Have you ever thought of purchasing a pet insurance plan but had no idea how much it would cost? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Pet insurance may not work for everyone’s budget, but there are many plans to choose from that can accommodate most everyone. When our pets become ill, the cost can be downright painful, but the price can be significantly lower for services if you have pet insurance. Pet insurance in Florida will generally cost you between $12 and $49 for a cat or a dog.
In this article, we’ll give you some insight into how much you can expect to pay for pet insurance in Florida to shed some light on this subject.
The Importance of Having Pet Insurance
Pet insurance has been around for roughly 100 years, with the first policy written in 1890 by Claes Virgin, founder of a Swedish insurance company that still operates today. In the US, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), which was founded in 2007, represents 20 different pet insurance policies.
For us humans, unexpected medical issues can arise suddenly, leaving us with possible financial hardships. When you own pets, you can also be dealing with financial hardships if you don’t have pet insurance.
All humans know how expensive medical issues can be, and when you don’t have insurance, you’re left to pay for all services rendered on your own. The same issue goes for our beloved pets, too. If you invest in a pet insurance plan, your out-of-pocket expenses can be significantly reduced.
With owning pets comes responsibility, and a huge responsibility is keeping our pets healthy. If your pet suddenly becomes ill and needs tests or medication, you’ll be able to breathe a little easier knowing you have pet insurance to cover some of the cost. Pet insurance doesn’t cover everything, but it certainly helps.
Top Rated Pet Insurance Companies
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Florida?
Every pet insurance plan is different and has its own protocols, procedures, and what they cover. Some cover preventative care for an extra monthly fee, and some only cover injuries and chronic conditions. There are several to choose from. Below, we’ll list some of the more popular plans in Florida to give you an idea of what your monthly cost might be.
| Spot | Monthly cost for standard plan for a dog: $40, $22 for a cat | Preventative care: Additional cost of $9.95–$24.95 | Pre-existing coverage: No, unless symptom-free for 180 days | Maximum enrollment age: No limit | Multiple pets discount: No |
| Embrace | Monthly cost: $35 for a dog, $18 for a cat | Preventative care: No | Pre-existing coverage: Curable conditions after 12 months | Maximum enrollment age: 14 years | Multiple pets discount: 15% |
| Healthy Paws | Monthly cost: $39 for a dog, $12 for a cat | Preventative care: No | Pre-existing coverage: No | Maximum enrollment age: 14 years | Multiple pets discount: No |
| ASPCA | Monthly cost: $49 for a dog, $29 for a cat | Preventative care: An extra $9.95 per month | Pre-existing coverage: No | Maximum enrollment age: No limit | Multiple pets discount: 10% |
| Prudent | Monthly cost: $39 for a dog, $23 for a cat | Preventative care: An extra $19.95 for a dog, $13.95 for a cat | Pre-existing coverage: No | Maximum enrollment age: No limit | Multiple pets discount: 10% |
Of course, your location plays a part in monthly costs. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of certain areas and how their prices may differ.
| Miami | $29.75 |
| Tallahassee | $17.89 |
| Orlando | $19.07 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $44.94 |
| Sarasota | $20.32 |
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Most plans do not cover preventative care, such as wellness exams, vaccines, flea and tick, heartworm tests, blood work, spay/neuter, microchipping, and fecal exams. To get those treatments covered, you have to buy add-ons, which add to your monthly payment.
Each plan will also have deductibles, and they all vary. Usually, these plans work by reimbursing you anywhere from 50%–90%, depending on your plan and the claim. Before committing to a plan, ensure you know exactly what the plan covers and what it does not. This will save you from a headache or an empty wallet down the road.
Some plans will cover dental care, but many do not because they consider it a pre-existing condition. If your dog loses a tooth due to an accident or sudden injury, it will most likely be covered for that scenario.
How Often Should I Take My Pet to the Vet Without Insurance?
While most plans do not cover preventative care or wellness exams, you still need to take your pet for yearly check-ups. Some plans cover preventative care for an extra fee, and some do not.
Suppose you’re looking for a plan that only covers accidents or unexpected illnesses. In that case, pet insurance can be a lifesaver, but if you can afford to pay a little extra a month for wellness exams, that could be beneficial. It really depends on your budget.
However, one thing is for certain—always take your pet for their annual exams. In doing so, you’ll have a happy, healthy pet. Avoiding yearly exams could lead to more expenses for you in the long run.
Does Pet Insurance Cover All Medical Issues?
As we’ve mentioned, just because you have a pet insurance plan does not mean that your plan will cover everything. Many offer different plans to shop for, and it’s vital to know exactly what is covered under certain conditions.
These plans really come in handy if your pet has a sudden injury. Things like X-rays and MRIs can be costly, but you’ll be reimbursed a certain percentage with an insurance plan. Insurance plans also help with emergency vet bills, as emergency vet services are always more expensive.
What to Do for Your Pet’s Health
Of course, accidents can happen, leaving you no choice but to take your beloved pet to the vet. As far as wellness, be sure to keep your pet up-to-date on all vaccines and wellness exams and feed high-quality pet food for optimal nutrition.
Practicing good dental hygiene for your pet is vital in keeping your pet healthy. If dental disease goes untreated, it could cause severe problems for your pet, such as organ failure due to continually swallowing bacteria. It is also very painful for your pet.
Conclusion
With the wide options available, you should be able to find a Florida pet insurance plan that won’t break the bank. Ensure that you study each plan carefully so that there are no surprises when you have to use it. Remember to take your pet for annual wellness exams and feed high-quality pet food for optimal health.
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