At 13, my dog, Beardog, is a healthy and active senior, but is starting to show some of the normal signs of aging. Recently, when I took him in for a wellness exam, the doctor found he has a low thyroid and may need some pills. He also gets hot spots on a regular basis, and needs antibiotics from time to time. And, of course, I keep up with his regular shots and dentals. Although he’s been extremely healthy over the years, I now wish I’d have purchased health insurance when he was a younger dog.

Had I purchased a suitable plan, it would have both saved me money and given me more peace of mind. When you purchase insurance for a puppy, kitten, or a young animal, the monthly cost will be less, and some companies do not raise the monthly cost as your pet ages.

Veterinary Costs are Rising

Over the past 10 years, veterinary costs have more than doubled. And in today’s economy, such added costs can be a challenge and burden to pet owners, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford necessary health care for their pets. Pets need regular trips to the veterinarian for routine vaccinations, dental cleanings, and check ups. Also, pets can get sick or injured at any time. In fact, every year approximately 6 million dogs and 6 million cats in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2005). Today there are more life-saving treatments available than ever before, but the costs for treatments are rising.

Consider Pet Insurance a Savings Plan for Medical Expenses

By insuring your pet, you’re actually budgeting for your pet’s health care expenses. An alternative to pet insurance could be putting away a certain amount of money into a special fund each month. However, many of us may find it difficult to follow through, and we really can’t project what our actual costs will be.

Pets at all stages of Life need Pet Insurance

Puppies and kittens usually need a spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations. They are also more likely to ingest objects and poisons which will require veterinary care.

Adult pets require routine dental care, and often need care regarding ear infections, bladder infections, or injuries that may require veterinary assistance.

Senior pets generally have issues associated with arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Consider a Plan with Wellness Care

It’s important to shop wisely for the best comprehensive pet insurance plan. Most insurance companies offer a number of options, such as: a basic plan, a superior plan, and additional riders.

Also, you can insure your pet has coverage for different levels of routine wellness care, as well as insurance for accidents and illness. Although wellness care, like check-ups and vaccinations, is key to keeping your pet healthy, not all pet insurance companies offer wellness coverage. Make sure you consider this when choosing your health insurance provider.

Shopping for Pet Insurance

When you start shopping for Pet Insurance, ask your veterinarian what plans they recommend. You can also go online to comparison shop. I've included information on a couple of plans to get you started:

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

Information Pet Health Insurance: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

Myths about Pet Insurance: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

1. You don't need pet insurance.

You never know when your pets might get hurt or sick. And vet bills can add up fast. Even routine vet care can be expensive. Pet insurance helps you pay your veterinary bills, so you won't have to make a financial decision regarding your pet's health.

2. Pet health insurance is expensive.

Pet insurance can be very affordable. In fact, our lifesaving accident coverage starts as low as $7.50 a month. That doesn't seem like much when you consider that veterinary bills can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

3. You can't go to the vet of your choice.

Unlike some human health insurance plans, pet insurance does not limit you to a list of providers. With our pet insurance, you can use ANY licensed veterinarian in the US or Canada.

4. It's complicated to use pet insurance.

Our pet insurance is very easy to use. Just visit ANY veterinarian in the US or Canada and pay for the services. Then submit our simple one-page claim form along with your receipts, and we'll reimburse you for 80% of allowable covered veterinary charges.

5. You can't get coverage for wellness care.

Petplan Pet Insurance

Petplan partners with the Humane Society of the United States and offers discounts to HSUS members. Petplan offers fully customizable plans through a choice of coinsurance and deductibles, allowing pet owners to select the coverage that is most appropriate to their needs and budget. Additionally, Petplan is the only pet insurer in the United States to cover hereditary conditions with no dollar limits per condition. Most importantly, once a pet is insured with Petplan, they'll be covered for any condition they develop, no matter how long the condition lasts. This is called "Covered for Life" and it can prove to be invaluable when you consider that 30-40 percent of all pet insurance claims are for chronic conditions that last beyond 12 months.

Pet Insurance is quickly becoming recognized as one of the “best practices” for pet owners by helping owners budget for their pet’s health care and encouraging owners to follow an ongoing wellness program for their animals. By planning ahead for medical expenses, pet owners find it easier to pay for both routine and emergency care, helping them to provide the best possible care for their animals.