September Is Pet Insurance Month

September is National Pet Insurance Month and it is becoming more popular in the Tampa Bay area. This is a great time to reflect on the special bond pets share with their families and how important it is to prepare financially for their medical care. Pet Health Insurance is designed to help pets get the best veterinary care possible so they can live long and happy lives with their human families.

Owning a pet is a big commitment. Just like insurance for humans, pet insurance is an investment that can aide in wellness services such as vaccines, dental cleanings, and for those unexpected illnesses that can add up to thousands of dollars. By removing the financial barriers, your veterinarian can provide the very best care for your pets based on the medical decisions - not money.

The key is to obtain pet insurance early in your pet's life when they are healthy and have no preexisting conditions. Unfortunately, it is common for pet owners to find themselves unable to choose the lifesaving treatment for their pet simply because of money. It is a terrible decision to have to make, but pet owners should never feel guilty about a difficult situation. Experiences like this is something we can all learn from and try to prevent with planning ahead.

When you start shopping for pet insurance, get a quote from a few reputable providers to compare the coverage options available to you. Not all pet insurance companies are the same so ask may questions in order to make an accurate comparison. These are a few things to consider when selecting a plan:

• Your pet's species - Both cats and dogs need regular veterinary care and can experience medical issues or accidents. Consider that some species (or breeds) also live longer than others requiring a different level of commitment.

• Your pet's breed - There may be medical conditions associated with your pet's breed. Knowing this can help you prepare for future medical needs. When shopping around, ask each company if they make exclusions based on breed. Provided an illness isn't preexisting.

•  Your financial resources - Your ability to proactively save and be diligent about keeping up aside funds for care related to illnesses and unexpected medical situations should be considered. Ask each insurer what coverage limits exist, if any. Some insurers may have annual limits, limits for specific treatments or lifetime limits.

• Your ability to pay for routine vet care - Consider the financial requirements to pay for the routine care your pet will need. As well, consider any previous medical issues your pet might have that may require ongoing care. Some companies offer wellness plans that help manage the costs associated with routine care.

• Value added services and add-ons available to you - Many insurance providers offer valuable products and services in addition to pet insurance coverage.

There are many great pet insurance companies to choose from. At River Mill Animal Hospital in Tampa, we recommend Embrace Pet Insurance for more information please visit embracepetinsurance.com