September is Pet Health Insurance Month in Canada! Veterinarian clinics, shelters, breeders, and, of course, pet owners recognize it as an opportunity to consider the benefits of pet insurance. Being a pet owner is rewarding, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities and expenses to ensure your pet's well-being. Vet bills for emergencies, accidents, and illnesses can add up, making decisions for your pet's treatments overwhelming.
If you're a new or lifelong pet owner and you've never dug deep into the ins and outs of how pet insurance works, this month is the perfect opportunity to learn more.
Benefits of Pet Health Insurance
Pet insurance has many benefits, like financial security. One of the biggest benefits, however, is peace of mind. To get the most out of your policy, here's what you should consider:
Coverage options
Petsecure has four plans, which all provide coverage up to 80% on accidents, illnesses, and dental issues. When choosing which plan is best for your family, consider breed-specific conditions, your budget, and deductible.
Financial security and peace of mind
Nobody likes being caught unaware by financial emergencies, especially when you want to make sure all your vital needs are covered – including the health of your furry friends.
Unexpected emergencies
Speaking of emergencies, they can pop up at any time, no matter how well-prepared you are (or how well-trained your pet is). Having pet health insurance can help take the shock out of an emergency and get your pet – and you – back to normal sooner.
1. Understanding the costs
Comparing monthly premiums versus out-of-pocket expenses
A common strategy many pet owners use is opening a savings account and putting money aside every month.That may be enough for some. But sometimes, all it takes is one accident or illness to completely wipe out a savings account that took years to build up. With a pet insurance plan, that's not the case. If your dog gets sick in January and then has an accident in June that same year, you could receive thousands of dollars in coverage for both claims.
Veterinary medicine is changing
Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving across Canada. There are advancements in treatments and diagnostic tools. Accidents or illnesses that weren't treatable five years ago are now available. This is wonderful for pets' health and quality of life, but advancements come with a cost. With a Petsecure plan, these treatments are more accessible to pet owners.2. How to choose the right insurance for your pet
Assess your pet's needs
Different breeds require different care, and that includes pet health insurance. Other factors to consider include your pet's age, whether they're an indoor or outdoor pet, and your activity level (if you bring your pet hiking, for example). Make sure you keep these factors in mind when you're deciding what the right insurance coverage is for your family.Compare with different providers
It's always smart to shop around, which goes for insurance of all types. For pet health insurance, you've got plenty of options when it comes to providers, so be sure to check around and compare prices, coverage types, and more. At Petsecure, all our plans include dental coverage, with options that include vaccines and checkups, while other providers may not.Start immediately
Getting pet health insurance when your cat or dog is still young or on the day you bring them home is essential. These early days are when you can have your pet's health assessed—both in terms of potential breed issues or underlying conditions—which can significantly impact your insurance premiums.3. Common misconceptions about pet health insurance
It's too expensive
With so many coverage options, it's easier than ever to find pet health insurance that fits your budget. Plus, in an emergency, it'll help you focus more on your pet and less on your finances.My pet is healthy already
Getting insurance before your pet gets sick is the best time because if they fall ill and you get insurance later, that illness will be considered a pre-existing condition and can affect your premiums.I have my own savings account
It may be tempting to say you'll put aside some bonus savings in the event of an emergency, but it's less of a solid guarantee than having dedicated insurance coverage for your pet. It's not easy to know just how much money you'll need.4. Tips for getting the best out of your pet insurance
Start young
As mentioned before, the earlier you get insurance for your pet, the better because you can avoid high premiums due to pre-existing conditions.Understand your policy
Be sure to revisit your policy at least once a year to confirm that you're getting the right coverage for your pet's needs. As your furry friend ages, they might have different needs, so it's good to understand what's covered.Regular vet visits
Your cat or dog might not communicate if they are sick or in pain, so regular vet visits are essential to monitor their health. Any health changes can affect your pet's health insurance, so make sure you pencil in vet visits regularly (even if it's your pet's least favourite place to be!).A Real-life Petsecure success story!
Meet Ozzie, a 5-year-old mixed breed who escaped from his backyard in December 2023. After hours of searching, a police officer found him. Ozzie was hit by a car, and the officers rushed him to an emergency veterinary clinic.
"They asked if I had pet insurance, which I was so grateful to be able to say yes, I do through Petsecure and do what (you) can to help him."
The message from his owner, Synthia, is, "Just get pet insurance!" Of the $15,432.02 vet bill, $11,945.62 was covered.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pet insurance plan is crucial for your pet's well-being, and they deserve the right protection. Let us be there for your pet.
Even when you give your pet the very best care possible, accidents and illnesses can still happen. Learn what’s covered by Petsecure and get a free quote today.
