We all hope that nothing bad will happen to our pets. If you feed them the right food, exercise them frequently, and show them enough love, that should be enough, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. Pets can have accidents or develop health conditions suddenly just like humans. Fortunately, pet insurance can help pet parents afford the care their pet needs, without having to be as concerned about the cost of veterinary care. In this article we will review five reasons you should insure your pet as a puppy or kitten.
1. Young Pets Have Fewer Pre-Existing Conditions
Many pet parents might assume that young pets don’t need pet insurance. Since they are young and healthy, why add the expense? But the best time to purchase a pet health insurance policy is when pets are puppy or kitten aged - before there is something wrong with them. Once a health issue occurs, it’ll most likely be considered a pre-existing condition and cannot be covered. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
2. Long-term Chronic Health Conditions
While often identified after pets mature, chronic health conditions can develop early in cats and dogs. For example, 75% of cats show signs of allergies (called atopy in veterinary terms) within the first 3 years of life .1 In dogs, allergy symptoms can be identified as early as 6 months of age.2 Allergies to the environment can require lifelong medication and possibly weekly allergy shots. This can also lead to other health conditions, like skin infections and wounds from scratching. It is best to get pet health insurance before problems arise so that you will have coverage when something does come up.
3. Younger Pets Have Lower Cost Premiums
Like humans, as pets age they tend to develop medical issues, resulting in more vet visits. Because of this increase in health issues, pet insurance for older pets costs more than for younger pets. And as already discussed, an advantage to insuring your pet when they are young is the reduced chance of a condition being deemed pre-existing when they enter their senior years and not covered under pet health insurance.
4. Accidents are Unexpected
By definition, an accident is something no one plans for. What seems like a pet getting into some mischief can escalate into situations requiring a vet. A puppy’s first jump can lead to his first broken paw. Or a cat that found the lilies in the garden too good to pass up can lead to a vet emergency for toxicity. Being a pet parent is a big responsibility and you need to be ready for anything. If you have insurance coverage when it happens, you won’t have to choose between your pet’s health and your bank account.
5. Pet Insurance Allows You to Be a Proactive Pet Parent
You want your pet to have the very best. As a pet parent, you strive to make your pet’s life great, and that means helping them live a healthy life so they can live longer. Pet health insurance can help with that. Pets Best offers optional wellness coverage to help pay for regular vet visits. This includes routine checkups, dental cleanings, and blood work. You can have peace of mind when it comes to your pet’s health so they can do what they do best. It can also help budget for expected or pro-active health care, especially if they are a puppy or a kitten.
Being a pet parent comes with many unknowns but having to worry about affording the best veterinary care doesn’t have to be if you insure your dog or cat when they’re young. Pets Best offers customizable pet health insurance plans and optional wellness coverage to help you find the best balance of coverage and price. When it comes to your pet’s health and your wallet, it’s best to be proactive and insure them early.
References
1Bajwa, J. (2018). Atopic dermatitis in cats. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 59(3), 311-313.
2Banovic, F. (n.d.). Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Updates on Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from Today's Veterinary Practice: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/continuing-educationdermatologycanine-atopic-dermatitis-updates-diagnosis-treatment/