Experts weigh in on importance of pet insurance

DELMARVA – Just like humans, sometimes our furry friends need pricey medical care.

Dr. Marianne Bailey with the Queenstown Veterinary Hospital says this is where pet insurance can come in handy, something she recommends to all pet owners. She says there are a lot of options out there, and the earlier you invest, the better the outcome.

“I typically recommend pet owners try to get pet insurance when the pets are younger, it can be kinda expensive when they’re puppies or kittens because puppies and kittens get into trouble, they get into stuff and they get hurt and sick. You’re not gonna be excluded from plans if you start early because there’s no preexisting conditions then and you might see lower premiums going forward if you start them when they’re younger.”

According to Dr. Bailey, there’s a multitude of different plans depending on your needs and wants. She says pet insurance is set up so that you pay the veterinarian first and then you’re reimbursed by the pet insurance company. Because of the variety of plans, she recommends going online and doing some research to choose a plan that suits your needs.

Additionally, Dr. Bailey says it’s important to read the fine print of your insurance plan, as many companies have waiting periods or other requirements before they will pay for medical care. When in doubt, you can always ask your veterinarian for an estimate before agreeing to a procedure. They can help you and also work with your insurance company if necessary.

“Vets should always be happy to provide an estimate for a procedure so you can get it looked at by your insurance provider before you okay it. Sometimes it takes a little work from the veterinarian but just remember, come to us, talk to us about what was decline and we’ll see if there’s something we can recommend or submit to get it covered for you.”