The costs associated with pet health can accumulate at an alarming rate. Hundreds of dollars can turn into thousands in a matter of hours. And for many people, spending this kind of money simply isn’t an option.
This has led many pet owners to invest in an increasingly popular option -- pet health insurance. But is this option worth it?
Experts say that the answer depends on how much you’re willing to pay for your pets. Plus, you’ve got to find the right pet health insurance policy for your needs.
“If you get the right policy, it can be an asset to the health care of that pet and have a significant impact on the bill that results from a visit in an emergency situation,” veterinarian Jean Maixner, co-owner of Animal Critical Care & Emergency Services in Seattle, tells NBC News.
One of the most important aspects of health insurance for pets is purchasing the policy at the appropriate time. After all, insurance has to be in place BEFORE emergency strikes.
“Some people can’t afford the treatment, so they ask us to euthanize their pet. It’s absolutely horrible,” Maixner tells NBC News. “If people had acquired pet insurance before the emergency occurred, they might have been able to move forward with some reasonable treatment to help their pet.”