Veterinary care is expensive for any pet. Many pet parents have trouble paying for vet care, especially emergency vet care for their pets. Is pet insurance the answer? Are there other options to pay for costly veterinary bills?
Traditional Pet Insurance
Here’s a reality check from one source about pet parents and pet insurance:
- In 2019, pet parents spent about $19 billion in vet bills, according to an estimate from the American Pet Products Association.
- There are approximately 164 million cats and dogs in the U.S. but only only 2.8% of them are covered by pet insurance. And 61% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 expense.
- The average emergency vet visit can range from $250 to $8,000. An emergency vet visit can range from $100 to $150, even if it’s not an emergency.
BTW, the spotlight is not on the cost of emergency veterinary care – veterinarians are skilled animals specialists who use their knowledge to treat our pets. Vets apply the best technology around to save our furry friends.
Veterinary clinics provide a service, but they are a business with overhead and related costs just like any other business. The spotlight is on how pet parents can cover costs of emergency vet care.
A few months ago, I looked into pet insurance for my rescue kitty, Oscar. The search was confusing and I didn’t know any pet parents who have pet insurance.
I stumbled on a great infographic pet insurance comparison chart. This chart is a good place to start if you’re thinking about pet insurance. Read the infographic carefully and think about deductibles, any pre-existing conditions your pet may have and any preventive care or wellness plans.
Also talk to your veterinarian for advice. You need to know if the vet accepts pet insurance or if the pet insurance pays them directly. Lots of questions important about the long term care of your pet.
Of course, your search will include comparing prices from different pet insurance companies.
Pawp: Alternative to Pet Insurance?
Recently, I found an interesting alternative to pet insurance called the Pawp Emergency Fund.
Pawp is different as a “first-of-its-kind platform offering on-demand and unlimited telehealth via a 24/7 digital clinic for pets and a $3,000 safety net for emergency vet bills. There’s also no deductibles, co-pays, annual limits, or reimbursement wait times with Pawp.”
The telehealth service is a great time saver. A veterinarian will confirm if your pet needs emergency care or not.
A 24/7 digital clinic is a good alternative for emergency vet care: Your pet can avoid the stress of going in their carrier. Also, not every issue will require a vet bill and $100 emergency visit – a relief for many pet parents.
Bottom Line in Emergency Vet Care
Sometimes you can’t avoid emergency vet care when your pet’s health is at risk. Pawp offers unlimited telehealth with vets and pet experts and a $3,000 safety net for emergencies. Pawp is a membership service you can join, for a reasonable monthly fee.
I’m as interested in any other pet parent in finding quality vet care for Oscar. This blog offers you good information to manage vet bills for your furry family members.
I hope you find this blog helpful!
Thanks for stopping by!
Dr. Pet Mom
“When the world feels heavy, the quiet comfort of an animal’s love can feel like the lightest embrace.” ~~ Unknown