Insurance for our beloved dogs and cats still isn’t as standard as insurance for things like cars, boats, and houses, which means there are still many common misconceptions about pet insurance. We’re breaking down these myths to reveal the truth and how pet insurance can benefit your furry family members.
Myth 1: My pet is young and healthy, so they don’t need pet insurance.
Fact: The best time to get your pet covered by a pet insurance plan is when they are healthy. If something should happen, like they eat a toxic item from the garbage, get injured at the dog park, or if you discover a mysterious lump on your pet’s skin, you can have peace of mind that you secured coverage before any of these conditions could be considered pre-existing. Pre-existing conditions aren’t eligible for pet insurance coverage, which is why it’s important to secure a policy before anything happens.
Myth 2: Pet insurance isn’t worth it because it doesn’t cover vaccines or annual checkups.
Fact: Expected annual costs are easy to budget for when it comes to pet parenting. If you know it will cost $250 per year for a yearly exam, vaccines and other preventatives, then why pay that money to an insurance company and then wait for reimbursement? Unlike the expected annual costs of pet ownership, the unexpected injuries and illnesses can catch you off guard, which is where pet insurance can be beneficial. Read more about pet insurance versus wellness coverage.
Myth 3: I can only use pet insurance at specific veterinary hospitals.
Fact: With a Healthy Paws pet insurance plan, you can take your pet to any veterinary hospital in the U.S. including emergency vets and specialty hospitals. Because pet insurance works by reimbursement, you don’t have to worry about whether your preferred veterinarian is “in-network”. Just keep taking your pet to the same vet as you usually do because regardless of your veterinary care provider, filing a claim is simple. Which leads us to our next point…
Myth 4: Filing a claim is difficult/requires lots of paperwork.
Fact: Pet parents who need to file a claim with Healthy Paws quickly learn that it’s straightforward to do so. To file a claim, send a copy of your veterinary invoice to us by snapping a photo with our app, uploading a copy via the Customer Center, or sending it in by email, fax, or regular mail.
Myth 5: Cats don’t need pet insurance.
Fact: Cats are just as likely as dogs to experience injuries and medical emergencies such as urinary tract problems and stomach issues. These are the six most common health issues in cats. Learn more about common health conditions in cats and what they can cost to diagnose and treat in our Cost of Care report.
Myth 6: My pet had a previous medical condition, so pet insurance won’t cover anything for them.
Fact: Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary care for new injuries or illnesses that aren’t pre-existing to your policy. If your pet has a chronic ailment that occurred prior to getting pet insurance, then it won’t be eligible for coverage. However, if your pet has had a condition that has completely cleared, such as an ear infection, then they would be eligible for future ear infection coverage. Additionally, pet insurance provides peace of mind for any new conditions that might pop up later in your dog’s or cat’s life.
Myth 7: It’s easier to start a separate savings account to save for potential future vet bills.
Fact: A savings account with enough funds can indeed be a reasonable way to cover unexpected veterinary costs. However, savings can deplete quickly, leaving you out of options once the funds run out. If your pet never needs anything major, then you’ll still have your savings, but if luck runs the other way, you may be left with debt, or having to face the difficult decision of how much treatment you can afford for your pet. The Healthy Paws pet insurance plan has no limits on coverage, so when a condition is covered, you don’t have to worry about reaching a cap or running out of funds.
Myth 8: Pet insurance is only for the “big” stuff.
Fact: It’s surely a huge relief to have a pet insurance plan when the “big” stuff happens, like a cruciate ligament injury or a cancer diagnosis. However, pet insurance can be helpful for the less expensive conditions as well. For example, an allergy diagnosis can result in a treatment plan of monthly medications. Those recurring costs can add up over time, but pet insurance can alleviate the financial hit.
Curious to learn more about pet insurance? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to get all of your questions answered. And if you’re ready to take the next step, enter your pet’s info to find out how much pet insurance will cost for your furry pal.
