Your pet is a cherished family member, offering unconditional love and support. Like other family members, your four-legged friend requires medical care to stay healthy. However, an often overlooked pet care aspect is insurance. While many pet owners might question an insurance policy’s necessity when their furry companion is healthy, accidents and illnesses do occur. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group offers compelling reasons for enrolling your pet in an insurance policy.

Pet insurance offers financial protection

Veterinary emergencies can occur, including accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Emergency veterinary costs can quickly add up and strain your finances. Pet insurance provides financial protection by covering some expenses and alleviating unexpected veterinary bills’ burden. The right insurance plan can help ensure your pet receives medical care without worrying about financial constraints. 

Pet insurance offers cost and coverage flexibility

Pet health insurance policies allow you to choose from various coverage options. Common pet insurance coverage types include:

  • Accident only — This policy type covers emergencies, including vehicle accidents, ligament tears or bone fractures, accidental poisoning, wounds, and other accidents.
  • Accident and illness — This coverage level includes accidents such as those listed above, plus ailments such as ear infections, bladder stones, arthritis, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
  • Wellness — These policies offset annual veterinary care expenses related to preventive care such as exams, blood tests, vaccinations, and parasite prevention medications.
  • Full comprehensive — This is the most robust pet insurance policy type, covering everything from accidents and illnesses to chronic disease management. 

The amount you pay for monthly or annual premiums is primarily based on the policy type you choose and factors including your pet’s age, breed, sex, inherited disorders, and health status. With various options from which to choose, you have the flexibility to select a policy that best suits your pet’s health needs and your budget. 

Comprehensive pet insurance coverage is the most robust

Wellness care is necessary to prevent diseases and detect health issues early. Some insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for various medical expenses, from wellness exams and vaccinations to emergency surgeries and chronic conditions. Some comprehensive policies also cover cancer treatment and alternative therapies such as chiropractic care and acupuncture. If you enroll your pet in a comprehensive coverage policy, you get peace of mind knowing all your furry pal’s health care needs are covered. Investing in your pet’s preventive care can help maintain their health and catch any potential health issues before they become significant problems. This proactive approach to pet care improves your four-legged friend’s quality of life and reduces the likelihood you will be unable to afford costly medical care down the road.

Your pet can be covered for life 

Pets are susceptible to various health issues throughout their lives, from common ailments to severe conditions, often at different life stages. The best option is to have your pet insured when they are young to avoid insurance policies’ pre-existing condition exclusions. However, once you enroll your pet in an insurance policy, your four-legged friend is covered for life—from puppyhood or kittenhood to their senior years—as long as you do not let the coverage lapse. This coverage continuity helps ensure that your pet’s medical needs are consistently met, regardless of their age or health status.

Pet insurance provides you with peace of mind

Knowing that your pet is covered by insurance can ease your mind. You can rest assured that your furry pal will receive the best possible care without having to make complicated financial decisions during a crisis. Whether your pet experiences a sudden illness or severe injury, insurance allows you to focus on treating your pet without worrying about the cost.

When you enroll your pet in an insurance policy, the cost of their veterinary care is covered. Pet insurance can also be a valuable investment that offers you financial protection and peace of mind. Our Santa Monica Veterinary Group works with several pet insurance companies and can offer you insight into the right policy for your furry pal. Call us to determine which health insurance policy options best meet your pet’s healthcare needs.