Ever since I got Wally in 2015 and even before I got him when researching dogs for years before I got him, one consistent discussion would appear: “Is pet insurance worth it.” So when I got Wally, I wasn’t 100% sure about the benefits of pet insurance versus the cost of pet insurance. But I got three ‘months’ free cover with PetCover when I got Wally, so I figured I’d try it and see.
Within a month of bringing Wally home, at his first vet check-up, he was diagnosed with some form of ear issue requiring treatment. I claimed the costs back from the pet insurance and knew I would keep it. I was instantly sold on the benefits of pet insurance for dogs.
Why I love pet insurance for dogs
Having this initial interaction with our pet insurance insurer so soon after Wally came home really cemented the importance of pet insurance for dogs to me.
Pet insurance cost is worth it.
The number one argument against pet insurance for dogs, cats, or any animals is that the cost is prohibitive compared to the actual benefits of pet insurance. I wholeheartedly disagree with this argument because you can take the money you’d spend on your pet insurance premium and put it away in a savings account each month to cover costs. But does it add up? I’m not great at math; some people may say it does, but as much as you can research your dog’s breed, you won’t know what you’re up against health-wise until you get them.
I did research before I got Wally. I looked at the breeds that would suit my lifestyle. I didn’t dive deeply into the health side of things, but I also consciously avoided breeds that have well-known health issues. I never expected him to have ear issues within the first month. Eat something weird and require ongoing antibiotics within the first 18 months. And I definitely didn’t expect or plan for a $20,000 spinal surgery just before his 8th birthday. I have extended family I can borrow the money from if I’m in a bind and pay them back – but if you can’t come up with $20,000 at the drop of a hat, perhaps reconsider if you think pet insurance is worth it.
Pets don’t have other insurance coverage like Medicare
As humans, especially in a country like Australia, which has taxpayer-funded socialised healthcare, we’re used to having coverage for most of our medical costs. Most people would say the lack of coverage for preventive or ongoing care would cancel out any benefits of pet insurance.
I recognise this issue and am disappointed that more pet insurers don’t cover yearly health checks, vaccinations, and preventative medical interventions, given that all of them (that I’ve seen) have kept up with these as a requirement for coverage. Until this changes in the insurance industry across the board – some insurers do cover these things to some extent – it’s understandable people snub their nose at the additional cost of insurance.
What I will say to counter this is we’re so used to having everything covered to some extent that it makes getting private health insurance as humans an “extra” rather than a requirement. So we miss the benefit of pet insurance for our furry friends and take the view it’s an extra, too. Yes, they don’t cover those incidentals, but the coverage you can get (as long as you research and compare) is amazing for all the other vet visits! Before his surgery, Wally had only been to the vet for his regular checkups and a few small bites or issues – some I claimed, I didn’t. But that surgery alone makes me pleased to have pet insurance for dogs.
Is the cost of pet insurance worth the life of your pet?
Pet death isn’t a topic many people want to discuss, but if you come up against a big issue like we did with Wally’s spine, you may have to make the worst possible decision. I could have worked with Wally to try and help recover the use of his legs without the surgery, but that would likely still cost a lot in the long run or go on forever. So what’s the other option if I can’t get him well and back to himself (but a little less mobile)? Unfortunately, the prospect of putting him to sleep was put forth.
The vet who first discussed options with me mentioned the possible cost of spinal surgery for a slipped disc. I almost passed out, like literally they got me a blanket and some water and let me lay down on the consulting room floor for a bit to recover. Then they explained all the options. Surgery is the best option for full recovery. The non-surgical intervention has seen success; however, there was also the chance of recurrence, a lengthy recovery period and a lot of work. Then, putting him to sleep due to lack of quality of life was also mentioned. My mum also kindly (not so much) mentioned it almost as soon as she walked through the door when she arrived to help support us – I didn’t appreciate this. Still, given that all she knew was second-hand from me, she didn’t quite understand the full scope of the situation and just saw Wally as unable to move freely.
How would you feel if you either had to come up with tens of thousands of dollars, make your dog or other pet live in some form of pain or less-than-ideal life circumstances or put them to sleep? I know I’d rather be out a couple hundred dollars a month than have to make that decision.
Finding the benefits of pet insurance relies on you finding the right pet insurance as a pet owner
From vet bills to unexpected emergencies, the expenses can add up quickly. That’s where pet insurance comes in. Before you make the final call on the benefits of pet insurance or if you really want to get it for your beloved pet, you need to understand better how to find the right pet insurance for your furry family member. By finding the right pet insurance policy, you can ensure that your furry friend is covered in case of any mishaps. Sure, there are terms and conditions to be aware of, like pre-existing conditions not being covered, but overall, having pet insurance can provide you with invaluable peace of mind.
When your beloved pet becomes sick or injured, the vet bill is the last thing you want to worry about. That’s where pet insurance comes in handy. By comparing pet insurance options and finding the best pet insurance for your furry companion, you can rest assured that your pet’s health needs are met. So why not leap and get pet insurance today?
The overall costs of pet ownership can add up quite quickly, so you need to find the right insurance company when you’re getting pet insurance. You can even check your car, home, life or health insurance provider’s website to see if they have a pet insurance product you can get a discount on by being an existing customer.
Check out some more tips and advice to help the health of your pet:
- 5 things to help your dog with environmental or contact allergies
- Help your dog with separation anxiety with these tips
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