Yes, You Need Pet Insurance: 5 Important Things To Consider

More recently, one of my boys had the unpleasant experience of two urinary blockages within three weeks of each other. Urinary blockages can quickly become fatal, so, both times he needed immediate care. He stayed in the hospital for a few nights and had surgery for bladder stone removal to treat the first blockage. This was around $10,000. The second blockage a few weeks later landed him in the hospital for another few nights but, luckily, no need for another surgery. This was about about $5,000. Without pet insurance, there was no way I could have gotten my boy the care he needed.

You Absolutely Need Pet Insurance For Your Cat

Nobody (myself included) likes the idea of paying for any kind of insurance. Spending money on something you don’t think you’ll ever use doesn’t feel great. Now we need pet insurance, too? Despite these unhappy feelings, the old saying is true: Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

Getting pet insurance for your cat might not be a huge priority, but you’ll thank yourself for doing it as soon as you can. The best thing you can do for yourself and your cat to get coverage before they need it. Otherwise, you may get stuck dealing with the dreaded pre-existing condition clause.

Keep reading to understand how pet insurance works and some things to consider when looking for a provider.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Pet insurance helps cover the cost of veterinary care for your cat. As you probably expect, you’ll pay monthly premiums and will be required to meet a deductible before reimbursement kicks in. When your cat goes to the vet, you’ll pay the bill and your insurance provider will reimburse you for a portion of the cost. The amount of your reimbursement depends on what vet services are actually covered by your policy and what level of coverage you signed up for.

Things to Consider When Choosing A Pet Insurance Provider

When choosing an insurance provider, there are a few things to consider:

1. Coverage: Every policy will have exclusions, so it’s important know what services will be covered. The last thing you want is to find out you won’t be reimbursed after you’ve paid the bill.
2. Deductible: In most situations you will be able to choose your deductible, and you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable with it. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket, with no reimbursements, before the insurance company starts covering costs.
3. Reimbursement:  In many cases, you’ll be able to choose how much you’re reimbursed, as well. Keep in mind, the higher your reimbursement percentage, the higher your monthly premium.
4. Waiting Periods: Some policies have waiting periods before coverage begins. You’ll want to consider how long you’re willing to wait before you can use your insurance.
5. Provider Reviews: Looking at an insurance company’s reviews before purchasing a policy is a wise decision. Reviews provide valuable insights into the company’s customer service, claim processing speed, and overall reputation.

Another thing to keep in mind is with most — if not all — pet insurance policies you will need to be prepared to pay your vet upfront. Remember, you are being reimbursed. Unlike a medical policy for a human, you will not just pay your portion of the bill while your vet files a claim with your insurance provider. Being aware of this will help you avoid surprised at the vet office.

Consider Pet Insurance Even If You Think You Don’t Need It 

Getting pet insurance is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for your cat. It doesn’t take much for a vet bill to get into the thousands of dollars and without coverage, you’ll be on the hook for the entire cost.