Being a pet owner, we know you only want the best for your furry best friend. We also know that between the costs of regular vet check-ups and unexpected emergencies, the bills can add up fast. The rumor around town is that setting aside a little money each month is a good alternative to pet insurance. Today we’re going to set the record straight! Let’s break down why pet insurance is the more reliable choice and see how a single vet visit could wipe out an entire year’s worth of savings.  
 

Pet health issues aren’t always quick fixes 


A key reason that pet insurance is so valuable is that many of the health issues we commonly see in pets are complex and require long-term treatment. Think of conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. These are examples of health issues that often require ongoing care, medications, and sometimes even surgery.  

Take Daisy for example. Daisy is a 4-year-old mixed breed dog who was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. This condition requires regular vet visits, medication to manage pain, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery to fix the hips. Her initial diagnosis left her owners with a $600 vet bill for x-rays and exams alone. After this, the costs really started to pile up. Prescriptions and ongoing treatments for her hip dysplasia wound up totaling $3000, just over the course of a year. Without pet insurance, Daisy’s owners would have spent $3000 from their savings account just for one condition! Thankfully, with pet health insurance, they only paid a fraction of that on their monthly premiums and coinsurance. They were able to make sure their pup got the best care possible as soon as possible.  

 

One vet visit can drain your savings account 


Even if you’re saving monthly, all it can take is one accident or emergency to empty your pocket! 

Let’s talk about Duke, a friendly Golden Retriever who got a little too rowdy at the dog park. He managed to tear his ACL. This is relatively common in larger breed dogs but requires a pretty penny to treat. A simple emergency visit to the vet for Duke’s injury could set his owners back $1,200 or more, just for diagnostic testing and to manage his pain.  

If Duke’s owners didn’t have pet insurance, they would have to choose between emptying their emergency savings account or delaying the treatment their dog needs. This is what we call a lose-lose situation – they're both less than ideal. If his owners did have pet insurance, they would only need to pay their annual deductible and coinsurance. Then their coverage would take care of the rest and Duke could get the care he needs right away!  


Unexpected surgeries are expensive 


When a pet needs surgery, the costs are no joke.  

Think about Hudson, a very adorable and feisty kitten who loves to explore. He found interest in a piece of string his owner accidentally dropped. Hudson swallowed the string and needed emergency care to remove the obstruction. His owners received a $4,000 vet bill to cover the surgery, hospital stay, and medications.  

Without pet health insurance, that’s a hit to anyone’s saving account, especially if you’re budgeting monthly! Thanks to pet insurance, Hudson’s family paid their annual deductible and coinsurance, and the rest was taken care of. They didn’t need to stress about this one unexpected incident blowing their savings.  


Savings can be depleted quicker than you would expect 


If you’re saving $100 per month specifically for your dog or cat’s care, by December, you have saved $1,200. Now, what happens if your pet ends up at the vet twice that same year, with each visit costing $600? Two simple visits would eat up your entire savings for your pet that year. That’s without counting any emergencies or conditions that require long-term treatment.  

Pet insurance works differently. With a monthly premium, you have a predictable expense each month. When the time comes that your pet needs to visit the vet, you won’t be relying on an emergency fund to cover the cost. Instead, you’ll pay a deductible once per year and co-insurance for each visit. Your insurance will take care of the rest, giving you peace of mind without breaking the bank.  

 

Peace of mind 


We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – pet insurance gives you peace of mind! Don’t stress about your pet’s care becoming a financial burden. Don’t stress about having to make choices based on the price of treatment. Your pet’s health is top priority. By investing in pet health insurance, you’re making it easier for yourself to say “yes” to treatment when the time comes. The moral of the story is we don’t believe this rumor that monthly saving is a good alternative to pet insurance!  

 

Join over 1.8 million protected pets. Start by getting your free quote!  

 

Please note: Petline Insurance Company is not licensed or qualified to give financial advice, and that the article should not be considered financial advice. 

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