Is pet insurance worth it in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, there are several reasons that getting an insurance plan is desirable. The weather in this state can be scorching and result in dangerously high temperatures, which makes it difficult for pets to cool down as well. This type of fatigue for your pet can make them susceptible to illness.
In addition, New Mexico is home to a slew of dangerous animals, including potentially poisonous creatures and bugs. You must keep an eye on your pets to avoid being bitten by harmful reptiles or insects that could make your pets sick or harmed. Bites from other animals can induce anaphylactic reactions in pets, which can result in an emergency visit to the veterinary clinic or hospital. Also, keep in mind that veterinary treatment for pets is very expensive, therefore if you do not have pet insurance you will be paying a hefty medical bill.
Depending on the plan you choose, pet insurance can help you prepare for unexpected situations and lower your out-of-pocket spending.
What types of pet insurance plans are in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, most insurance companies offer three different types of pet insurance coverage options. The following are the most common:
- Accident-only plan: Accidental injuries caused by insects or wild animal bites, as well as your pet being hit by a vehicle, are covered under this policy. Hospital visits, medications, and treatments related to an accident would be covered by your insurance provider.
- Accident and illness plan: This is the most popular dog insurance plan in New Mexico, especially if you are seeking more holistic coverage for your pet. Accident and illness insurance covers the most common pet conditions, in addition to medication, x-rays, hospitalization, and surgery. While this plan has its advantages, most insurance companies will factor in the age of your pet before approving coverage.
- Wellness plan: Some insurers sell wellness plans separately, while others include them as part of their basic coverage. It’s primarily for your pet’s health maintenance and includes vaccinations, veterinarian exams, and routine check-ups.
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 New Mexico?
Pet insurance premiums in New Mexico typically cost less than $150 per month; however, prices vary depending on some criteria, including:
- Age: The fees you will pay are dictated based on your pets’ age because they become more prone to health problems. Additionally, older pets are more likely to become ill and recovery may take longer than usual.
- Species: Each species is more prone to specific conditions like joint problems and hip dysplasia, and this can affect the cost of your insurance as well. These types of disorders are also more expensive to treat.
- Breed: Certain breeds of pets follow the same species rule, making them more expensive than others. This is because they are more susceptible to certain ailments.
| Species | Breed | Age | Cost |
| Dog | Chihuahua | 6 months | $14 to $50 monthly |
| Cat | Domestic Shorthair | 6 months | $11 to $30 monthly |
| Dog | Golden Retriever | 5 years | $32 to $98 monthly |
| Cat | Maine Coon | 5 years | $15 to $38 monthly |
| Dog | Golden Retriever | 6 months | $24 to $81 monthly |
What are the veterinary costs in New Mexico?
The expense of veterinary care in New Mexico, as in other states, is fairly high. The following is a list of average prices for a variety of services provided by a veterinarian’s office:
- Physical exams: $35 to $55
- Fecal exam: $20 to $40
- Heartworm test: $40 to $50
- Dental cleaning: $65 to $400
How to choose the best pet insurance in New Mexico
When choosing pet insurance, keep a few of these factors in mind so you can make an informative decision for your pet:
- Understanding the terms of the policy: By taking the time to thoroughly review your policy, you will know what kind of services will be covered and what will be excluded. You can also assess if your pet requires basic insurance or potentially add-on options such as wellness and preventative care.
- Knowing your pet’s health history: When searching for an insurance policy, keep your pet’s medical history in mind, including any surgeries or illnesses they’ve had and whether they’re spayed or neutered. With all this information, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about which pet insurance plan is right for your pet.
- Customer reviews: Check what other customers in New Mexico 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.