As a dog or cat owner, your pet is a part of the family; like all family members, you want the best for their health and wellness. One way to ensure that your dog or cat gets the care they need is to purchase pet health insurance. Pet health insurance helps cover the cost of trips to the veterinarian and makes surgery and other procedures more affordable. Many pet parents are aware of insurance options but aren’t sure if they are worth the cost.

Below, the staff from Wahiawa Pet Hospital in Hawaii explains why you should purchase insurance for your dog or cat:

• Save on Veterinary Care: Having some form of insurance policy in place can offer substantial savings on medical expenses for your pet. Spaying or neutering can cost up to $500, emergency treatment for a broken bone or kidney failure can cost $2,000, and cancer treatments for a dog or cat can reach well over $3,000. By comparison, most insurance premiums cost around $300 for cats or $500 for dogs and cover 60% to 80% of the cost of treatment.
• Visit the Veterinarian Whenever You Need: Pet owners who have to pay out of pocket for each veterinary visit are less inclined to go unless it is an urgent matter. As a result, a condition may go undiagnosed in your dog or cat until it becomes very advanced. Purchasing insurance for your pet allows you to visit your veterinarian the minute something is wrong, helping to protect them against organ failure, cancers, and other serious illnesses.
• Have Security in the Event of an Emergency: Many pet owners create a savings account dedicated to veterinary expenses. This may seem like a good substitute for an insurance policy, but it may fall through if your pet suddenly becomes ill just a few months into your savings plan. An insurance plan for your dog or cat offers the security of knowing that your pet will be cared for in the event of an emergency, without impacting your bank account. 

To purchase an insurance policy for your pet, contact Wahiawa Pet Hospital. To schedule an appointment with a veterinarian from this pet hospital, call (808) 621-7000 today, or visit their website for more information.