September is Pet Health Insurance Month
September is widely celebrated as National Pet Health Insurance Month by veterinarians, shelters & rescues, pet owners and insurance companies in both Canada and the USA. The month is intended to promote the importance of pet insurance for cats and dogs and introduce it to those pet owners who are not familiar with it. As pet owners, we don't like to think of our pet's getting sick or injured, but it can happen. Having pet insurance can help you to focus on what matters most - your pets - if an accident or illness does arise.
What is pet health insurance?
Pet insurance can provide pet owners with financial support towards professional veterinary care and some related medical costs in the event of unexpected medical costs, usually due to an accident or illness. By helping cover vet bills, pet insurance can put pet owners in a better position to make decisions about their pet’s medical needs without putting cost first. With ongoing advances in the veterinary profession, there are more medical options available for the treatment of accidents and illnesses today, but it all comes at a cost. Additionally, pet owners have higher expectations for their pet’s health care and standard of living. The key is for your pet to receive treatment early and quickly enough, and for you to have the financial means to cover the cost of care.
Choosing coverage that's right for you
When shopping for pet insurance, get a quote from a few reputable providers to compare the coverage options available to you. Not all pet insurance companies are the same so ask a lot of questions in order to make an accurate comparison. To select the plan that's right for you, consider:
- Your pet’s species – Both cats and dogs need regular veterinary care and can experience medical issues or accidents. Consider that some species (or breeds) may live longer than others requiring a different level of commitment.
- Your pet’s breed – There may be medical conditions associated with your pet’s breed. Knowing this can help you prepare for future medical needs. When shopping around, ask each company if they make exclusions based on breed. Provided an illness isn’t preexisting, Pets Plus Us covers every breed, and even health conditions associated with a breed, if they aren’t pre-existing when your coverage starts.
- Your financial resources – Your ability to proactively save and be diligent about keeping up aside funds for care related to unexpected illnesses and accidents should be considered. Ask each insurer what coverage limits exist, if any. Some insurers may have annual limits, limits for specific treatments or lifetime limits.
- Your ability to pay for routine vet care – Consider the financial requirements to pay for the routine care your pet will need. As well, consider any previous medical issues your pet might have that may require ongoing care. Some companies, like Pets Plus Us, offer wellness plans that help manage the costs associated with routine care.
- Value added services and add-ons available to you – Many insurance providers offer valuable products and services, such as our Blue Ribbon Benefits*, in addition to pet insurance coverage.
Veterinarians: A pet's family doctor
At Pets Plus Us, we understand the importance of the relationship you have with your veterinarian. We also appreciate the hard work being done by the amazing individuals who make up the veterinary profession. Pets Plus Us allows every pet owner to visit or seek treatment from any licensed veterinarian, whether that is an individual who has been looking after the family pets for generations, or a veterinarian sought out in an emergency while travelling in Canada or the US.