by Angelina Marshall

Created on: December 22, 2009

My cat broke his paw a few months ago.  We closed the recliner and did not realize he was hiding inside.  The stress and angst of knowing we caused him harm was immense, the veterinarian bills only added more to this dilemma.  I called several vet offices to find out how much it would cost to fix his paw.  I got very vague answers, mostly, “We need to evaluate him and then we’ll tell you a price.”  Out of the five places I called, never once did I receive a quote or anything close to a final price. 

I finally chose an office to bring my cat to, and in the end, the bill was about 1000 dollars.  Had I had pet insurance, such as the ASPCA insurance, I would have got back 800 dollars toward how much I spent.  The insurance only would have cost me 7.50/month for a minimum package covering accidents. 

There are several arguments against pet health insurance.  Namely, that a vet will charge more knowing that you have insurance.  Out of all the vet offices I contacted, not one asked me if I had pet insurance.  The amount charged is the same, because all you have to do is send your receipt to the insurance company to get your percentage back.

Another argument I have seen, is that times are too hard to afford monthly pet insurance.  With the ASPCA, the cheapest plan is 7.50/month to cover accidents.  There are more expensive plans covering annual checkups and severe illness.  Bringing a pet into your home is a major financial responsibility, and no one should take this on if they cannot afford to care for their pet in health and illness.  For my cat alone, pet food and litter cost upwards of a 1000/year.  For dog owners, it costs a lot more in food.  I would rather sacrifice a few coffees a month at Starbucks than not ensure my pet is covered.

An accident or severe pet illness can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.  Some people would just opt to put the animal to sleep.  For those who see the option of maintaining their pet’s lives, pet insurance should be an option considered.  Not everyone these days has bank accounts with several thousand to spare in the event of pet illness.  Insuring your pets is a good way to have peace of mind that your furry friend is covered, even if your pockets aren’t too deep.

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