Our furry friends are just like any other member of our family. We spend good money making sure they are properly groomed, sheltered and fed. But yet so many pet owners take for granted a simple fact of pet care. If you have ever owned and loved a pet you are more than aware that at some point you will have to take your pet to the vet. Much like humans, pets are susceptible to a bevy or illnesses. Whether it is something as minor as a cold or virus or something more serious such as an injury or a chronic illness, it is important to insure that your pet?s health needs are cared for in a timely manner. Unfortunately the high cost of pet health care can sometimes act as a deterrent to pets receiving the proper care. However, much like with humans, there are several companies that offer insurance for pets to help mitigate the costs of vet visits.
The are several options when it comes to coverage for pet health care fees. On the lower end of the spectrum you can find companies that will pay based off capped sliding scales for the total costs. In the upper tier there are insurance plans that are have a yearly cap. With the several different coverage choices there will always be certain questions you should take into account before signing up for any plan.
Each Breed is Different
All dogs have different longevity and subsequent health problems as they get older. For example, Great Danes do not have a very long life span, partly due to their size, and tend to have hip and joint problems. Labrador retrievers typically have a long life span, but are also susceptible to different mobility problems in their old age. When signing up for a pet insurance policy it is important to remember that based on your particular dog breed your premiums might be higher due to perceived longevity, temperament, sex and any applicable occupation of your dog.
Location can Influence Your Rates
To borrow from the language of real estate, location, location, location. Where you live can have an impact on how much you can expect to spend on your insurance premiums. If you are an apartment dweller in a big city full of people and cars, depending on your breed, you can probably expect to pay more each month than the same dog living somewhere in the suburbs with a fenced in yard. Pet insurance companies do not only take safety into account, but other lifestyle factors as well. If your dog is a competitive athlete then it will probably be healthier than the same dog that lives a sedentary life in a small apartment. Dogs that live in the country usually have more active lives because they have the space and opportunity to run free.
Insurance for Pets Can be Pricey due to Age
Age is another factor that should come as no surprise. Much like humans the age of the dog and any underlying health issues are a big factor in determining how much you can expect to pay in monthly pet insurance premiums. Any company that offers insurance for pets will always take into account the amount of risk that ensuring a pet will entail. It might seem less than altruistic, but it is important to remember that these companies are running a business not a service. For aging cats or older dogs with several underlying health problems such as renal failure, some insurance probably charge you quite a bit of money or in the worst case scenario not insure you at all.
Shop Around to Find the Best Pet Insurance Plan Deal
With all that said, the most important part of sorting through all the companies that offer insurance for pets is to shop around as much as possible. Ask friends and family for suggestions, ask local vets or even check the internet for reviews. Regardless of your pet?s age, sex, or underlying issues, there is a good chance that you?ll be able to find an pet insurance provider that will be able to offer you more peace of mind for you beloved pets.