12/01/2009
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Pets are often seen as valued members of the family and although some may even consider them to be children, no health insurance company or the IRS will allow an individual to claim them as a dependent. The good news is that there are programs available that will allow a responsible owner to protect their pets and their health.
Although some people feel that it is simply ridiculous to seek insurance for an animal, many individuals severely underestimate the potential expenses that an illness may bring about. Before discounting the value of pet health insurance, it is necessary that a consumer truly understands exactly what the products are designed to accomplish.
Veterinarian bills are very similar in nature to any other medical bills that humans accumulate and include charges for office visits, blood work, routine physicals, focused exams, and various procedures. Many of the highest charges come from unplanned emergency treatments and accidents, so they are often difficult to budget for.
Lengthy stays in an animal hospital can prove to be very costly and any required individualized care is expensive as well. Because surgeries often require a great deal of the veterinarian's time, these often result in large costs as well. It's easy to see how the bills could quickly become tough to manage, but there are options for pet owners that would like to take steps to ensure their pets are well taken care of.
There are many insurance policies and programs that are designed to be the equivalent of health insurance, but they are exclusively available to animals. There are co-pays and deductibles that often vary depending on the specific type of pet and program. Some insurance coverage is only accepted by certain vets, and some are designed to simply reimburse an owner for covered costs. It is important to understand any limitations and exclusions before retaining any such policy.
Veterinarians must spend their time wisely in order to stay competitive in today's economy. The unfortunate truth is that this typically means only treating pets that either have some type of insurance coverage or belong to owners that have the ability to pay the expenses incurred with treatment. Many consumers simply are not in a position to spend a large amount of money on vet bills, so retaining an adequate pet insurance policy is a much smarter financial move for most owners. Pets are an important part of the family and their health should be considered a necessary expense.
Start saving money on pet insurance today. Compare free quotes or to find a list of top rated insurance providers in your area, visit www.InsureWish.com. InsureWish is a free service created to help people in the USA find the most competitive insurance rates available. Helping people save money, time and effort in finding the right insurance is InsureWish.com´s #1 priority.
© 2009 InsureWish.comThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.