Is pet insurance worth it

To preface, I have three cats and just adopted a puppy. We do not have insurance for our cats since they’re indoor cats with no major health issues. We talked to their vet, who said that since they’re all under two years old and stay inside, pet insurance wasn’t really a need if we didn’t feel like it. The cats go to the vet about 3-4 times a year, averaging $200 per visit depending on what’s being done, like vaccines or yearly check-ups.

Now, onto the puppy, who is an 11-week-old GSD. We went to a new vet 45 minutes away from our old one, and they recommended insurance, giving us a pamphlet with different mainstream options, their benefits, and average cost decreases. Her first appointment was around $250, which included her first round of core puppy vaccines, dewormer, flea preventative, a stool sample (she had diarrhea), and probiotics. The general wellness check was free, but would have been an additional $45, and each round of boosters will be more expensive than the last.

I’ve noticed that vet expenses for dogs are higher than for cats, which I expected. The vet recommended frequent visits while she’s under a year old to ensure she’s healthy as she grows. My partner and I have been debating investing in pet insurance, at least for our puppy. How much money do you guys save on average with insurance? Do you think it’s worth it?

Yes, it is worth it.

Yes.

YES, please get pet insurance. For dogs, it can save you a lot. Dogs get hurt a lot, even if it’s not something serious. Vet bills can easily reach thousands in just a few weeks. Just remember, pet insurance won’t cover anything that is ‘pre-existing.’ It might not impact you now, but if you wait and then need it after a diagnosis, you’ll be in trouble.

I didn’t have insurance for my previous cats and regretted it. I ended up spending tens of thousands of dollars on their care in their final years. I could afford it, but it would have been nice to have some of that reimbursed. When I got my new kittens, I got them insurance right away. Not for routine care, but for catastrophic situations.

Since I got pet insurance, I haven’t had to use it. But I’d rather pay $10 a month just in case than not have it and end up paying thousands every time my cat has gas.

My pet insurance paid for a third of his total bill. Not what I was hoping for, but I still got a check.

Yes, especially for puppies who are accident-prone until about 3 years old.