Pets aren't immune to injury or illness, and the corresponding medical treatments are quite costly. While many pet owners love their furry companion like family, they often face the choice of foregoing the necessary treatments or risk facing a serious financial burden. Fortunately, pet insurance lets owners pay for medical procedures with ease. 

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

There are insurance policies for cats, dogs, and other species designed to assist with the financial aspects of veterinary visits. As with health insurance for humans, pet policies usually only cover required medical treatments, such as x-rays, surgery, and emergency office visits. Some policies also cover yearly wellness exams, but it depends on the provider and style of plan you choose.  

Who Needs It?

Not every pet requires expensive treatments in their lifetime, but you also can’t predict such situations. Unexpected illness, injuries, or the onset of a chronic disease can quickly result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in veterinary bills. The "what if" factor of pet ownership is why many individuals purchase a policy, even if it only covers procedures with higher costs, like cancer treatments.

One way to determine whether pet insurance is a cost-effective choice for you is by researching your pet's breed. Certain breeds pose a higher risk for specific ailments, especially as they age, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. If your cat or dog's breed often experiences issues associated with long-term or costly treatments, an insurance policy can save you money in the long run.

People with multiple pets should also consider purchasing pet insurance. There are many infections pets can transfer, like kennel cough and canine parvovirus, so if one gets sick, the other may also fall ill. Such a situation can quickly result in multiplying vet bills.  

Pet ownership comes with many responsibilities, but you can lighten the financial burden of veterinary treatments with pet insurance. If you need a policy, turn to Western States Insurance Group. As an independent agency, our team works with a variety of companies to ensure clients find the right coverage, from pet and life to auto and home insurance. Request your free quote today by calling (575) 396-1318. Learn more about our services online.