Pets are a part of the family. They’re loyal, friendly and lovable. They’re with you in tough times and in good times. There’s a bond that’s instantaneous and lasts a lifetime. But the best friends in life don’t come cheap. The average lifetime cost of owning a dog varies from around $13,000 to $23,000. For a cat, that cost is around $11,000. That’s why most vets recommend their clients get pet health insurance; so they never have to compromise on quality health care. 

Besides simply relieving the financial burden of expensive veterinary treatments, there are plenty of reasons vets agree on the importance of pet insurance. Vets encounter costly medical situations regularly, and recommend pet health insurance to assure you can pay for the costs of your best friend's needs, including preventative care. 

1. Preventative Care. 

You never have to question whether your pet’s unusual behavior warrants a visit to the vet. Early diagnosis is critical. And with health insurance you have the freedom to seek an expert opinion whenever any little issue comes up, without having to consider the cost. This way, you can catch a small problem before it turns into a major problem. 

2. It’s Inexpensive. 

Nationwide Pet Insurance Plans start at $18.00 per month for cats. An in-depth dentistry for your cat can cost up to $600, and emergency visits will cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to thousands of dollars. The low monthly price of insurance will save you big when you’re eventually handed that expensive bill. 

3. Customized Coverage.

Whether you want to opt for a full coverage plan that includes vet visits, wellness treatments, surgeries and all types of medication or if you want a basic plan that covers only emergency visits - the choice is yours. There are policies for every breed, age and type of pet. These days some insurers cover almost every type of pet - birds, horses, reptiles, rabbits and more. Once your pet is covered, that coverage lasts a lifetime. No need to worry about your pets getting dropped as they age or if they develop a chronic illness.

4. Save Your Pet’s Life. 

It usually occurs to people that insurance would be a good thing to have when they're in the emergency situation and it's too late. Emergency visits cost around 15-25% more than regular vet visits. So for those critical moments when you can’t wait until morning to seek help, you’ll be happy you have the coverage. 

5. More Treatment Options. 

Nothing is sadder than seeing a client who can’t afford to pay for a pet’s treatment. With pet insurance, you won’t be in a situation where your pet has a life-threatening condition and you have to make the heartbreaking decision to not pursue complicated treatments because of cost. 

6. It’s Simple. 

Many pet owners are wary to even approach the subject of insurance. But the pet insurance model looks a lot more like car insurance than the health insurance you’re used to dealing with, because the costs are reimbursed and don’t depend on using specific medical professionals.  

7. No Network.

Vets don’t need to be ‘in network,’ like with people’s health insurance for you to be reimbursed.  No arguing with insurance agents who refuse to reimburse your medical bills. Your pet is going to be part of the family for a long time. And with Nationwide Pet Insurance you’ll never have to compromise on any kind of care for the furriest member of your family.

Click on the link below to see the different coverage options Nationwide Pet Insurance offers.  As an added incentive, Riverside Cat Hospital clients get a 5% discount on any pet insurance plans!