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Should You Get Pet Health Insurance?

In the UK, it is a lot more common to have pet health insurance than here in the United States. But more people are starting to consider pet insurance here too.

According to the San Diego Daily Transcript,

A growing portion of household pet budgets is being allocated to medical products and services. Spending for veterinary care this year will reach $8.6 billion, and medicine and other supplies will cost owners $6.8 billion.

“As people experience their own age-related ailments, they are naturally more attentive to the needs of their pets and are seeking out health care and nutrition that slows down the effects of aging for both them and their pets,” said Darlene Frudakis, president PetAg, a pet product manufacturer.

The Veterinary Medical Association says that by age 2 most pets have reached adulthood. At 5 they are considered middle-aged and at 7 they have started their senior years.

Like their owners, many pets gain weigh in their older years. PetAg says 25 percent of pets in the United States are overweight, causing some familiar conditions.

“Adverse effects in older, overweight pets include an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and decreased immune competence. Metabolism in dogs drops by up to 30 percent, which contributes to weight problems,” according to a report from the company.

More and more owners are realizing the value of pet health insurance. Policy premiums can range from $100 to $1,000 a year.

Read the rest of the article…

I think there are pros and cons to having pet health insurance for your dog. If you can afford to pay for any vet bills your dog may have, you probably don’t need pet insurance. But if an unexpected bill from your dog’s sickness could really cause problems with your budget, it may make sense to pay a smaller amount each month and know that you are covered by the insurance.

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