Pet Health Insurance Increasing In Popularity

Pet health insurance has existed since the 1980s, however pet owners are only now starting to get their paws within the paperwork.

While the amount of pet owners nationwide who've insurance for their pets is relatively low, interest is beginning to peak, especially within the Florida Keys.

The Marathon Veterinary Hospital, for instance, has had a full-time employee dedicated to helping folks sign up for pet insurance for about 2 yrs. The hospital has regarding 8,000 clients, snowbirds included, which have pet insurance because of their feline friends. The hospital has about 30,000 consumers, receptionist Megan Gardner stated.

“There's a lot more people speaking about it, ” Gardner stated. “You can have a quote that's probably $5 per month, up to $40 per month, it is affordable for anyone. ”

Based on the American Pet Health Insurance Association, there was a nearly 15 % increase in pet insurance policies in between 2012 and 2013. Within 2013, 1. 03 million pet owners had insurance, this group says. And policies may include everything from accident coverage to your wellness plan, which incorporates regular check-ups, depending on exactly what the pet owner wishes.

For instance, a comprehensive insurance policies with a $250 deductible, including X-rays, surgeries and also wellness, for a dog in Key West with vet pet insurance would cost about $30 per month. For non-traditional-pet fans, VPI even insures exotic pets like iguanas and rabbits.

Cudjoe Key resident Peggy Taylor purchased pet insurance last November on her two rescue Chihuahuas, Kissy and also Omar. Her plans incorporate both accident and wellness, including nail trimmings.

“I am very aware of what they need, ” Peggy stated.

For pet owners such as Taylor, awareness is actually key. Krystal Durlewanger, the Florida rep for Cleveland-based Embrace Pet Insurance, stated veterinarians are beginning to realize the importance of pet insurance because of their clients.

“I think awareness is the largest part of this, ” Durlewanger stated.

Such as humans, pets with pre-existing conditions commonly are not covered by insurance. Still, Taylor equates the insurance policy on her dogs to insuring one's kids.

“It's such as having children, ” Peggy stated. “You need it when it's needed. ”

Source: This atop story is based on materials provided by the  KeysNet and image credit also.