Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
When you bring home a new furry best friend, the last thing you want to think about is the chance they might need medical care. But whether it's for illness, injury or just regular checkups, you might be bringing Fido or Fluffy to the vet more than you'd think.
The thing is, you never want to be in a situation where you have to deny your pet medical treatment because you can't afford it. One solution many pet owners choose to help is pet insurance. But how does pet insurance really work, what are the benefits of pet insurance and how do you choose the right insurance plan for your needs? Here, we share some important pet insurance facts and debunk common myths so you can make an informed choice that's right for you and your pet.
Myth #1: "Pet Insurance Is Too Expensive"
Taking responsibility for a cat or dog means committing to spending a certain amount of money: You've got to pay for pet food, gear like leashes and litter boxes, and of course, toys to keep you and your furball happy and entertained. With all these costs in mind—and the cost of living overall—it's understandable to think pet insurance is one chunk of money too many.
Depending on your situation, some policyholders can get reimbursed more than the premiums they paid. Keep in mind, policyholders could also experience reimbursements lower than the premiums they paid. The specifics will vary case by case—after all, your pet's healthcare needs have a lot to do with luck—but it's definitely worth running some numbers before you decide on pet insurance.
For instance, one study shows that dog owners can expect to pay between $534 and $1,285 per year on veterinary expenses like vaccinations and checkups, while cat owners are looking at spending $374 to $965.1 And if they have emergencies or mystery illnesses to contend with, those numbers could be way higher. Pet insurance premiums, on the other hand, can be as low as $6 per month.
Myth #2: "Pet Insurance Only Covers Emergencies"
Emergencies are a big reason many people get pet insurance—after all, unlike regular vet care, they're unpredictable (aka impossible to budget for!). But quality healthcare for your cat or dog is about much more than treating illness and injury.
To help your pet feel their best (and to avoid more serious issues down the road), preventive healthcare is key. That means things like vaccinations, dental care and regular checkups. And those costs add up: Getting your cat's teeth cleaned, for instance, could run from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,000.2
And yes, pet insurance does cover that kind of wellness care—if you opt in for it. The key is choosing the right plan for your needs. If you're happy paying out of pocket for regular vet visits, an emergency-only plan might be best for you. But if you want comprehensive coverage so Rover can get the best medical care possible (and you get the most predictable bills possible), a comprehensive pet insurance plan that includes everything from blood work to getting spayed or neutered might be the best choice.
Myth #3: "Pet Insurance Is Too Complicated"
We get it—in our modern world, the last thing anyone needs is another form to fill out or a long document to read. But pet insurance from a quality provider like Pets Best Insurance is far less complicated than you might think. Plus, it's not hard to submit claims or get reimbursed—you can even do it online.
Look for a pet insurance provider that explains its offerings clearly, without excessive jargon, and has user-friendly platforms and customer support. Reading pet insurance reviews can help you make the choice, too. Look for testimonials like this one from Terri B., who says Pets Best customer service was "very helpful in choosing a plan that was right for our puppy."
Myth #4: "I Can Just Save Money Instead of Getting Pet Insurance"
This one's not so much a myth as a "probably not." Do the Kardashians need pet insurance? We're guessing they have a solid emergency fund. But for regular people, it can be harder to save enough money to cover all your pet's medical expenses.
A not-so-fun fact is that 1 out of 3 pet owners will face an unexpected pet expense that causes financial worry. In fact, according to one study, 45% of dog owners and 38% of cat owners thought they were prepared for pet expenses, then discovered they were not.1 No one wants to be in that situation.
Pet healthcare costs can be unpredictable. Maybe your dog will be super-healthy her whole life and never need more than the most basic veterinary care. Or perhaps you'll discover she has a disease or condition that requires expensive treatment. Even if you have a good rainy day fund, pet insurance can be a way to balance things out so you're prepared for any eventuality.
Myth #5: "My Pet Won't Need Insurance"
Like a teenager driving their new car too fast, we all like to think the worst things won't happen to us. And maybe they won't! But pet accidents, illnesses and emergency vet visits can happen to anyone, and it's best to be prepared. For instance, have you ever thought about what you'd do if your dog got severely ill with heartworm from an infected mosquito, or Lyme disease from a tick bite?
Pet accidents happen all the time: Dogs get hit by cars, cats get attacked by coyotes, both cats and dogs eat things they shouldn't. The same goes for illnesses like cancer or heart disease—your pet really could be next. So the question to ask is: If your cat or dog does suddenly need emergency healthcare, will you regret not preparing for that eventuality?
Pet Insurance Is a Smart Choice
Being a good pet parent includes taking the best possible care of your cat or dog's health—and that means being prepared to take them to the vet for both regular and emergency care when needed. And if there's any chance you might find it hard to pay for that care, pet insurance is a tool that can help you cover those costs when you need help the most. So don't listen to all the myths out there about pet insurance. It's not complicated, it's not too expensive and it covers far more than just emergencies, making it a smart choice to help ensure your pet is as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Investing in pet insurance can help you prioritize your pet's health and protect you financially in the long run. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans and cat insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/Citations
1. "Lifetime of Care Study," (1/2022), Synchrony, http://petlifetimeofcare.com/, accessed April 9, 2024.
2. "How Much Does a Cat Dental Cleaning Cost?" Meera Pal (4/2023), Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/cat-dental-cleaning-cost/, accessed April 9, 2024.