Page 22 - Boca Club News - November '24

Page 22, Boca Club News

Pet Matters
Pet Matters

You and Your Pet:

Pet Health Insurance and

Why You Should Consider It.

Dr. Andrew Turkell, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CHT-V. Calusa Should you have both? Yes, having both can provide the cost. Younger pets might need accident and illness
Veterinary Center, 6900 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, more comprehensive coverage. A wellness plan helps coverage.
FL 33487. (561) 999-3000. www.CVCBoca.com with day-to-day health maintenance, while pet insurance Breed: Some breeds are more prone to specific health
With the rising costs of veterinary care pet health protects against high-cost emergency or surgical treatments issues (e.g., hip dysplasia in large dogs, respiratory issues
insurance can be a valuable safety net for pet owners. 5. Prevention of Financial Strain. in flat-faced breeds). Knowing your pet’s potential health
Here are a few key reasons why everyone should consider Without insurance a serious injury or illness can lead risks can help you choose the right plan.
getting pet insurance: to massive vet bills, potentially putting you in financial Health History: Pre-existing conditions often aren’t
1. Rising Veterinary Costs. debt. Pet insurance prevents you from having to choose covered, so consider whether your pet has any health issues
Veterinary care has advanced significantly in recent between draining your savings or putting your pet’s health when choosing insurance.
years, allowing for more sophisticated treatments like at risk. 2. Determine Your Budget.
complex surgeries, MRIs, CT’s and cancer treatments for Having a policy in place ensures that you’re prepared Monthly Premiums: How much are you willing to pay
pets. While these advancements are beneficial they come for the worst, whether it’s a major surgery, long-term monthly? Low premiums may have higher deductibles or
with high costs. Even routine treatments and emergency treatment for a chronic illness or an emergency. lower reimbursement rates.
care can add up quickly. 6. Better Access to Treatment Options. Deductibles and Reimbursement Levels: Most plans
Without insurance the cost of emergency surgeries or Insurance can provide better access to advanced have a deductible (the amount you pay out-of-pocket
treatments for chronic illnesses can easily reach thousands treatment options that might otherwise be financially out before insurance kicks in). Also, check the reimbursement
of dollars. Pet insurance helps ensure that you won’t need of reach. This includes surgeries, chemotherapy, and even rate—what percentage of vet bills will the insurer cover
to choose between financial hardship and giving your pets rehabilitation treatments like physical therapy for pets. after the deductible?
the care they need. You won’t have to limit your treatment options based Annual Limits: Some plans limit the total amount they
2. Coverage for Unpredictable Events. on cost, allowing your pet to receive the best possible care. will pay in a year, so make sure this limit matches your
Pets, like humans, can suffer from unexpected 7. Long-Term Savings. expectations for potential vet bills.
accidents and illnesses. Whether it’s a broken bone, an While insurance requires a monthly or annual premium, 3. Check for Exclusions and Waiting Periods.
allergic reaction or an unexpected illness, the costs can the long-term savings in case of emergencies can far Pre-existing Conditions: Most pet insurance providers
be overwhelming. Pet insurance can cover a significant outweigh the cost of the plan. A single emergency surgery won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Check the policy to
portion of these expenses, making it easier to handle can cost thousands, while a good insurance plan might see what conditions are excluded.
unpredictable veterinary bills. cover 70-90% of that cost. Waiting Periods: Many insurers have a waiting period
Younger pets may seem healthy, but accidents can The earlier you enroll your pet the lower your premiums before coverage begins, usually around 14 days for illness
happen at any age and illnesses like cancer, heart disease tend to be, and getting coverage before health issues arise coverage. Make sure you know when your coverage will
or diabetes can develop over time. Pet insurance protects ensures that more conditions are covered. start.
you from the unpredictability of such situations. 8. Avoiding Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions. Hereditary Conditions: If your pet’s breed is prone to
3. Peace of Mind. The longer you wait to get pet insurance the more likely hereditary conditions (like hip dysplasia or heart issues),
Knowing that you have financial coverage for your pet’s your pet is to develop conditions that won’t be covered. make sure the policy includes coverage for these.
medical needs provides peace of mind. With pet insurance Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from 4. Investigate the Claims Process.
you can focus on your pet’s recovery without stressing coverage, so getting insurance while your pet is healthy Ease of Filing Claims: Some insurers offer mobile apps
about how to afford treatments. ensures that future issues are more likely to be covered. or online platforms that make filing claims easy. Look for
In difficult situations, like choosing between euthanasia How to Find the Right Insurance Company a provider with a simple and quick claim process.
or an expensive surgery, having insurance gives you the Finding the right pet insurance involves researching Reimbursement Time: Check how long it typically takes
freedom to make decisions based on your pet’s health and comparing multiple factors to ensure you’re selecting to receive reimbursement after submitting a claim.
rather than financial concerns. the best option for your pet’s needs and your financial Direct Vet Payments: A few insurers pay veterinarians
4. Affordability and Flexible Plans. situation. directly, eliminating the need for you to cover the cost
Pet insurance is often more affordable than people Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right upfront.
think, especially when compared to the cost of emergency plan:
vet bills. Many insurers offer customizable plans, so you 1. Assess Your Pet’s Needs. You and Your Pet on page 23
can choose the coverage, deductibles and premiums that Age: Older pets may have more health issues, so
suit your budget. insurance premiums can be higher but they may be worth
Wellness Plans: These generally cover routine and
preventive care, such as vaccinations, annual check-ups,
dental care and flea/parasite treatments. They help with
ongoing care and keeping your pet healthy.
Pet Insurance: Typically covers emergencies,
accidents, illnesses, surgeries and more significant health ARCHIVE GALLERIES
events. This type of insurance kicks in when there’s an
unexpected health issue or a major accident. This is like
an indemnity plan.
Customizability: Some insurers allow you to adjust PAYS HIGHER PRICES FOR FINE ART AND ANTIQUES
deductibles, payout caps and reimbursement percentages,
offering more control over your premiums and coverage.
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