You most likely have a good relationship with your veterinarian and trust the staff working at your local vet clinic. After all, these are the people who gave you tips when you adopted your first pet and continue to care for your critter during routine visits.
Seeing as you trust your veterinarian and their support staff with the care of your pet, you should feel comfortable talking to your vet if you’re considering purchasing pet insurance.
Why you should talk to your vet about pet insurance
Your veterinarian knows your pet almost as well as you do. For example, your vet will know if your pet has a pre-existing condition that pet insurance won’t cover. Your pet’s doctor also will have an idea of what medical conditions your pet may end up suffering from as they age.
Your vet also will be able to help you come up with questions to ask pet insurance providers. For example, will the pet insurance of your choice allow you to add a wellness option to help cover things like annual vaccinations, routine blood draws, and heartworm prevention? How much coverage do you need to purchase to help pay for regular dental care? Your vet will know if these types of insurance add-ons could benefit your pet.
Your vet will know what companies to avoid
Although most pet insurance options appear comparable and reputable, a vet may know the pet insurance companies you should avoid.
“There’s no one preferred option for pet insurance, and lots of the companies are fine,” Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, a veterinarian in the United Kingdom and head of the veterinary team at Breed Advisor, stated. “In fact, if you ask several vets you’ll find they all insure their pets with different insurers—it’s more about the insurers we avoid than the ones we particularly like!”
Your vet can help you decide what you can and cannot afford
Most pet insurance companies offer policies that are expensive and price-conscious (for more information on insurance quotes, consult our pet insurance guide.) Having options is great, but figuring out how much money you should spend on pet insurance could prove difficult.
Having a conversation with your vet before calling a pet insurance brand could help you figure out what you can and cannot afford before you get on the phone. Your vet also is the authority figure who can help you determine how much insurance you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.
Your vet is the person you trust
Your vet is the person who has you and your pet’s needs and best interests in mind. Your vet—not an insurance company—is the authority to turn to when you have questions about what your pet’s medical needs are. So, don’t hesitate to ask your vet their thoughts—that’s what they are there for!
