The Importance of Pet Insurance

posted: 29/Apr/2012

The MVSC recommends pet insurance for all pets. Insurance allows vets to achieve the best outcomes for pets, rather than having to make compromises based on available finances.  High quality medical care costs a lot of money. The good news in the human world is that healthcare is Medicare funded and many people have private health insurance. This is not the case in the animal world – health care costs remain high but veterinary care is not subsidized by the government and currently few people have pet insurance. In other countries such as the United Kingdom, pet insurance rates are much higher than in Australia. We see many cases each year where treatable conditions must be left untreated due to financial constraints, sometimes with dire consequences.  At other times, limited finances mean that care can be provided, but not at a level most likely to lead to the best outcome.

The benefit of pet insurance is that you do not have to come up with a large sum of money all at once, a small monthly premium provides the security if and when you need it. If your pet is insured and the unexpected happens, money is one less thing for you to worry about.  Veterinarians appreciate pet insurance because it means they can do what’s best for your pet without having to worry as much about money.  A number of insurance companies provide pet insurance in the Australian market and these insurance companies provide a range of options.  Some provide cover for preventative care such as vet checks and vaccinations, whilst others focus on providing peace of mind for unexpected occurrences, such as illnesses, being hit by a car, or attacked by a dog.

As with any investment, be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a pet insurance plan.  Some insurers have time limits on the length of cover provided for each illness, which may exclude long term, chronic, or recurring illnesses.  Other plans may exclude certain breeds or types of illnesses from being covered or even have an age cut off after which your pet is not covered.   Thoroughly research the available plans to find one that is right for you and your pet.  Be sure to find one that will cover them for their whole life, even if your diabetic, arthritic, Pyrenean Mastiff gets hit by a car!

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