Health Insurance May Save Pets' Lives
Pets Put To Sleep Because Of High Medical Costs
POSTED: 6:29 p.m. EST March 11, 2003
When people think of animals unnecessarily being "put to sleep," most of us envision the millions of victims of the pet overpopulation crisis that have "run out of time" at a shelter.
There is another, entirely different group of pets that are unnecessarily euthanized -- those whose caretakers cannot afford their medical treatment.
Just diagnosing a problem can be costly, leaving owners faced with huge, unexpected veterinary bills. This in turn leads to the horrible decision owners must make if they cannot afford the treatment -- do I make my pet a victim of "financial euthanasia?"
One effective way to prevent owners from having to choose between their pocketbook and their pets is to purchase pet health insurance.
Pet insurance reduces the risk of owners euthanizing their pets simply due to financial concerns.
Veterinary medicine has grown tremendously in even the past few years. In fact, medical services once thought impossible for pets are now routine. Cancer treatment, pacemakers, organ transplants, CAT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and even joint replacements are now offered in most specialty clinics.
However, this rise in technology and improved quality of life may increase cost of treatment.
While health insurance for pets is commonplace in Europe, it is still relatively uncommon in the United States. This is partly because insurance in the United States is highly regulated, and insurance companies must go through many proceedings in each state if they wish to offer national coverage.
Conversely, the concept of pet insurance was introduced about 50 years ago to a mostly unregulated market in Europe. The result is astonishing; close to 40 percent of pets in Europe -- mostly the United Kingdom -- are insured.
As pet insurance continues to grow in the United States, pet insurance companies are offering greater variation in their policy plans.
Some plans cover all types of medical expenses including annual check-ups and vaccinations, while others cover only accidents and illness. There is even a shelter plan for the recently adopted pet and a senior plan for older pets. Some plans offer multiple pet discounts and most allow you to choose your own veterinarian.
Average premiums range from $90 to $500 per month, depending on your plan.
The best way to decide which plan is right for you is to first read through all of the materials and then ask the advice of your veterinarian. Asking other pet owners who are currently using pet insurance can be helpful as well.
Some companies may even offer their employees a chance to buy insurance for their pets at a discount rate. This job perk shows that our pets are now finally being seen as the "family members" we've always known they are.
There is another, entirely different group of pets that are unnecessarily euthanized -- those whose caretakers cannot afford their medical treatment.
Just diagnosing a problem can be costly, leaving owners faced with huge, unexpected veterinary bills. This in turn leads to the horrible decision owners must make if they cannot afford the treatment -- do I make my pet a victim of "financial euthanasia?"
One effective way to prevent owners from having to choose between their pocketbook and their pets is to purchase pet health insurance.
Pet insurance reduces the risk of owners euthanizing their pets simply due to financial concerns.
Veterinary medicine has grown tremendously in even the past few years. In fact, medical services once thought impossible for pets are now routine. Cancer treatment, pacemakers, organ transplants, CAT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and even joint replacements are now offered in most specialty clinics.
However, this rise in technology and improved quality of life may increase cost of treatment.
While health insurance for pets is commonplace in Europe, it is still relatively uncommon in the United States. This is partly because insurance in the United States is highly regulated, and insurance companies must go through many proceedings in each state if they wish to offer national coverage.
Conversely, the concept of pet insurance was introduced about 50 years ago to a mostly unregulated market in Europe. The result is astonishing; close to 40 percent of pets in Europe -- mostly the United Kingdom -- are insured.
As pet insurance continues to grow in the United States, pet insurance companies are offering greater variation in their policy plans.
Some plans cover all types of medical expenses including annual check-ups and vaccinations, while others cover only accidents and illness. There is even a shelter plan for the recently adopted pet and a senior plan for older pets. Some plans offer multiple pet discounts and most allow you to choose your own veterinarian.
Average premiums range from $90 to $500 per month, depending on your plan.
The best way to decide which plan is right for you is to first read through all of the materials and then ask the advice of your veterinarian. Asking other pet owners who are currently using pet insurance can be helpful as well.
Some companies may even offer their employees a chance to buy insurance for their pets at a discount rate. This job perk shows that our pets are now finally being seen as the "family members" we've always known they are.
Content provided by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. For more information, visit spcaLA.com.
