Tips for Selecting a Pet Health Insurance Plan

Breaking down myths surrounding pet insurance, like cost and emergency coverage, and selecting a policy that caters to the needs of your pets

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

August 30, 2023

More than 4.8 million U.S. dogs and cats were covered by pet insurance in 2022 — an increase of 22% from the year before. And with seemingly more pet owners in the U.S. today, the number of pets needing pet insurance is on the rise and likely not slowing down anytime soon. If you do not have pet insurance, you have probably considered it but may be unsure where to start or what questions to ask. Dr. Katy Nelson, Senior Veterinarian at Chewy, joined us to share expert advice on considerations to be aware of.

Chewy asked their more than 20 million customers what they think about pet insurance. For those with a wellness or insurance plan, the top reason to have it is peace of mind – almost half (48%) of survey respondents agreed that knowing they can take care of their pets if something happens to them is the primary reason for purchasing pet insurance. For others, the top reasons include a preference for paying a fixed amount each month vs. dealing with one great expense unexpectedly and being able to bundle wellness and illness coverage. When purchasing plans through Chewy, many people decide to go that route because they gain access to a wide range of already-established healthcare offerings from Chewy. They have a dedicated arm focused on healthcare with a mission of making healthcare affordable and accessible to pet parents nationwide.

When you sign up for a CarePlus plan, you gain access to those resources, including free direct access to pet health experts via Connect with a Vet telehealth service. Chewy customers can also get one hundred percent of the costs covered for veterinary diet food, prescription medications, and supplements delivered quickly and conveniently via Chewy Pharmacy. This is in addition to no caps on payout limits and direct payments that go straight to the veterinarian. This experience is all wrapped in the award-winning customer support you have come to know from Chewy.

The best time to get pet insurance is when you get a pet instead of waiting for old age or chronic issues to pop up. Many insurance companies have long waiting periods before you are eligible to make a claim, so having an insurance plan from day one ensures coverage. If your pet is out of the puppy or kitten stage, or even if you adopt a senior pet, all ages can benefit from insurance plans.

It’s also necessary to understand the differences when selecting the best plan for your pet. Some Chewy CarePlus plans offer wellness coverage like routine vet visits, vaccinations, flea, tick, and heartworm medications, and other preventative care. Yet other plans cover accidents and illnesses, including large or small injuries, orthopedic issues, treatment for skin conditions, digestive problems, chronic conditions, and age-related diseases. Some plans can be bundled, so pet parents benefit from all of the above. The most important thing is to review the various options carefully and consider what is ideal for the particular risks of your pet. To make things easier, scan the code on the screen to examine CarePlus by Chewy offerings.

Most importantly, precisely ensure what is and isn’t covered before signing up. Your insurance company will review your pet’s medical history upon joining. As you research, ask how they handle pre-existing conditions or one your breed may be predisposed to. Ask every question about coverage, not just generally, but about your specific breed, age, etc. With CarePlus by Chewy, you can do that directly on the website or via the app.

If you are contemplating canceling a plan because it’s too expensive, reconsider using insurance. And quality preventative care is much easier on you and your pet, plus it’s usually more cost-effective than paying a $5,000-$10,000 medical bill out-of-pocket. To keep things affordable, weigh that risk against the average monthly cost for pet insurance, which is around $30 for cats and $50 for dogs, and budget accordingly. With CarePlus, plans start at $20 per month, with options that should work for everyone.

To find out more, visit chewy.com.