Pet Insurance – Are You Opting In Or Out?

An email ad found its way into my inbox last week for pet insurance. I almost marked it as spam to delete it but gave pause. My interest was peaked because as dogs age they develop health issues much like humans. Our Pepper Girl is getting up there in age. Their chronic illnesses can run up high vet bills. Even though we want our fur babies to be healthy and have long lives the cost is a factor. So, as far as pet insurance goes, I was clearly undecided on whether to opt-in or opt-out. I needed to be more informed and here is what I found out.

The first pet insurance policy issued in the United States was in 1982, to Lassie, the famous TV canine. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)issued it according to The Insured Pet. com. Farm livestock, such as cattle and horses has been insured for over a century. Pet First.com states, ” health policies were first written in 1890 by Lansforsakrings Alliance.” This insurance originated in Sweden. It is understandable to insure a meal ticket like Lassie and livestock but what about a regular old mutt? I was a little more convinced to opt-in but still needed to research the cost and where to obtain it.

Where To Obtain A Policy

Lassie made it acceptable to have pet insurance on domesticated house pets. That paved the way for other insurance companies to open up for business. Other pet owners wanted to insure their beloved pets also. When I Googled pet insurance a whole assortment of companies pulled up. Buyers Guide.org listed the top ten pet insurance companies for 2021 to help you determine which suits your pet’s needs the best. Click on this link to discover which companies rated for this: https://buyersguide.org/pet-insurance/t/best?msclkid=38cd9f6ef020164f9150ff742c1fe219&m=e&d=c&c=71949444476837&oid=kwd-71949828552579:loc-190&qs=top%20pet%20insurance&lp=74062&li=&nw=s&nts=1&tdid=7964257

Cost And Points To Consider

Past medical history can determine the monthly premiums and deductibles. Your pet’s breed is reviewed for any genetic conditions and chronic illnesses prior to signing on to any policy. Policies differ between those pets who have chronic illnesses and those just for occasional accidents. Many companies phase out older pets or charge them higher premiums. It is ideal to insure your pet by their second birthday. Lastly, I want to mention that deductibles, premiums, and reimbursement rates all vary. Be sure to shop around for the best plan to fit your pet’s needs and your budget.

Final Words

Getting a quote never hurts. This will help you make the wisest choice. Be sure to read all the small print. Understand exactly what medical treatments and prescriptions will be covered in your plan. The final decision is yours. When it comes to pet insurance, are you opting in or opting out? Go give your fur baby a hug and go for a walk while you think about it. Have a great weekend!