Vet Care Doesn't Have to Break the Bank; Pet Insurance

Sad cat needs pet insurance

Thanks to Pet Insurance, Vet Care Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

Unexpected veterinary bills can quickly drain your bank account or emergency fund. Since you never know when disaster will strike, pet insurance helps you ensure that your companion receives the care it needs without straining your finances.

Why Pet Insurance Is a Good Idea

Your pet may be healthy now, but what about next month or next year? Illnesses, infections, and injuries happen without warning and can be costly to treat. If you don't have pet insurance, you may need to use funds earmarked for household expenses or rely on credit cards to pay veterinary bills. When you have pet insurance, your budget won't take a hit due to an unexpected bill.

Pet insurance also offers peace of mind. When you know your pet's health care needs are covered by insurance, you won't have to make a difficult decision about whether you can afford a particular treatment or procedure.

Veterinary care can be expensive, particularly if your pet is injured or has a complicated condition or illness. Even a seemingly minor problem like a stomach issue can be more expensive than you expected. According to the Healthy Paws' Pet Insurance 2019 Cost of Pet Healthcare Report, treatment of a stomach problem could cost as much as $29,000, depending on the treatment. Stomach problems were the top reason both dogs and cats visited the veterinarian based on the report's findings.

During your pet's treatment, the veterinarian may need to analyze your furry friend's blood, take X-rays or ultrasounds, perform endoscopies or surgery, or prescribe medication. Your bill increases with each test, procedure, or medication your pet needs.

Although treatment of a stomach issue could cost tens of thousands of dollars in an extreme case, most pet owners will only pay a few thousand dollars. Of course, a $2,000 bill may easily derail your budget if you don't have pet insurance.

What to Look for When Buying Pet Insurance

When you're comparing pet insurance plans, take a look at:

  • Coverage. Does the plan cover well visits in addition to accidents and illnesses? If well visit coverage is available, will you need to pay more for it? Does the policy list specific conditions and injuries that will be covered, such as cancer, parasites, broken bones, ingestion of foreign objects, etc.? Does it cover routine vaccines?
  • Exclusions. Are certain conditions excluded from the coverage? What about chronic and long-term diseases and conditions? Will the policy cover care for your pet's diabetes or hip dysplasia? In some cases, insurers may cover new illnesses and injuries, but might exclude pre-existing illnesses or chronic conditions.
  • Reimbursements. Most pet insurance plans reimburse you after you pay veterinary bills. You'll need to pay the veterinarian with cash, check, or a credit card, then wait to be reimbursed. Ask the company how long it takes to provide reimbursements and what percentage of your costs will be covered by the plan.
  • Premiums and Other Charges. How much will you pay for the coverage? Are there co-pays and deductibles? Will the premiums go up every year? Will you pay more as your pet gets older? How often are premium payments due?
  • Breed Coverage. Does the insurer cover your pet's breed? If the breed is known to have many health risks, the insurer may choose to decline coverage or not offer coverage for specific conditions.
  • Veterinarians. Can you use the insurance at any veterinary office you want? What if your pet needs to see an emergency veterinarian? Will the policy cover emergency visits to other veterinarians or trips to veterinary specialists?

If you're having trouble deciding between two plans, check out Money's list of 10 best pet insurance companies or call the veterinary office. The staff may be able to offer information about companies that offer the best coverage or promptly reimburse their clients for expenses. Contact our office if you have any questions about pet insurance or your pet's health.

Sources:

AVMA: Do You Need Pet Insurance?

Money: 10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of July 2022, 7/7/2022

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance 2019 Cost of Pet Healthcare Report

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Monday:

Custom Hours

Please see Social Media for Updates

Tuesday:

8:00 am

5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am

4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am

5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am

5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "We are from out of town and our dog erin had an ear infection. We were able to see a doctor quickly who took care of the problem. We appreciate what you did for us."
  • "I have never been disappointed with the care received with Berwick."
  • "Great visit! I loved how they smeared peanut butter on the exam table in order to distract my puppy while the Dr gave her her vax. Great idea! I’ve never seen that before! The entire staff was professional and super friendly. They understood our full-time RV lifestyle and were very accommodating to help us to get our new puppy off to the right and healthy start. Thank you!"
  • "We still get the same high quality and friendly service that we got ten years ago. The staff at Berwick animal Hospital is exceptional. You know you’re in a good place when your pet is excited and happy about going in!"
  • "I called at the last minute wanting to get Macie in for a cytopoint injection as we were going out of town. Ashley and Bridget put their heads together and got us in and out in under 30 minutes. These ladies ROCK!"
  • "Your staff is always helpful and courteous. I appreciate their kindness."
  • "Staff were friendly, professional, and showed true concern for the health of my pet. I am truly satisfied with services I received. I would recommend Berwick Animal Hospital!"
  • "We love Dr. Douglas and everyone that works at Berwick! Y all are so sweet and make it a calming experience for our dogs instead of a stressful one."