Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Some pet owners are left scrambling after Nationwide’s decision to drop about 100,000 pet insurance policies. It blames the high cost of veterinary care.
Whether searching for a new company or signing up for coverage for the first time, there are things to consider when picking a pet insurance plan.
Between fancy food, vet visits, dog walkers, and daycare, a new study by MarketWatch says U.S. pet owners will spend an average of $28,000 over a pet’s lifetime. Last year, a USA Today poll found 91% of people say they’ve experienced financial stress related to pet care costs.
According to a survey by NerdWallet, 24% of Americans with pets have pet insurance to help cover unexpected costs.
Insurance plans vary, but they typically cover accidents and illnesses.
So, is pet insurance worth it? Here are some things to think about:
First, the cost. According to MarketWatch, insurance for a dog can range from $23 to $49 a month or $14 to $25 for a cat.
Second, routine services like checkups, vaccines, and teeth cleaning typically aren’t included.
Third, most companies won’t cover medical issues a dog or cat has before coverage begins.
When considering pet insurance, shop around. Compare coverage plans, and read the fine print for what is and isn’t included. NerdWallet lists a comparison on the top policies. To cut costs, you can choose between accident and illness, accident only, and wellness and preventative care.
Other things to keep in mind – most pet insurance plans usually only cover dogs and cats, and vary based on your pet’s location, breed, and age. But there are a few that insure exotic animals such as birds, rabbits, and lizards.
Also, some companies have age restrictions for signing up older pets. Also be sure to check out the deductible, as they can range from $0 to $1,000 per year.
Contributors to this news report include: Lindsay Dailey, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor
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