To Insure, Or Not To Insure....

Almost every domestic cat or dog will become sick or injured at some point during their lives. Thankfully, veterinary medicine now provides services once thought impossible -- using surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to treat many pet health problems.   The downside of this new technology, however, is the high cost of these procedures. Too often, pet owners must choose between their pet's health and the size of their wallet. That's where pet insurance comes in.  Pet insurance can help cover the costs of everything from routine care to major surgeries and procedures. Similar to car or homeowners insurance, pet insurance reimburses the policyholder. Almost all insurance policies allow the pet owner to choose his own vet, since medical providers are not paid directly by the insurance company.
The costs can be high  Pet insurance can be a large expense in itself, ranging from $10-$50 per month. Understanding each plan's options and limitations is important.  Routine care such as the annual physical exam, vaccinations, testing and prescription flea and tick control are not covered under the major medical plans, but coverage is available under a separate plan. Generally, insurance plans do not cover elective procedures, behavioral problems, pre-existing conditions or pet foods. Nor do they cover specific hereditary problems - such as hip dysplasia or eye problems that certain purebreds are prone to develop.  Be sure to read the "fine print" in the insurance policy. There are deductibles, co-pays, unreimbursed costs and medical exclusions, which will all be paid out of your own pocket. Adding those costs to the premiums can be quite considerable.
… so can the advantages
Medical expenses only add unneeded stress to an already painful situation. People who have purchased pet insurance cite the emotional and financial benefits of not having to think twice about costly tests or procedures when their pets became ill.   There is no age limit on insurance policies, and claims are generally processed very quickly. Over one million policies have been sold by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's largest licensed pet medical insurance provider. VPI covers over 6400 medical conditions, and offers discounts for multiple pet enrollments.
Is it right for you? 
When determining whether or not to purchase pet insurance, experts recommend assessing your pet's risks, based on medical and genetic history, as well as behavior.   One of the more common reasons for emergency vet visits is the ingestion of foreign substances. VPI reports that pets have been treated for eating tinsel, prom dresses, golf balls, electronic pagers, needles and thread, hearing aids, human medications, drywall, snail bait, anti-freeze and batteries and even pantyhose. If your pet likes to nibble on more than just dog chews, you might want to consider insurance!  Behavior should also be considered. Cora, an Alaskan malamute, was out for a walk when she spotted a cat sunning itself in a window. Following her instincts, Cora decided to crash through the window, and was rushed to the vet with severe lacerations. Cora is thankfully fine, after careful - and costly - treatment.   Always be sure to get your dog's medical history from his breeder or shelter representative, and speak candidly to your veterinarian.
For more information, visit http://www.petinsurance.com/, http://www.apswann.com/or http://www.healthypet.com/.

Article from Best Friends Pet Care