Health insurance, car insurance, vacation insurance ? why not pet insurance?

If you think about it ? pet insurance makes sense. Whether your dog (or cat) is a purebred or a mutt, he?s bound to feel a little under the weather or have an accident (not on the carpet ? one that?s a little more health related). And if you have health insurance, it?ll make paying for that emergency surgery or treating your pet?s chronic illness a little more palatable.

The cost of fishing a foreign body out of Fluffy?s stomach or correcting Fido?s hip dysplasia alone can run into the thousands ? so if you can afford the monthly cost of health insurance, it?s definitely worth the nominal expense.

If you?re thinking about getting healthcare coverage for your pets, be sure to ask these questions of the insurance provider:

1. Are there age restrictions for coverage?
2. Will the premiums rise as my pet ages or when the benefits are used?
3. What is the deductible?
4. How much of the claim will the insurer pay (less the deductible, of course)?
5. Are there limitations on which veterinarian I can use?
6. Is there a restrictive schedule of benefits?
7. What is the term of the policy?
8. Does the policy cover chronic and hereditary conditions?
9. What is the cost?

When you?re finally ready to do a little research, check PETCO's site ? that?s where I found some of the most valuable information on the topic. But your vet?s office and your local Humane Society should also be able to offer some information to help you in your quest.

Of course, you should also do plenty of shopping around to find the right coverage for your pet ? at the right price for your household budget. But instead of wasting time calling the insurance companies, check them out online. Most of them offer quotes in a matter of minutes.

Jed Yorkshire is a retired teacher and pet enthusiast who writes about canine health topics, specialty breeds, animal training and grooming. An avid pet lover and breeder, he owns four beautiful Giant Schnauzers. Yorkshire also works as a private pet behavior consultant.

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