The value and necessity of pet insurance is a popular topic right now. With the advancement of veterinary technology, the cost of care for your best buddy is rising all the time. Pet insurance can help offset your costs to keep your pets healthy.

Do you need pet insurance, and will it save you money? The answer is: maybe. Like our health insurance, it depends on which policy you buy and what it covers. Clearly, the more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the cost. Just like human health insurance, there are deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and maximum benefits.

Start by reading the websites of various pet health insurance companies, compare their coverage, then call them and ask them questions. Generally, there are two types of policies – comprehensive and accident only. Many pet insurance companies have add-ons, allowing you to add dental and wellness visits. Unless you pay extra, a plan will probably not cover annual checkups, vaccines, or spay/neutering.

Insurance is expensive, and it’s not a benefit for everyone, so look closely at your lifestyle (people and pets). Is your pet young (premiums are less for younger animals), are you active, does your dog or cat go outside off-leash, do you visit dog parks, do you hike or hunt, or does your pet have pre-existing conditions? The companies’ prices will vary based on this information but quotes are free so get a few! Ask about coverage regarding different conditions, accidents, and illnesses, benefits, how claims are filed and paid, as well as premiums.

Here are some things to look into before you buy. Some employers now offer pet insurance so check into that at work. Certain breeds of dog are more prone to health issues (like hip dysplasia) and may not be fully covered for those specific problems by the insurance company. They will most likely offer less coverage if your pet is older, and many don’t offer coverage for pre-existing conditions.

The bottom line is: read the policies carefully because not all plans are created equally (it can be difficult to compare plans). Many websites compare pet insurance plans; you may want to start with this one: Pet Insurance Review.

Do your research and weigh your options carefully before you buy. Your pet is a member of your family, and we want them to be happy AND healthy.