TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Most pet owners will do anything for their furry friends, but when animals get injured or sick the price tag can be overwhelming. That's why more Americans are now turning to wellness plans or health insurance for their pets.
In this Angie's List report, sorting through the confusion of these pet protection policies.
"I realized there was something very wrong. There's something so wrong I cannot wait," said pet owner Kelly Lormore.
Waiting could have meant a very different outcome for this Labrador Retriever named Sanders. Sanders underwent emergency surgery to remove a bone from his intestine.
The pricy procedure was paid for in part from his owner's wellness plan.
"Because this is very expensive and even ten percent is, is important and in the end it really was important because it offset the bill that I had from my emergency vet visit. Thank God I had it," said Lormore.
With a wellness plan, you typically pay a monthly fee for coverage of routine physical exams and vaccinations. Wellness plans are different from pet insurance plans, which are provided by a third party and kick in when your animal is injured or ill.
Just like human health insurance plans, there may be co-pays, exclusions and deductibles, which are different depending on your pet's species, breed and age.
And take note -- pre-existing conditions are typically not covered.
"I think that when people get used to the monthly premiums in a younger pet, that's always the best. Then they just know that this is a $40 a month payment that I'm going to make for the life of my pet," said veterinarian Dr. Kurt Phillips.
Angie's List says not only can an insurance plan provide medical care, but give you piece of mind.
"Knowing that there is something more I can do for my pet, but I can't take it that step. If they had health insurance, perhaps they would be able to take it that step. And that's huge," said Dr. Phillips.
Angie's List says many pet health insurance policies do not cover congenital or hereditary conditions. If you have a more than one pet, be sure to ask about discounts on monthly premiums or fees.
Remember to catch the latest Angie's List report every Tuesday on WTXL Sunrise.
