Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
There’s no way to anticipate what will happen to your pet in the future – sickness and accidents can be financially burdening. Pet insurance protects against unexpected veterinary bills. On average, an emergency veterinary bill will cost $1,500.00. Pet insurance can be a literal lifesaver!
Every 1 in 3 pets will need emergency treatment each year. 69% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings to spend in an emergency, so when faced with a veterinary bill in the thousands could be overwhelming for pet owners.
Your pet’s age, species, breed, where you live, and type of coverage all factor into your insurance rates.
The cost of pet insurance for dogs is 74% higher than for cats. Older animals and larger animals also face higher rates. Accidents like dog bites, fractures, and foreign object ingestion can cost thousands of dollars. For cats, a urinary obstruction can cost up to $4,000.
The monthly cost of pet insurance for cats and dogs with a $500 deductible, a $5,000 limit, and an 80% reimbursement level:
Dogs - Range $24.00 - $86.00 (Average Accident & Illness Coverage $50.00 & Accident-Only $28.00)
Cats – Range $9.00 -$30.00 (Average Accident & Illness Coverage $28.00 & Accident-Only $11.00)
Average veterinary cost for the most common conditions in dogs:
Allergies - $234.84
Aural Hematoma (ear) - $296.00
Benign Skin Mass - $339.00
Dental/Gum Disease Stage 1 - $298.00
Malignant Skin Mass (cancer) - $1,434.00
Outer Ear Infection - $150.00
Skin Infections - $189.00
Tooth Extraction - $829.99
Torn Cruciate Ligament/Cartilage - $2,667.00
Upset Stomach - $385.45
Average veterinary cost for the most common conditions in cats:
Allergies - $234.84
Bladder Stones - $985.00
Dental/Gum Disease Stage 1 - $327.00
Diabetes Mellitus - $779.00
Hyperthyroidism - $396.00
Kidney Disease - $633.00
Lower Urinary Tract Disease - $425.00
Lymphosarcoma/Lymphoma - $1,959.00
Upper Respiratory Infection $189.00
Upset Stomach - $328.00
Pet insurance is worth the cost for many pet owners: the protection grants financial peace of mind so that treatment conversations can be about the right thing to do, instead of how much it will cost.
Most plans cover accidents, illnesses like cancer, parvovirus, hip dysplasia, surgery, prescription medication, diagnostic testing, and emergency exam fees.
Most plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, routine care, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and preventative care.
One size does not fit all, so it's best to shop for the right plan for you and your pet.
For The Love Of Alex, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the lives of pets from low-income families. When faced with a medical emergency, pet parents who cannot afford substantial vet bills are given the option to either euthanize or surrender their beloved pet to a shelter. Your donations will keep pets from facing a terrible fate.