Pets, just like us, may suffer from an injury or a complication due to chronic illness and require immediate medical attention. It is shocking, but statistics show that 1-in-3 pets in the US will need emergency care each year. Thankfully, pet insurance can make emergency vet visits more affordable so caring for your pet is less stressful. MetLife pet insurance covers emergency vet visits with a comprehensive accident and illness base policy.
Common Emergency Costs
Costs for emergency vet visits add up quickly. For example, a dog experiencing bloat, a deadly condition in which its stomach fills with gas and twists, needs immediate care. The bill could easily reach $7,500. Depending on the severity of their injuries, trauma from a dog bite or vehicle could range anywhere from $500 to $4,000.
Cats are susceptible to urinary tract infections and blockages. A severe case could end up costing $4,000 or more. Should your kitty eat something they weren’t supposed to, the costs could range from $200 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the poisoning. If the toxin has caused anaphylactic shock, the costs could increase by $1,000 or more.
These are only a few examples of common pet emergencies, but there are many more reasons your pet may need urgent medical attention.
Emergency Care
The first cost added to the emergency vet bill is the visit itself. Your vet will charge a fee for seeing your pet in an emergency. If it is after hours, this exam fee may be higher than it would be seeing your usual vet during regular office hours, so be prepared. The emergency vet visit is covered by your reimbursement as long as your deductible is met.
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Hospitalization
If your pet needs to stay at the vet hospital for intensive care or observation, rest assured that your MetLife pet insurance policy also covers these costs. There will usually be a fee for each day or night they stay in the clinic.
Surgery
Costs associated with surgery are covered as long as the surgery is necessary and not elective. For example, surgery to remove an intestinal blockage is eligible for reimbursement but not surgery for ear cropping. Surgery will likely include medications used for sedation or vaccination, such as surgery to repair a bite from a dog that may have had rabies.
Diagnostic Tests
Emergency vet care typically requires tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work. If there is a rush on any of the tests, the cost for them could be higher. Thankfully, necessary diagnostic tests are covered, so your vet team can begin caring for your pet as quickly as possible.
Prescription Medications
From pain medications and antibiotics to sedatives and vaccinations, your pet may need prescriptions to recover from their emergency. When they are required, medications to get your pet feeling better are covered by your insurance policy.
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Final Thoughts
MetLife Pet Insurance will cover the emergency vet costs listed above and many others as part of their comprehensive accident and illness plan so your pet can get back on the road to recovery should they experience an unexpected injury or illness. Then, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you have help in covering the costs of their care.
Featured Image Credit: Libre, Shutterstock
