Skip to main content

When is the right time to get your dog or cat pet insurance?

Dogs and cats are awesome companions to have in the home, but what pet owners don’t want are unexpected and sky-high medical costs for your pet. A safe way to keep these unwelcome surprises from depleting your bank account is to consider pet insurance. It covers the costs of treating certain pet illnesses, so you don’t have to pay for veterinary services out of pocket.

If you didn’t get pet insurance when you first brought your furry friend home, the right time to get it is now! Accidents happen unexpectedly, and with pet insurance, you’ll be able to curb expenses that come with owning a pet. And, the next time you have an unexpected vet bill, you won’t have to worry too much about it costing an arm and a leg.

Gray cat hugs a pug dog
Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

Why you need pet insurance

We’ve compiled a list on why you should consider a pet insurance for your dog or cat:

  • It covers accidents and illnesses: As a pet owner, you get reimbursed on your pet’s vet bills when your pet has a disease or gets an injury. Some pet insurance plans also cover routine care; it’s important that you know what kind of plan you have or which one would be the best match for your needs.
  • Regular visits to the veterinarian: This will help extend your pet’s life. It’s a very good thing to make sure your pet lives a long, happy, and healthy life. You can ensure this with pet insurance, since regular visits to the vet keeps them healthy as they age.
  • You can customize your plan: You are free to change your pet insurance plan to fit your needs and budget. Some pet insurance plans offer you coverage options that range from accident coverage, cancer treatments, and even emergency care to protect your pets.
  • Prepare for the unexpected: Having a sick or injured pet at unexpected times can be very challenging. Pet insurance helps you as an owner better prepare for unanticipated accidents and diseases that could lead to additional veterinary expenses from surgeries, treatments, and/or medications.
Recommended Videos

How to choose the best pet insurance plan

When choosing the insurance plan that’s best for you and your pet, you may want to consider these essential factors:

  • Pet’s species: Consider that a dog, cat, or other animal requires different care, commitment, and attention, so be sure to choose the pet insurance plan that suits your furry friends.
  • Pet’s breed: There may be medical conditions associated with your pet’s breed. A good knowledge of this will help you prepare well for any medical needs.
  • Your wallet: You need to consider the financial requirements to pay for the routine care your pet will need. Also, consider any previous medical issues your pet might have that may require ongoing care. You also have to be diligent in setting aside funds related to pet illnesses and unexpected medical situations.

What does pet insurance cover?

Pet insurance can cover medical costs if your dog or cat becomes unexpectedly sick or gets into an accident. Unlike health insurance for humans, pet insurance doesn’t normally cover routine care such as checkups and rabies shots. It also doesn’t cover preexisting conditions.

Types of pet insurance plans

Striped cat sits next to a German shepherd
New Africa/Shutterstock.com
  • Accident-only plans: This covers incidents and injuries such as swallowing poison or objects harmful to your pet.
  • Accident and illness plans: This is the most common type of plan. It covers accidents plus illnesses such as digestive issues, allergies, cancer, and infections.
  • Insurance with embedded wellness: This comprehensive plan covers accidents and illness, and may cover heartworm prevention, vaccinations, cremation and burial, dietary consultations, flea and tick medication, as well as dental care.
  • Endorsements: This is also known as riders; these include cancer or wellness add-ons.

With pet insurance, you can save yourself some unforeseen and unpleasant expenses by insuring that pet of yours right now.

Can dogs eat pasta? Here are some facts to know before giving your pet this type of treat
What type of pasta is safe for dogs? Here are the facts
Woman giving her large dog a treat

The Lady and the Tramp movie photo has icon status. Pampered and temporarily displaced pooch Lady and free-wheeling terrier mix Tramp — the epitome of opposites — share a noodle and meet in the middle. Pasta must be a safe (even beloved) food for dogs, right?

Maybe. As you likely know, Disney isn't always the best representation of reality. However, it would be nice to get invited to join a kingdom because you have the correct shoe size (Cinderella) or shoot icicles and learn you're the fifth spirit (Frozen's Elsa). Can dogs eat pasta safely in real life? As you're likely also aware, some foods like chocolate are toxic for dogs. Others, like blueberries, serve as safe, low-calorie treats. Pasta is somewhere in the middle (right where Lady and Tramp met on their date). Here's what to know about pasta safety for dogs.
Can dogs eat pasta? What pasta is safe for dogs?

Read more
Are hydrangeas toxic for dogs? Read this first before letting your pup near your flowers
What to do if your dog eats hydrangeas — and whether they're poisonous
Greyhound on a leash in a yard

Pet parents may know the potential dangers of certain foods, like chocolate, for pets. However, risks within a home — and outside of it — aren't limited to pantry staples. Eating certain plants can also lead to short-term discomfort, long-term health issues, and even death. Holiday-favorite poinsettias are one of the more well-known examples of plants that are toxic to dogs.

There are others, including ones commonly found in gardens and bouquets each spring and summer. What about hydrangeas? Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs? This one is a great question, given how ubiquitous hydrangeas are around the country. They thrive in various conditions and soils and add bulk and beauty to gardens — a true bang-for-your-buck plant for green thumbs, but what about pet parents? Here's what to know about hydrangeas, toxicity, and dogs.
Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs?

Read more
Why does your dog smell bad? Here’s how to fix it
One of these things might be the cause of your stinky pooch
Dog leaning on human in blue sweater

Whether your dog is a young pup or an old buddy, a stinky canine could be a cause for concern, and not just for your nose! While we love that most of our dogs spend relaxing evenings on our laps or at our feet, it can sometimes be miserable to be so close to them when they are smelly. This is not only stinky for you, but also for them when you banish them to another room. So why does your dog smell so bad? Let's bring cuddling back into your nighttime routine and find out why your pup might be a stinky dog.

Why does your dog smell so bad?

Read more