Is pet insurance worth it in Georgia?
For residents in the state of Georgia, pet insurance is a worthwhile investment. When urgent medical attention is required, it can be difficult to gather funds for an emergency surgery or treatment. This is where pet insurance is useful because you can consent to treatment and solely focus on your pet’s recovery.
Your pet may also be at risk when outdoors in the woods of Georgia. This includes wild creatures, larger pets, and ticks. If your pet is harmed by any of the following, your pet will be protected with an insurance policy. In this kind of situation, the value of purchasing pet insurance is more beneficial given veterinary prices are on the rise, which is making it harder for pet owners to keep up with unexpected care costs.
What types of pet insurance plans are in Georgia?
The following are the most common types of pet insurance policies in Georgia:
- Accident-only plan: Accident-only coverage is suitable for situations such as being hit by a car, swallowing an object, or an animal bite. This coverage is more affordable than an accident and illness plan and is appropriate for a pet in good health but requires protection in case an unforeseen accident occurs.
- Accident and illness plan: This is Georgia’s most popular plan, as it includes coverage for both accidents and illnesses. Hospitalizations, surgery, and medications would be covered under this plan. Many insurance providers have age restrictions for this type of policy, therefore it is recommended to insure your pet from a young age.
- Wellness plan: This plan is meant for routine and preventative care and includes coverage for vaccinations, teeth cleaning, among other procedures. These policies are both a stand alone option or they can be added on to a pre-existing plan.
- Comprehensive plan: With this plan, your insurer covers the cost of your veterinarian bills, hospital visits, medications, emergencies for any illness(es) or accident(s), and routine and preventative care.
What does pet insurance cover and exclude?
The following are most commonly covered under pet insurance policies:
- Vaccinations: Most insurers cover annual vaccines against core diseases like rabies, canine distemper, and feline panleukopenia. Some also cover vaccinations for other conditions such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
- Treatment for illness or injury: This includes emergency medical treatment for an illness or injury. This policy also covers x-rays, medications, and surgery.
- Routine and preventative care: This includes wellness exams, routine lab tests, and other regular maintenance services you may be seeking for your pet. Heartworm testing and flea/tick preventatives are also included.
- Diagnostic testing: This includes imaging such as ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and more.
The following is a list of exclusions you should be aware of when looking at pet insurance policies:
- Treatment or diagnosis of pre-existing conditions: Pet insurance will not cover the cost for treatment or the diagnosis of pre-existing conditions.
- Injury or illness with intent to cause harm: Pet insurance will not cover injuries or illnesses that were provoked by abuse, neglect, self-mutilation, or any other intentional act on the pet owner’s part.
- Breeding, pregnancy, and whelping: Pet insurance does not cover expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, or the whelps (i.e., newborn pups) if the mother dog dies during pregnancy or the whelping process. This would include transportation costs to and from the veterinary clinic, medications, and surgeries related to whelping.
- Additional veterinary facility fees: If your veterinarian charges more than the fee agreed upon in your policy, pet insurance will not cover the difference.
- Elective veterinary procedures: Any elective veterinary procedures will not be covered by the insurer in a basic plan. Examples of these procedures include dental care, routine surgeries such as spaying (for females), neutering (for males), and declawing. However, many policies do offer an add-on option if you would like to have coverage for elective care.
How much does pet insurance cost in Georgia?
In Georgia, the cost of pet insurance varies depending on the type of species you have. For example, dog insurance policies range from $24 to $86 per month, while cat insurance plans range from $9 to $30 per month. This is an approximate cost for of an accident and illness pet insurance policy.
There are also some factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance such as:
- Age: The cost of pet insurance is also determined by your pet’s age at the time of enrollment. Health insurance for younger pets is typically less expensive whereas older pets cost more to cover.
- Type of breed: Specific pet breeds are more prone to certain health problems, which could increase insurance costs. So, before your insurer determines your monthly premium, they inspect the breed.
- Location: Pet insurance companies base their rates on the cost of living in your area, which has an impact on the cost of veterinarian care as well.
What are the veterinary costs in Georgia?
For a routine check-up visit, you can expect it to cost between $50 to $100, with a general exam costing roughly about the same. For a more thorough breakdown of veterinary costs, consider the following:
| Veterinary Service | Cost |
| Exams and test | $210-$260 |
| Blood work | $80-$200 |
| Vaccines | $15-$28 per shot |
| Routine checks | $50-$250 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Geriatric cleaning | $85-$110 |
| Treatment for wound | $800-$2,500 |
| Oxygen therapy | $400-$3,000 |
How to choose the best pet insurance in Georgia
When choosing pet insurance, keep a few of these factors in mind so you can make an informative decision for your pet:
- Your pet’s specific needs: When narrowing down your plan options, keep in mind the type of species, breed, and the age of your pet. You want to ensure the policy you choose will cover the medical needs of your pet and any potential illnesses it is prone to developing in the future.
- Compare and contrast policies: Before settling on a plan, thoroughly compare and contrast all policies you are considering. Also research if any promotional discounts are available for an insurance agency you are considering. You may gain more benefits with a plan after a promotional discount.
- Customer reviews: Check what other customers have to say about an insurance agency you’re considering. Read reviews about the customer’s experience, their service, and how they handle their claims process. This will make it easier for you to come to a decision.