Pet Insurance Myths Busted

If you’ve ever considered getting pet insurance, you’ve probably heard a few whispers or read something online that made you think twice. “Is it really worth it?” “It probably doesn’t cover what I need,” or even, “It’s too expensive!” Sound familiar? Well, we’re here to debunk some common pet insurance myths!

Myth 1: Pet Insurance is Too Expensive

One of the biggest misconceptions is that pet insurance is a luxury only a few can afford. It’s easy to look at a monthly premium and think it’s just another bill, but let’s break this down.

Fact: Pet insurance can be surprisingly affordable! Plans are customizable, meaning you can choose the level of coverage that works best for your budget. Some plans start as low as $20 a month, which is much less than a surprise trip to the vet. When you consider that the cost of emergency veterinary care can run into the thousands (a surgery for a broken bone can easily cost over $3,000!), insurance starts to look like a bargain.

Tip: Shop Around for Plans That Fit Your Budget.

Don’t settle for the first plan you see—explore different options. Many providers offer customizable coverage, so you can choose what’s best for your pet’s needs and your wallet. Look for policies that focus on accidents and illnesses if you’re trying to save money upfront, and remember, it’s better to pay a small monthly premium than a massive lump sum for unexpected vet bills.

Myth 2: Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover Pre-Existing Conditions

Another myth is that if your pet has a pre-existing condition, insurance won’t do any good.

Fact: While it’s true that no pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions (just like human health insurance!), that doesn’t mean you should skip out on coverage. Even if your pet has a condition like allergies or diabetes, insurance can still help with new, unrelated issues that might pop up, like a broken bone or a new illness.

Plus, if your pet has a curable condition, like an ear infection or kennel cough, some insurers will cover them after a certain waiting period.

Tip: Insure Your Pet While They’re Young and Healthy.

The earlier you get pet insurance, the better. That way, if any health issues arise later, you’ll already be covered for new conditions, and those won’t be considered pre-existing. If your pet is already older, it’s still worth getting insurance to cover accidents and future health problems.

Myth 3: All Pet Insurance Plans are the Same

There’s a misconception that pet insurance is a “one size fits all” deal, and this can make it seem like an unnecessary expense if you think your pet doesn’t need every service offered.

Fact: Pet insurance plans can vary greatly! There are basic plans that cover just accidents and illnesses, and there are more comprehensive options that include wellness care, dental treatments, and even alternative therapies like acupuncture or hydrotherapy.

Tip: Tailor a Plan to Suit Your Pet’s Lifestyle.

Does your dog love rough-and-tumble play at the park? An accident plan might be perfect. Does your older cat need regular vet checkups and dental cleanings? Look for a comprehensive plan that includes preventive care. You can adjust your coverage depending on what your pet is most likely to need.

Myth 4: It’s Better to Save Money Than to Buy Pet Insurance

Some people believe that instead of paying for insurance, they can just stash money away in a savings account and use that for vet expenses.

Fact: While it’s always smart to save money for your pet’s care, the reality is that an emergency could wipe out your savings in one go. A complicated illness or surgery can cost thousands of dollars, and while you can save money over time, you might not have enough set aside when an unexpected event occurs.

Tip: Use Pet Insurance as a Safety Net.

Think of pet insurance as a financial cushion. You can still save money, but with insurance, you’re protected from sudden, large expenses that could derail your finances. It’s peace of mind knowing that no matter what happens, you won’t have to choose between your savings and your pet’s health.

Myth 5: You Don’t Need Insurance for an Indoor Pet

You might think that because your pet stays indoors, they’re safe from harm and won’t need insurance.

Fact: Even indoor pets can face health emergencies. Cats can develop chronic illnesses, dogs can injure themselves while playing indoors, and let’s not forget that even the most cautious pet can get into something they shouldn’t, leading to poisoning or blockages. Plus, many diseases like cancer or diabetes have nothing to do with whether your pet is an indoor or outdoor animal.

Tip: Consider Insurance for All Pets, Indoor or Outdoor.

No matter where your pet spends their time, health issues can arise. Indoor cats, for example, are still prone to conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Dogs that love to lounge at home can still suffer from joint issues or unforeseen accidents. Insurance protects against the unexpected, no matter how safe you think your pet is.

Myth 6: Pet Insurance is Only for Dogs

There’s a widespread belief that pet insurance is really just for dog owners, and if you have a cat, rabbit, or other small animal, it’s not worth it.

Fact: Pet insurance is available for a variety of animals, not just dogs. Many companies offer coverage for cats, rabbits, birds, and even exotic pets. Cats, in particular, can benefit from insurance, as they are prone to chronic illnesses like kidney disease and dental problems that require regular, expensive treatment.

Tip: Check for Pet Insurance for All Types of Animals.

If you’ve got a cat or another pet, look into insurance options tailored for them. Cats often develop expensive-to-treat conditions like urinary tract infections, and smaller pets like rabbits can have unique medical needs that are also covered under pet insurance.

Myth 7: Pet Insurance Is Complicated to Use

Another common myth is that dealing with pet insurance claims is a hassle, and you’ll be stuck with loads of paperwork and waiting forever to be reimbursed.

Fact: Pet insurance companies have streamlined the claims process to make it as easy as possible. Many offer online claim submissions, and some even have apps that let you snap a picture of your vet bill and submit it instantly.

Tip: Choose an Insurer With a Simple Claims Process.

When shopping for insurance, check the claims process. Look for providers that offer user-friendly platforms for submitting claims, and check reviews to see how quickly they process payments. The easier it is to file a claim, the more peace of mind you’ll have when you need it.

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve debunked these common pet insurance myths, hopefully, you’re feeling a little more confident about getting coverage for your furry companion. Pet insurance is a powerful tool for keeping your pet healthy without breaking the bank, and with the right plan, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for whatever life throws your way! So go ahead—bust those myths and keep your pet protected!

And if you’re wondering who are the top pet insurance providers, here they are in order, based on over 150,000 real reviews from pet parents just like you!

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2024

Rating	Provider	Total Review
4.9	Embrace	16,346
4.9	Healthy Paws	9,949
4.9	Trupanion	64,967
4.9	Fetch	7,632
4.9	Lemonade	805
4.8	Nationwide	21,403
4.8	Prudent Pet	125
4.7	Hartville	164
4.6	ManyPets	2,323
4.6	Pumpkin	1,406
4.6	Spot	6,737
4.5	ASPCA	11,682
4.5	PetPartners	112
4.4	AKC	891
4.3	Pet Assure	12
4.3	Pets Best	12,014
4.2	Figo	2,594
4.0	MetLife	615

References:

https://www.aaha.org/resources/pet-insurance/how-do-i-choose-the-right-pet-insurance/

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.