There are many reasons why you should take out a pet health policy, and having cover for vet bills is certainly one of them. But, we’re bringing you three of the biggest reasons why you really need pet insurance!
The truth is that if you are already reading this blog, then you are well on your way to being a great pet parent. Reading up on your pet’s health is a big part of pet care, so we are happy to have you here. With that being said, we also need to warn you that if you haven’t yet taken out pet insurance for your fur friend, then you need to do so ASAP.
In case you need a little more convincing, we have rounded up the top three reasons why you need pet insurance!
Reason #1: Your pets are prone to sicknesses and injuries
Look, no one ever wants to think of their adorable fur baby getting sick or getting injured. But no matter how hard we try, accidents do happen. In fact, every one in three pets will have a medical emergency. Scary, right? See, these things are a lot more common than we may realize.
What may seem like a slight illness or cold, could actually be a sign of something a lot more serious.
Oh, but there is more… Unfortunately, your pets can also develop chronic illnesses too such as diabetes and cancer. All of which will cost you a fortune as you will have to cover the regular vet bills, surgeries, testing, and medication to name a few.
Then, you need to worry about accidents too.
Whether your four-legged friend is more on the mischievous side, a tad brave or just seemingly unlucky, accidents happen all the time. And they can range from anything from torn nails to broken bones, sprains, or being hit by a car. Now, obviously, you cannot predict an accident, but you can prepare for it with the help of pet health insurance.
Related: Emergency Vet Visit: How to Prepare
Reason #2: Vet bills are on the rise
Nothing shocks a pet parent more than seeing the costs of vet bills. They are by no means cheap – trust us! Every day, worried pet owners realize that vet bills are painfully expensive.
And so, let’s get the shock out of the way now, BEFORE you get to the reception desk of your nearest vet: these bills are EXPENSIVE. And they seem to be increasing every year that goes by. A general check-up can set you back about R500 – and that is excluding tests and medication.
Treating a wound can cost upwards of R4 500 (R350 consult + R3 500 for surgery + R500 for antibiotics + injections at about R80 each).
As expensive as these costs are, they are totally justifiable. Pet healthcare is a growing field with new inventions, equipment, procedures and medication hitting the market. Our vets deserve every single coin that is thrown their way, but you also deserve not to have your finances wrecked every time you see them.
Reason #3: It is the best form of preventative care
Preventative care revolves around maintaining your pet’s optimum health. Essentially, preventative care is there to help detect any potential medical issues early on, so that you can deal with them sooner rather than later. Not only could this save your pet’s life but save you THOUSANDS of Rands too.
Preventative care is your way of ensuring proactive pet healthcare by ensuring that your pet is able to live their healthiest and happiest lives! Remember that in the same way that we as humans benefit from regular visits to our doctor, dentist, and optometrist, pets can also reap the rewards of routine care.
Better yet, to help you with preventative care, the insurer we’d recommend, Oneplan Pet Insurance, have created an exclusive Routine Care Benefit that works on a 12-month cycle – from the inception of your policy and taking your limit into account. With their Pet Med Booster benefit, you can add on additional routine care cover at any time for a small monthly fee.
Related: Routine Vet Care for Dogs: 11 Regular Checks Your Pup Needs
The final takeaway
We’re pretty sure you are tempted to hold onto your wallet a little tighter after reading this blog, but you really don’t have to. Pet insurance is there to be your financial safety net whenever you need it. Instead of swiping your own card for these medical costs, Oneplan gives you a Claim Card to use instead, which allows you to load funds BEFORE you even see the vet or before you need to pay for routine care or vet bills – meaning that their team will cover those costs for you.
Learn more: Pet insurance that puts money in your pocket before you see the vet
Your pet deserves the very best in medical care and now they can get it. All you have to do is pay forward a small premium every month and your pet AND finances will be protected. It truly is a win-win for everyone!
