As a pet owner, you probably buy all the comforts and essentials to keep your best buddy happy, including tasty treats, cozy beds, and fun toys for the road. But aside from providing all the fun stuff for them, keeping your pet healthy should also be a top priority. From regular vet visits to emergency medical treatments, providing the best healthcare for your pet is an essential part of their upkeep.
Unfortunately, medical expenses can quickly add up. Although the costs depend on the type of pet and where you live, as well as where you’ve stopped on the road with an emergency, a simple exam or consultation for medical issues costs a minimum of 100 dollars on average – and that cost only increases as the procedure becomes more complex.
A great – if not necessary – way to offset some of those expenses is to get a pet insurance plan suitable for your situation. A common question, however, is what does pet insurance really cover? Although the exact answer will depend on your insurance provider and plan, here are some of the core health care needs that insurance can cover for your pet.
Accidents
Although no one likes to think about emergencies and scares, it’s vital to be able to take care of your pet in case they get hurt – without worrying about the overwhelming costs. There is, in fact, a specific accident coverage that insures you against injuries and emergencies that arise from accidents, like cuts, broken bones, torn ligaments, or even swallowed objects or toxins.
An accident package will also cover all of the medical procedures related to the accident. These include necessary blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, hospitalization, surgery, and after-care medication. Although this type of package will protect you against unexpected incidents, you will still be responsible for covering everything else. That is why purchasing a more comprehensive plan can let you, and not your wallet, dictate the way you care for your pet.
Illnesses
The most common pet insurance package covers both accidents and illnesses. With illness coverage, you can reimburse your expenses for a range of minor and major illnesses, including the diagnosis and the necessary treatment for getting your pet back on its feet.
Just as humans, pets are vulnerable to common and rare illnesses like cancer, arthritis, infections, digestive problems, and urinary tract infections. That is why it’s important to know the risks and keep an eye for any disease-related symptoms. Although some of these can arise with no warning, there are certain risks pets are exposed to in social settings or specific environments. Being able to get your pet the proper treatments and support without the financial burden when you’re out of town can be a huge relief when caring for your sick pet.
Hereditary And Congenital Conditions
If you get a complete coverage insurance plan, it will likely include hereditary conditions and birth defects that your pet will show no symptoms for until the later stages of its life. Such conditions include heart disease, eye disorders, intervertebral disk disease, and hip dysplasia. However, you should note that if your pet has any pre-existing conditions, these will not be covered by the insurance.
Although such conditions may not be at the top of your concern list towards the beginning, it’s important to look for pet insurance that covers them. Chances are, the treatments for these conditions are extensive – and thus costly – so it’s crucial to be able to cover all necessary aspects of the process. Some pet insurance providers only have this option as an add-on, so be sure to check the conditions before making your decision.
Wellness And General Health
Apart from treatment for more serious conditions, your pet requires regular healthcare that ensures optimal health and prevention against unwanted circumstances. Although this is not exactly a part of the insurance, you can usually choose a wellness add-on for key wellness procedures. These include routine care check-ups, general wellness exams, and vaccines.
Additionally, full coverage insurances will typically cover prescription foods, supplements, and medications that you can take with you when you’re travelling as well. That means that if your pet has any minor or potential health issues, they will receive medication like pain relievers, thyroid medications, inflammation reducers, or a specific dietary supplement. They may also get preventative treatments for things like ticks or heartworm and get regular dental cleanings so that you can rest assured that nothing bad will ruin your trip.
Final Words
Taking proper care of your pet at all times means ensuring their health needs are adequately and regularly addressed. Apart from buying them the best food and building a safe home for them, you will need to plan vet visits and provide any necessary medical treatments.
Getting pet insurance will help cover expenses related to accidents, illnesses, hereditary and congenital conditions, as well as wellness and general health. With an adequate and comprehensive plan, you will always stop on top of your travel companion’s health needs.
