These days, there are numerous companies out there that offer pet insurance. Whether or not you should purchase such a policy really boils down to personal preference. Having insurance has been very helpful for some people, but for others, it hasn’t made any difference. It just depends on the needs of your pet.

The way pet insurance works is you purchase a policy and pay either monthly or annually, in some cases. You can go to any vet you choose. You simply fill out a claim form and submit the form and documentation to the insurance company. They go over your claim and reimburse you in accordance to your policy. Meaning, you pay the vet in full out of pocket and wait to be reimbursed by the insurance company. Different companies offer different benefits. You will have to research them to decide which suits you and your pet best.

One of the most recommended companies is VPI. They have been around for a very long time and are a solid company. I have had a reasonable amount of experience with them and they are who I choose to have insurance with for my smallest chihuahua.

One thing to remember about pet insurance, though, is that most companies do not cover hereditary or breed specific conditions. Hip Dysplasia and Luxating Patella are two examples of such conditions. Larger breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia and therefore it is often not covered. Smaller breeds are prone to luxating patella. You will have to check over what various insurance companies cover and don’t cover very carefully before making a decision to purchase a policy.

Many people will tell you that pet insurance is a must. Others will tell you that it is just as easy to open a savings account to use for vet expenses. As I said, it is really just a matter of personal preference. I used to have policies on all three of my pets. I decided to drop the policies on the older two because they have proven to be quite healthy. I felt better having a policy on my smallest chihuahua, though, at least for now. Whether you choose to have pet insurance or simply have a savings account, it is good to have something to help with unforeseen vet expenses. You just never know when an illness or accident might happen. Best to be prepared.