Pets are like family to us. So when they become ill, it’s reasonable to need to seek out medical care for your furry family member. The problem is, pet medical and dental care can be expensive and sometimes out of reach. Instead of facing the need to make difficult decisions, consider the value of pet insurance. Nationwide offers insurance products to help your pet get the care they need without the high price that often comes with that level of care.
Why Purchase Pet Insurance?
Basic annual expenses for dogs and cats for a routine visit average $212 for a dog and $160 for a cat. When a surgical procedure is necessary, those costs rise, on average, to $426 for dogs and $214 for cats. Often, those costs are much more, especially when there are numerous medical appointments and treatment needs. Pet insurance may offer some financial protection from these risks.
Pet insurance options are available for dogs and cats, and plans range widely in terms of what they cover. That gives pet owners the ability to choose versatile policies to meet most needs. There are pet insurance plans available from Nationwide that may cover illnesses, injuries, and even wellness care. More so, if your pet is diagnosed with a new chronic or recurring condition once the policy is in place, the policy may cover that as well at no additional cost. That provides peace of mind for many families.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
As noted, our pet insurance policies range widely based on what you need and what’s suitable for your pet’s health needs. Some of the potentially covered care may include:
- Accidents like sprains or poisonings
- Allergies and chronic conditions like arthritis
- Ear infections
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hip dysplasia care and other hereditary conditions
- Cancer, heart disease, and diabetes care
More so, there are policies available to help cover the cost of wellness visits. You don’t have to avoid the vet because of the cost of vaccinations or even flea and heartworm medications.
Your vet remains in control over what type of treatment and diagnostic tools your pet needs when they need medical care. Pet insurance policies may help to cover those costs, including:
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Blood tests
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Surgical procedures
- Chemotherapy
- Endoscopies
And, there’s more. Nationwide pet insurance goes a step further. Some of our plans also provide access to holistic and alternative care, so you have options to choose from when it comes to providing for your pet’s specific needs. You may be able to choose procedures like laser therapy for an easier recovery or acupuncture and chiropractic care to help ease pain and stimulate healing.
Every policy is a bit different, so it’s important to discuss your needs thoroughly with your insurance agent before purchasing. Be sure to check out the options for full coverage, some coverage, and no coverage for various conditions your pet has.
What Doesn’t Pet Insurance Cover?
Like all health insurance plans (including those for humans), there may be some restrictions and limitations on policies, depending on which you select. For example, pre-existing conditions may not be covered. It’s essential to choose the right insurance policy for your pet, of course.
Typical Vet Bills for Dog Owners
If you love your dog, you know that they need routine care to keep them living healthy lives for as long as possible. Yet, medical costs can rise quickly if your pet hurts a muscle or needs a dental cleaning. For example, some dog medications can cost $200 to $600 for each prescription. Routine vet care for a healthy dog can sometimes run as high as $2,000 per year. If your dog needs surgery, you can expect those costs to be much higher.
Typical Vet Bills for Cat Owners
Perhaps your cat lives by its own rules and doesn’t need a lot of personal human care. Nevertheless, they need to see a vet on a routine basis to maintain their health. Costs for routine cat care can be $90 to $200. The price of medications is just as high for cats as it is for dogs. And, there’s always the risk of $2,000 or more special procedures and treatments.
Is Pet Insurance Right for You?
Your situation is unique. It’s worth taking a closer look to determine just how affordable pet insurance can be. Take a few minutes to gather your pet’s vet bills for the last few years. Determine how much, on average, you spend. Then, factor in any additional ongoing costs you have. For many people, pet insurance from Nationwide pays for itself over the life of your pet. Take a closer look at a few policy options to find out what you can expect.
