Pet health insurance a worthwhile investment
Carolyn L. Cheney
Board of Directors
Should we buy pet health insurance for our pets? Insurance plans for pets have been available in the United States for about 30 years. Many people think about getting it but some decide “my pet will probably be fine and have few medical expenses other than vaccinations and occasional check-ups.”
Veterinary costs have risen considerably in the last 20 years due to the advances in veterinary medicine and equipment needed to manage an animal hospital. There are the vets who do general practice, and then there are the specialists just like we humans have.
In addition to the annual checkups and vaccinations for our pets, there can be unexpected costs if an accident occurs or an animal suffers a serious illness. We really love our pets and always want to help them but some procedures can be so costly we just can’t afford the fees. Sometimes people have to have their pets euthanized because of the cost. At times like that pet health insurance could be a big help.
After researching health insurance plans from two different companies, I found there are various levels of care to choose from depending on the pet’s needs and your budget. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers different levels of coverage. Level 1, the lowest, covers accidents, with a maximum incident benefit of $2,500 with a yearly benefit of $8,000. The most comprehensive level is Level 4 which covers accidents, plus wellness, illness and a continuing care option can be added. The maximum incident benefit is $5,000 with a maximum yearly benefit of $13,000. Of course, premium costs increase with additional coverage. Through these plans, ASPCA will reimburse the holder for 80 percent of allowed covered charges after a $100 annual deductible per pet.
I looked at one other pet insurance plan which is Embrace. This plan allows you to customize your plan. It also offers discounts if your pet is microchipped, is a service dog or you’re on active military duty. Embrace also offers discounts if you have multiple pets.
It is a difficult decision as to whether or not to purchase pet health insurance. If we could be disciplined enough to put a little money away each month in case of a pet medical emergency, it would be great, but many of us are not that disciplined. Pet health insurance can be so valuable if your pet becomes seriously ill.
Before you get a pet, especially a dog, read about the breeds and find out which diseases the dogs are prone to. The healthiest dog I ever had was a mixed breed, and he lived to be 17 years old. He had few medical problems, and basically he died of old age.
To help avoid illnesses and accidents, try to keep your pet safe from the streets where you live. It is so sad if a dog is hit by a vehicle. I know we can’t watch them every second. Over the years my dogs have escaped from me. I had one named Noble who always tried to get to Main Street. Usually one of my neighbors would pick him up and bring him home. Make sure your pet doesn’t get chocolate, onions, grapes or spoiled foods. These are just a few things that can make an animal very ill. Trust me, from experience I know chocolate is a definite no-no. Many years ago, that wanderer Noble managed to get a can of cocoa out of the cupboard and take it to the cellar. It wasn’t a pretty sight. He was one very sick dog.
There may be other pet health insurance plans, but if you are interested in the above, more information can be obtained at www.aspcapetinsurance.com and www.Embrace/outPet.com.
Please visit us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Spring is a wonderful time to add to your family with one of our dogs or cats or both. Come join our Paws for the Cause event, including our walk, on Saturday, May 18 on Cross Street.
