For a pet owner, it’s a nightmare scenario if your beloved pet is gravely ill. Treatment is an option, but it can cost thousands of dollars. If you consider your pet a family member, should it also have health coverage? Here is what you should consider about the issue.

Pet insurance may save you thousands on vet bills if your furry friend suffers an accident or illness. But picking a plan can be a tricky process. “Just as with any other type of insurance, there are many nuanced differences with regard to what’s covered,” says Denise Petryk, DVM, on-staff veterinarian at the pet-insurance company Trupanion. Consider these factors before you buy.

1. Your pet’s breed and heredity

“If you own a breed, like a bulldog, that may have some predisposing or hereditary conditions, you want a plan that’s not going to exclude those conditions,” explains Grace Anne Mengel, VMD, staff veterinarian at Penn Vet, the University of Pennsylvania’s school of veterinary medicine. Some insurance policies might also charge higher premiums for certain breeds.

2. Her age

It may seem like new pets require more expenses, but insurance can be cheaper for younger animals because they generally have fewer health problems. Considering insurance for an, ahem, mature pup? “Older pets can have more pre-existing conditions that aren’t covered by insurance, so you should think about how this may affect your cost-benefit analysis of pet insurance,” says Dr. Petryk.

3. How you want to budget your costs

Accident and illness policies take care of those unexpected big bills. But some folks may also find it helpful to have a wellness plan, which covers annual checkups and routine visits, allowing you to make payments over time rather than a lump sum per visit; just do the math to ensure the costs come out in your favor.

4. The types of treatment you’d like

Check to see if the insurance includes alternative therapies like acupuncture and hydrotherapy. Don’t forget dental care! Make sure you know what is excluded.

5. Your lifestyle and schedule

In some cases, wellness plans may limit the times your pet can go in for routine visits (only during weekday office hours, say). “If you have an unpredictable work schedule,” advises Dr. Petryk, “take a close look at the plan.”

If you want your dog to be well-behaved and obedient, both of you need to learn the skills to work together as a team. That’s right: Dog training involves human training as well! Let us help you build a strong relationship with your pet and earn its respect. Call us today so we can help at (844) 739-0990 or find more tips on our Facebook page.

Reference: [https://www.health.com/pets/health-insurance-pet]