them happy, healthy, well fed, warm and safe. However the cost of caring for these beloved family members can rapidly accumulate over time meaning that more pet owners are considering purchasing pet insurance as their first line of defence against vet bills.

It's expensive with premiums ranging up to $300 a year for some plans but if your dog is worth it then it might be worth the investment.

Here are a few of the benefits you can expect from pet insurance coverage.

* It covers up-to-date vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and a free annual wellness visit.

* Covers illness, injuries and emergency dental care for up to $5 per day in the USA. That's roughly equivalent to seven days of boarding your pet at a luxury dog boarding facility or four days in a typical kennel with no extras (which is why some people prefer kennels).

* Over a lifetime of coverage, up to $30,000 in veterinary fees can be covered.

* If your pet is run over by a car or dies during an accident because of the negligence of a third party driver then insurance will cover any future medical bills. See below for more on this important point.

What are the drawbacks? There are some costs that pet owners typically forget to think about when it comes time to choose an insurance policy. Many policies will include annual maintenance and check-ups, but other services you may require from your veterinarian can be expensive or difficult to get if needed after hours (or in some cases at all). Many insurance policies also exclude items like injuries caused by a dog fighting or bites from other dogs on the policy owner's property.

So, is it worth it? On the whole, vets have generally been quite positive about pet insurance. In one survey it was found that 95% of vets stated that they recommended pet insurance to their clients. A few states in the US have even made it compulsory for pet owners to purchase pet insurance.

However, there are also some concerns raised in a recent article from the Los Angeles Times (published 5/12/15). In a recent survey, 70% of pet owners said they would consider dropping their dog's insurance because of the high cost. The article also discusses how the industry is shifting in an effort to prevent pet owners from entirely foregoing insurance.

It all depends on what kind of money you are willing to spend on your dog and how much coverage you require. Do a quick calculation based on your income, your lifestyle and the medical costs for treating your pets. Then, focus on one thing at a time and don't dilute your grand plans with other types of insurance.

About the author:

Bethany is a freelance writer, dog sitter and animal lover. She writes about her love for dogs and other furry creatures at her blog, Dog Tails and Meows . You can also find her on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram or LinkedIn .

Name: Bethany Firth Email: bethanyfirth@hotmail.com Location: Sydney, Australia Linkedin: bethanyfirth/Twitter ______________________________ Pet insurance – is it a waste of money? / Bethany Firth http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/article/pet-insurance-is-it-a-waste-of-money?utm_source=pennies&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=26012015

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Conclusion

So, it looks like pet insurance is a must for dog owners! There are some great, quality pet insurance companies out there and it's important to do your research to find the best policy for your unique situation. And, always make sure your policy covers all the important needs you might have.

Whether you are insured with PetPlan or another company, make a plan to take care of your furry friend's health and be prepared to pay for any medical bills. If you have any questions about this article or anything else on this site please feel free to contact us on 1300 062 636 overnight (from Monday evening Australian Eastern Standard Time) or anytime on weekends.

Pet Insurance – is it a waste of money?

Pet Insurance – is it a waste of money?

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