Categories: PETS

Pet insurance – scam or saviour?

By Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue Society

So, you’ve finally welcomed that fluffy bundle of joy into your life—congratulations! But amidst the flurry of tail wags and cuddles, have you pondered the possibility of your furball falling ill?

It’s a grim thought, but a necessary one. And if it happens, will you have the means to pay for expensive medical care or should you invest in pet insurance?

Most people in Canada don’t have pet insurance, and for good reason. With a myriad of options to choose from, navigating the pet insurance jungle can feel like trying to find your way out of a maze blindfolded. But fear not. A little research can go a long way in ensuring your beloved companion’s health and happiness.

Veterinary care doesn’t come cheap these days. With inflation and a shortage of veterinary staff, vet clinics are feeling the pinch. And let’s not forget the pandemic-induced pet adoption frenzy that’s further stretching their resources. It’s a tough world out there for our furry pals.

But here’s the kicker: a pet emergency could leave you facing a financial disaster. And surrendering your pet or making the heart-wrenching decision to say goodbye is no one’s idea of a happy ending. In recent months at least five owners have had to make the agonizing decision to surrender their pets to Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue, just to ensure their pet gets the medical help it needs. We have seen the pain it causes them.

Enter pet insurance.

Sure, it’ll set you back a fair amount each year, but peace of mind doesn’t come cheap, right? However, a word of caution: not all pet insurance plans are created equal. From covering illnesses to surgeries to annual checkups, each plan has its own quirks. And then there is the matter of pre-existing conditions.

Many insurance companies will not insure pets with pre-existing conditions or charge a higher fee to do so. This is why, if you’re considering insurance, it is best to get it when your pet is still a pup or kitten or when they’re in their golden years, as those are the times many health issues arise.

When choosing a pet insurance company, it’s worth talking to your vet clinic to see which companies they deal with the most, which they prefer, which seem to have the best plans with the best coverage, which pay out quickest (some pay direct to the vet, others pay you after you’ve paid the vet), etc.

And if you’ve got a dog at high risk of disease or illness —then insurance might just be your saving grace. It is worth some research to see if the breed of dog you have is susceptible to any health issues that could leave your wallet feeling a lot lighter.

For example, English Bulldogs have a list of potential health issues, as do German Shepherds, Great Danes, Dachshunds, and more. The cost of your insurance will be impacted by these health risks, as well.

Lead image: A few of Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue’s currently available pets. Photos submitted