79% of American Pets are Uninsured – Is Your Pet Covered in the Event of an Emergency?

Pet insurance does more than help with expensive pet medical bills, it also provides pet owners with the peace of mind that they won’t have to choose between their beloved pet’s well-being and their budget. So, why are so many American pets currently uninsured?

Responsible pet owners know that caring for a pet is more involved than just keeping them fed and watered. It is a life-long commitment to care for every aspect of a pet’s life. Pet insurance can help ease some of the stress that comes with providing for all aspects of your pet’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

Why Is Pet Insurance Important?

Vet expenses are on the rise. As inflation and cost of living becomes a dinner-table topic, expenses are a concern in every aspect of life. Pet owners understand this strain, but 63% of pet owners have said that inflation has not slowed their spending. 

Most pet owners also said that a surprise vet bill of $499 would put them in debt. Don’t let this be you, and don’t let your primary means of paying for a vet bill be your credit card or taking out a loan, as 49% of pet owners have claimed. Your backup plan for emergency pet expenses shouldn’t be to go into debt. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of expensive vet bills without forcing you to drain your savings account or borrow funds.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance is designed to help cover some of the costs related to a pet health emergency. Coverage may include diagnosis, treatment, and even prescription medication. If your pet’s illness or injury is covered by your pet insurance plan, all you have to do is file a claim and you will be reimbursed for the covered portion of the cost. 

Depending on your pet insurance carrier and plan selection, your pet could be covered for common vet expenses such as: 

• Broken bones

• Allergies

• Ingestion of foreign objects

• Cancer

• X-Ray

• Ultrasounds

• IVDD 

• Laboratory tests

• Hospitalization

• Surgery

• Diabetes

• Vaccinations

• Flea and tick prevention

Benefits subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and waiting periods. Click here for complete details.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Most pet insurance plans function on a reimbursement basis. Meaning, you pay your vet directly, file your claim, and receive a check for any covered expenses. When you enroll in pet insurance, you will select coverage options for your deductible, annual limit, and coinsurance. Raising or lowering these will also raise or lower your pet insurance premiums accordingly. 

How Do I Get Pet Insurance?

Selecting the best pet insurance provider for your pet is important. Once you know what coverage you need for your pet, get a quote from a pet insurance company. They will ask for details on your pet including age, breed, and location to determine the cost of pet insurance coverage. 

Once you have your quote, you can customize your pet insurance cost by selecting the amount of coverage you need, as well as any add-on benefits you’d like factored into your premium cost. This will give you your final monthly or annual pet insurance payments. 

Now that you’re officially enrolled, you can rest easy knowing your pet is covered in the event of an emergency. However, most pet insurance plans have waiting periods for specific conditions, so review policy details carefully before enrolling.

How Do I Use My Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is there for you when you need it. With coverage through AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company), you can take your pet to any licensed vet clinic, emergency vet, or specialty vet clinic in the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico for treatment. Pay your vet directly and collect your invoice. Submit your invoice and any required claims forms and information. If approved, you will be reimbursed for any covered expenses listed on the invoice. 

With the unpredictable nature of inflation and rising costs of living across the country, you can’t afford for your pet to remain uninsured. Find a pet insurance provider that offers great coverage at an affordable price and provides best-in-show customer service. Choose AKC Pet Insurance. Get your quote now!