Why Should I Get Pet Insurance? Dr Cath Explains

Why get pet insurance? It’s something many cat and dog owners wonder. To help you decide the answer, the best bet is getting some top-notch information about pet insurance benefits.

And who better to ask, than a vet?!

In this article, PD Insurance talks to Dr Cath Watson, Chair of Healthy Pets NZ on how pet insurance can benefit pets and people.

Why get pet insurance as a pet parent in New Zealand?

As a pet owner, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself giving thought to pet expenses. Some of the biggest costs are ordinary lifestyle expenses like quality food, grooming, toys and more. On the other hand, vet bills can be shocking.

When it comes to the real price of pets our research shows 44% of pet parents spend up to $2,500 a year on pets, not including health care.

As many of us know, expensive vet bills can be a big surprise since they’re generally unexpected. They can also get fairly costly in a matter of days if your pet needs tests, treatments, overnight stays, meds and more.

Essentially, pet insurance is the buffer that helps secure your finances against these unplanned costs.

Why get pet insurance? Dr Cath shares 11 reasons

Dr Cath Watson has been a vet for more than 20 years and is also the Chair for Healthy Pets NZ, a charity dedicated to the ‘big health and welfare issues of Kiwi pets’. Healthy Pets NZ supports important pet health research with vets and other animal health specialists.

As a vet, she knows firsthand the experiences pets go through when sick or injured. She also experiences the tough decisions around finances pet parents are sometimes forced to make between their pet and their pocket.

“Pet insurance offers numerous benefits to pet owners, providing peace of mind and financial protection for their beloved companions.” – Dr Cath

So why get pet insurance? Dr Cath unpacks several pet insurance benefits that help answer this burning question. In no particular order, read about pet insurance benefits and how they help… up next.

1. Protection for what’s important

Just like insurance for other aspects of life, pet insurance covers the things that are important to pet owners, safeguarding their furry family members’ health and well-being.

2. Peace of mind for pet lovers

Why get pet insurance? Well, in a nation of pet lovers like New Zealand, where pets are considered part of the family, pet insurance offers a way to protect them when health issues arise. This can ease your worries about unexpected veterinary expenses.

3. Preparation for accidents

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, but pet insurance allows owners to worry less about the financial consequences and focus more on getting their pets back to health.

So why get pet insurance? Examples of claims for accidents can help to answer this important question …

One pet parent’s vet bill after their dog swallowed a tennis ball came to $7,006 which PD Insurance reimburse, minus the excess. Another swallowed an AirPod and thankfully, PD Insurance was there to pay the $6,665 claim. It’s worth knowing that each plan has a different cover limit and that maximum per-claim limits may apply.

4. Mitigating the cost burden

With ongoing advancements in veterinary care, the cost of diagnostics and treatments can be substantial. Pet insurance helps offset these expenses, ensuring that owners can afford the best care for their pets without financial strain.

As people, we don’t really see the real costs of treatment for medical care. In vet treatments however, there isn’t any government subsidy which is one reason pet owners need to plan for these costs. Read more about pet insurance vs savings.

5. Financial readiness for emergencies

Why get pet insurance? Another reason is that many pet owners are unprepared for the costs of unexpected illnesses or injuries, making it challenging to make sound decisions during stressful times. Pet insurance provides financial readiness for such emergencies, allowing owners to focus on their pet’s well-being rather than financial concerns.

Read more about how PD Insurance makes pet claims easy.

6. Access to optimal treatment options

Pet insurance enables owners to consider the best treatment options for their pets, rather than being limited by what they can afford. This helps ensure pets receive the care they need without compromise.

So if you’re thinking “Why get pet insurance when my pet is healthy?” it’s because just like you or I, they can get ill or injured any time. If that happens and you’ve already got a pet plan your finances and their wellbeing is cushioned.

7. Euthanasia based on best interests

Pet insurance removes the financial constraint from euthanasia decisions, allowing owners to make the choice based on what’s best for the animal’s well-being, rather than financial considerations.

Learn more about putting a pet to sleep and how to grieve the loss of a pet.

8. Shared financial risk

By assuming the financial risk, pet insurance companies provide peace of mind to both owners and veterinarians. This helps ensure the pet’s health remains the priority without undue financial stress. Read how expensive is pet insurance really? That way you can weigh it against potential vet costs.

PD Insurance cover includes third party liability cover too, for damage pets cause that can also result in unexpected costs.

9. Improved mental health and satisfaction

Pet owners can enjoy better mental health and satisfaction knowing that they don’t have to compromise their pet’s health due to financial constraints, leading to a happier relationship with their furry companions.

While answering, “why get pet insurance?”, it’s worth knowing another reason is that pet insurance is also good for vet mental health.

10. Proactive pet healthcare

Insured pet owners are generally more proactive about their pet’s health, seeking veterinary care promptly and without hesitation. This enables veterinarians to provide comprehensive care without delays or compromises based on costs.

That’s just one more reason to choose New Zealand pet insurance for cats and dogs.

11. Early insurance for pre-existing conditions

Insuring pets early can help avoid complications with pre-existing conditions, ensuring that they are covered for any future health issues that may arise.

Read more on pre-existing conditions in pet insurance.

Understanding pet insurance benefits and cover

Why get pet insurance? To sum it up, pet insurance protects your pet, your pocket, your vet and gives you peace of mind.

With PD Insurance you can choose from three plans. The Accident Plan covers accidents and third-party liability up to $5,000 annually, the Classic Plan includes illnesses with a $10,000 annual limit, and the Deluxe Plan offers coverage for illnesses, dental care, and more with a $20,000 annual limit.

Here are some useful resources on understanding and choosing pet insurance:

After you’ve read these, why not get a quote for award winning pet cover… ?

Why get pet insurance that wins awards…?

Lots of reasons! PD Insurance is a multi award winning pet insurance specialist dedicated to pet health and responsible ownership. Our three cat and dog insurance plans cover a wide range of unexpected pet health issues. These can help you pay for vet tests, treatments and more.

The best time to get your pet insured is when they’re healthy. That way they’re already covered when they get into a pickle. And you can worry about them instead of the costs involved. When you buy a pet insurance policy online, we’ll give you one or more months of FREE pet insurance.

Click below to get a quote.