I just got back from a vet visit to have my three dogs receive their scheduled booster shots and tests. I saw a sign at the vet for a senior pet wellness insurance plan that would cover a checkup along with necessary tests and some preventative care. I didn’t think I needed this insurance, but it got me thinking of ways I could have saved money on my vet bills. It hasn’t been an affordability issue, but with all the talk about health insurance it got me thinking about taking care of my pets as they age and may face potential health issues down the road.

Taking care of your pet’s health is a responsibility just like taking care of your own health. Like you, you can choose a health insurance plan for your pet. There are so many great pet healthcare companies to choose from. You may want to consider a company that offers a wellness insurance plan to help you with some of the costs associated with keeping your pet healthy through regular wellness checkups. These plans can be a good option if you visit your vet regularly and have your pet on a maintenance program.

Then there is the unforeseen situation where your pet may have had an accident or a major health issue that will lead to him facing a huge veterinary bill. You can certainly pay these vet bills in the usual way with your credit card or even a loan. In this case, catastrophic health insurance would be more beneficial. You can think of pet insurance as car insurance – it’s there if you need it, but it probably won’t cover all the costs if something happens to your pet.

The best thing to do is talk to your vet about the pet health insurance companies out there and which ones your vet would recommend. You should also research these companies to see what they offer and how they differ. The decision of whether or not to perform procedures for your pet is difficult to face when it comes down to cost. Sometimes your vet will cut costs in the event of a serious illness, but this should not be expected. Pet health insurance is there if you need it and could possibly save your pet’s life.