If you are a pet owner, you may have at least considered getting pet insurance. Pets need checkups, and shots, and to be neutered or spayed. Sometimes, pets will get sick, or injured, and require medical care. Pet insurance is designed to help a pet owner pay for some of the bills associated with the medical care that your pet needs. Did you know that some pet insurance policies also cover dental care?
There are many things to consider when you decide to purchase a pet insurance policy. If your pet is a breed that tends to get a particular disease or disorder, you will need to make sure your pet insurance policy covers those specific things. Some policies will not cover pets who have reached a certain age. Other policies will cover nearly everything, including burial, cremation, and funeral costs. Pet owners need to make sure that they are aware of what kinds of medical bills will be covered under their pet insurance policy. Some companies will offer separate pet insurance policies for dogs, for cats, and for exotic pets. Often, the phrase “exotic pets” includes different types of birds or lizards.
Pet dental insurance is important. Imagine what your teeth would be like if you were unable to brush them, and never went to a dentist! This is similar to what your pet might be experiencing. Dental problems can lead to painful decay. It can also lead to gum disease, problems with internal organs, and a shorter life span. Pet dental insurance is usually a separate policy from pet health insurance, so you need to specifically ask for it.
How does it work? If something seems to be going wrong with your pet’s teeth, you need to take that pet to visit your veterinarian. The vet will preform the necessary care. If your insurance policy covers that care, because you got dental insurance for your pet, then all you will need to pay is a deductible. If you didn’t get a pet dental insurance policy, you might end up paying out-of-pocket for the entire cost of this care. Unlike humans, pets need to be “knocked out” in order to have their teeth examined, and worked on. This can quickly become very expensive. Young pets are more likely to do something that causes damage to their teeth, but a pet of any age might experience an accident that results in tooth damage. If you decide to get a pet dental policy, you still need to continue to provide care for your pet’s teeth. Keep giving them the “treats” that clean their teeth.
Image by Rennett Stowe on Flickr