A question veterinarians get asked on a regular basis is if it is worth it to invest in medical insurance for a pet. The answer is an unequivocal YES says ADRI ROSSOUW of True Vets.
New pet owners will often spend some time budgeting for their new family member to ensure that they are prepared for the extra expense. After they have calculated the cost of food for a rapidly growing puppy, the new bed and toys, grooming costs as well as the pet friendly Airbnb and puppachinos. . . the additional monthly contribution to a medical aid might just seem like a bit of a stretch, especially for a young healthy puppy or kitten.
The sad truth is that this is also the age group that is the most accident prone. They are still figuring things out and, not unlike children, can easily get themselves into trouble. . . trouble that can lead to a vet visit and an unexpected bill.
Not only does pet insurance provide you with the peace of mind that if something was to happen, you will be able to cover the cost required to fix the broken bones, but it also encourages owners to take their pets for regular health checks and to do the extra tests recommended by the veterinarian. . . as these are generally covered.
A common argument is that it might be better to just put some money aside for a ‘rainy day’ . . . but we all know that it can rain in more than one place at the same time! Having dedicated medical insurance for your pet forces you to put a small amount aside each month to ensure that you can provide your pet with the best medical care without it wreaking havoc on your finances.
There are numerous dedicated pet insurance companies these days that provide comprehensive coverage for pets of all shapes and sizes. It is well worth considering. A small financial contribution can have a big impact on your pet’s wellbeing!
