Unfortunately though, for pet owners who want to purchase pet insurance for their pets, just like human health insurance, pet insurance can be expensive. And again, just like human health insurance, it does help to shop around but the cost can still be more than some are willing or able to pay. And even when some are able to pay but they start looking at all the exclusions that can be in some pet health insurance policies, they wonder if it is really worth the cost of the pet health insurance policy.
Often many pet owners do feel the cost of pet health insurance is worth the benefit, but for those who can’t justify the cost of pet health insurance or are just not able to afford a policy just yet, there is an alternative. A pet health discount program.
Pet health discount programs are becoming a popular choice for many to help cover their pet’s health care needs. These programs give pet owners a discount on their veterinarian services along with other discounts for various pet products. In addition, it is easier for pet owners to participate since there are no exclusions due to a pet’s age or health and the cost of a pet health discount program is much easier to afford for most people than pet health insurance.
Let’s take a look at some common pet health discount program features:
1. The pet owner saves a percentage off their veterinarian services: With a pet health discount program the pet owner will save an up-front percentage off of the veterinarian bill. There are no claims to file and one can choose among a variety of veterinarians in their area that will accept the pet health discount program. It would be like having a coupon to use every time one would need to take their pet to the veterinarian.
2. Very little exclusions: Unlike traditional pet insurance, with a pet health discount program there are minimal exclusions. For enrollment, there are usually no exclusions at all. This means that any pet can be enrolled into the pet health discount plan regardless of age, health conditions, type of breed, hereditary conditions, or pre-existing conditions. However, there are some exclusions as to what services the pet health discount program may or may not cover. Generally, the pet health discount program would not cover products or medications suggested or sent home with the pet. Also, if any outside services were used, such as a company that lab work may have been sent to, these would generally not be eligible for the discount.
3. Low costs and extra services: Many find that a pet health discount program is very reasonably priced. Depending on the choice in plan, a pet health discount program can start at about $100-200 per year. It is a one time fee and there are usually no limits as to how many times the discount can be used for qualifying services. In addition, many pet health discount programs offer additional savings to members such as discounts at a variety of companies that sell pet merchandise and services and some plans even offer pet recovery services to help one find their pet if they are lost.
Although for some a pet health discount program may seem like a great choice, it is important that every pet owner research for themselves if a pet health discount program would be the right choice for them. And if one chooses a pet health discount program they will want to first make sure their veterinarian accepts the program they may choose. It is also important to again note that pet health discount programs are not insurance and although they are a much more affordable choice, they will not offer the same coverage as a pet health insurance plan.
