Is pet insurance worth it in Michigan?
As a resident in Michigan, there are a lot of factors that can cause harm to your pet such as the state’s harsh weather, unexpected injury or accident, and ticks.
Most pet owners cannot afford to pay unexpected medical bills for their pets. Hence, pet insurance stands as a tool you can anchor on to maintain the health of your pet. Also, it can guard you against financial risks you might encounter as a pet owner.
If you buy pet insurance in Michigan, your insurer will reimburse you a percentage of the cost of treatment for accidents, illnesses, and wellness (usually an add-on).
Pet insurance is widely accepted nationally by several licensed veterinarians in the United States, so you can treat your pet in any licensed veterinarian clinic in Michigan.
What types of pet insurance plans are in Michigan?
Here are the common types of plans you will find at several insurance companies:
- Accident-only: No matter the kind of pet you have, it could be a dog or a cat, accidents threaten the health of your pet. This plan will cover the medical bill you’ll incur while treating your pet for an accident.
- Accident and illness: This plan has more comprehensive coverage. Your insurer will reimburse you for the cost of treatment for either accidents or illnesses.
- Wellness and preventative care: Most insurance companies don’t include this as part of their insurance policy as it comes as an add-on to the original policy. As a pet owner, you may have to pay an extra fee for preventative care for your pet. This could be on a monthly or annually basis.
What does pet insurance cover and exclude?
In Michigan, pet insurance covers several treatments your pet might undergo in its lifetime. The following is a list of common health conditions most pet insurance policies cover:
- Cancer
- Dental illness
- Chronic conditions
- Preventable conditions
- Orthopedic conditions
- Breed-specific conditions
While most companies will not cover your pet’s pre-existing condition, some others will handle it differently. A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury your pet had before you insured your pet under a pet insurance policy.
Though you can take advantage of pet insurance for many conditions and illnesses, there are several things pet insurance excludes:
- Avian flu
- Cloning or DNA test
- Cosmetic procedures
- Purposeful injury
- Pregnancy
- Breeding
- Whelping
How much does pet insurance cost in Michigan?
There are a lot of pet insurance companies in Michigan and the cost of pet insurance is quite different among them. This is due to the fact that an insurance company will consider a variety of factors before they fix their cost. Such factors for consideration may include:
- Pet species
- Pet age
- Pet breed
- Your location
You can expect to pay from $30 – $150 if you own a dog and $15 – $40 if you own a cat (premiums are based on monthly rates).
What are the veterinary costs in Michigan?
Veterinary cost in Michigan is quite low compared to the national average. A veterinarian’s cost varies as a result of the services offered at the clinic. Keep in mind, your pet’s medical bill for surgery will be higher than its wellness or preventative care.
Here is a list of veterinarian average costs:
- Preoperative blood work for older pets: $50
- Hospitalization: $600- $1700 (1-2 days)
- Physical education exams: $45- $55
- Parasite prevention: $15 (per dose)
- Routine checkup: $50- $250
- Test for allergy: $195 -$300
- Spay/ neuter: $30
- Vaccination: $30
- Surgery: $500
- Tests: $30
Moreover, these costs might differ depending on your type of pet, the health history of your pet, your pet’s breed, and your location.
How to choose the best pet insurance in Michigan
When it comes to pet insurance, there might not be a one-size-fits-all option for you. You need to consider certain factors to help you determine which insurance best suits your needs. Some of the important factors to consider include:
- Consider your pet’s needs: Each insurance company offers different types of plans. Consider your pet’s medical history and any special needs. Choose a policy that is suitable for your pet’s needs and is also within your budget.
- Coverage limits: No matter the policy you want to go for, know that insurers offer different options to pet owners for policy annual limits. A higher coverage limit will cost you more in premiums.
- Customer reviews: when you decide on a policy, it can be helpful to read customer reviews. This way you know what to expect if there is a claim in the future and what the process has been like for other customers.