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Pet insurance provides valuable financial protection and peace of mind to owners of dogs, cats, and some exotic animals, regardless of age or health condition. And it’s easy to use. Owners pay for veterinary visits, treatments, and medications at the time of service and submit a claim for reimbursement when they return home.
Pet insurance can cost less than $50 per month, depending on the individual factors of the pet in question, but can potentially save owners thousands of dollars over the life of their pet. This is a valuable safeguard in any economic climate, but especially now when inflation remains persistent and interest rates designed to combat it remain high. However, as with all financial products and services, there are some ways to get pet insurance that are better than others. And as the weeks of 2023 draw to a close, there are some smart pet insurance options for pet owners to consider now.
3 pet insurance moves to make before 2024
Considering an insurance plan for your furry friend? Then get started by making these three smart moves now.
- Shop around for a provider
- The bottom line
- Speak to your veterinarian
Shop around for a provider
Pet insurance, like most other products, requires shopping around to find the best deal. With so many providers on the market today, it makes sense to get quotes from at least three different providers to see what they have to offer. Be sure to get identical quotes.
For example, if you need accident insurance for a 2-year-old female Labrador dog, be sure to get quotes from all three of her insurance companies for the same animal type, age, sex, and breed. This makes it easy to compare apples-to-apples and decide which one is really the best.
Speak to your veterinarian
Your veterinarian is already well-versed in your pet’s medical history, so why not ask them for help in picking a pet insurance plan? By doing so, you can better tailor a prospective policy to what you need now and may need in the future. This way you won’t get stuck paying for protections you don’t need and can’t use. And don’t be afraid to speak to other sources for their feedback, like other pet parents and friends who have pet insurance currently.
Apply quickly
Your veterinarian will already be familiar with your pet’s medical history. So why not consult him about choosing pet insurance? This allows future policies to be better tailored to current and future needs. This way you don’t have to pay for protection you don’t need and can’t use. Also, don’t be afraid to ask other sources for feedback, such as other pet owners or friends who currently have pet insurance.
But that’s not the only reason to apply before the end of the year. Pet insurance is almost always cheaper for young pets than for older pets. So, if you wait another calendar year and your dog or cat has another birthday in the meantime, you will almost certainly end up paying a higher premium than if you had acted sooner. Additionally, pet insurance is generally stronger for younger applicants than for older adults who are in poor health and considered to be at higher risk.
The bottom line
Pet insurance can provide comprehensive protection at an affordable price, but purchasing it requires timely steps on the part of owners. This includes finding a health care provider and consulting your veterinarian for advice. However, it is also important to apply quickly to more easily complete the prescribed waiting period and increase your chances of receiving less expensive yet comprehensive treatment. Now, pet owners can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their pets’ health (and their wallets) will be protected well into 2024 and beyond.
