Tip of the week: Do you need pet insurance?

Pet insurance, like medical insurance for humans, can be good to have whether there is an emergency or you just want to stay up-to-date on preventative measures like vaccines, nail trims, and flea/heartworm medication.

Many pet owners are faced with a tough decision when their cat or dog requires a surgery that costs thousands of dollars, but they simply can't afford it. Having pet insurance can really come in handy for those unexpected expenses, like when your cat or dog jumps off something and breaks their leg, or if they need a dental cleaning to prevent tooth infections later on down the road.

I recently went in for my annual checkup in February and got:

• A rabies vaccine good for three years

• A FIV vaccine for the year

• Three months worth of flea and heartworm medication

• A nail trim

• A physical checkup and exam

My bill was about $240 total. But with my insurance's Wellness Rewards, I got refunded for the entire cost!

How it works: My monthly payment is broken down into two parts: my Accident plan and my Wellness Rewards. It totals about $69 a month (about $33 and $36).

The Wellness plan is an optional add-on, but it includes nearly everything you could need to take care of your feline, from vaccinations and wellness exam fees to routine blood tests, spay/neuter surgery, and even prescription diet food.

The company I go through (Embrace) offers different levels for their Wellness plans, meaning you can pay more for Wellness per month, and in turn, you will have a larger allowance per year for all of these benefits. I have up to $500 in Wellness Rewards each year, so I still have about half of my rewards for the year to use towards things like nail trims.

Now, the Accident plan is the regular insurance. This is what will cover those insanely high vet bills when your cat decides to jump off the highest point in your house, or when your dog accidentally gets punctured by a nail. While you still have to pay a deductible (which is flexible depending on your plan—mine is $250), any costs beyond that will be covered.

So, if I were to go ahead and attempt a leap like below and break a leg in the process, a $2,000 x-ray and surgery will only cost my mom the $250 deductible, and the rest of the expense ($1,750) will be refunded.

luketherescuecat

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So, is pet insurance worth it? In my opinion, absolutely. The peace of mind is worth it alone. The one point that needs to be considered, however, is pre-existing conditions.

When I was adopted, my mom signed me up for pet insurance right away. My pet insurance required that I have an initial checkup, in which they documented that I was a happy and healthy boy with no pre-existing conditions. This is perfect for my insurance, because it means that everything will be covered in the future.

However, if they had determined I already had a condition such as diabetes or cancer, claims regarding those conditions would then not be covered.

It's a good idea to get the insurance early on, when there are no conditions already documented. This way, everything in their lifetime will be taken care of—if and when it comes up.

There are many different companies to choose from for pet insurance, and I can't purrsonally speak for all of them, but I am covered by Embrace Pet Insurance (not a sponsor, yet) and my mom has been very happy with them.

You can easily upload documents online and submit claims, and they pay out fairly quickly too. Also, as I mentioned last week when I got stung by a bee, they have a very helpful 24/7 live chat for general health questions.

May giveaway: Tranquil & Active Refillable Play Mat by Catabis

This month, I have something extra special to give away to a lucky subscriber. One winner will receive this beautiful Tranquil & Active double catnip mat and High Hammies toy (both made by Catabis). The mat is refillable and has two sides with two special catnip and herbal blends. The tranquil High Hammies toy is the perfect nighttime companion.

If you’re already subscribed, you’re automatically entered to win. (Shipping is free to U.S. residents only.) If you’re not subscribed yet, make sure you sign up for my newsletter for your chance to win these pawsome prizes.

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