What pet insurance options should I consider for my 3-year-old Yorkie? I currently have Lemonade renters insurance and I’m wondering if pet insurance is worth it. If not, which ones offer the best coverage with low deductibles and copay options? Frankie is my first pet as an adult, so I’m not too familiar with the choices. He doesn’t have any pre-existing health issues and has been regularly checked and vaccinated since I adopted him over two years ago.
I’ve been paying for everything out of pocket, and that really adds up. Plus, I go to a vet who seems to use fear tactics to push more tests and medications to make extra money. She yells at her staff and makes you schedule appointments six months in advance while you’re at the current appointment. I’m really anxious, and Frankie is anxious too, especially around doctors, so the whole experience is just stressful.
I’d like an insurance company that covers immunizations and check-ups two to three times a year. I’d prefer to keep it under $60 a month; is that realistic? Ideally, I want some coverage.
There are some insurance companies that cover wellness options, but most pet insurance is mainly for illnesses and accidents. It’s meant for unexpected expenses rather than known ones, if that makes sense. Often, the added wellness coverage isn’t worth the cost.
You’ll need to do thorough research since each insurance is different, and anything can be seen as pre-existing. It’s best to get insurance as soon as possible before any symptoms appear. I have two Yorkies myself, and I use Healthy Paws for one and MetLife for the other. Both are good, but if I were to get another dog, I’d go with MetLife since it covers almost everything at a reasonable price.
Keep in mind that your monthly payment will depend on your dog’s age, breed, and your location. While $60 might work now, the cost could go up each year as your dog gets older, and sometimes the increase can be significant.
I recommend doing a lot of research and asking plenty of questions because once you have insurance and start using it, switching can be tough.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend Lemonade. I think they can be a bit tricky when it comes to payouts.
Banfield isn’t technically insurance, but it could be a solid choice for annual care. While I don’t think they’re the best vets, they do a decent job with routine check-ups and vaccinations. Plus, I like having the peace of mind that I can take them in without extra costs if anything comes up. It also makes yearly dental cleanings more affordable.