Similar to other kinds of insurance, pet insurance policyholders pay monthly premiums in return for the guarantee that their insurance provider will help cover the costs of certain procedures and treatments that might be required by their pet. Depending on the policy, these procedures and treatments can include anything from alternative therapy, to dental exams, to surgery.

Whereas most vehicle owners have auto insurance (it’s illegal not to), and most homeowners have home insurance, not all pet owners opt to buy pet insurance. This is due partly to lack of awareness about pet insurance, and also it’s due to its perceived value.

So is pet insurance worth it for pet owners?

It’s no secret that taking care of a pet is expensive. In their annual report, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association estimated the yearly cost of owning an adult dog in 2013 at $2,018.49 and the cost of owning an adult cat at $1484.84. These costs include such things as dental care ($407.00) and annual vaccines ($137.50). While the estimates are specific to Ontario, costs in other provinces are comparable.

Even though most pet owners would agree that the joy their pet brings them is well worth the cost, that doesn’t make it easier on the wallet – especially if the unexpected occurs and your pet gets seriously injured or ill. This is where having pet insurance can be invaluable.

At Desjardins General Insurance, we offer three distinct pet insurance packages (Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, and Gold Paw) to give you flexible options based on you and your pet’s needs.

All three of our packages include coverage for dental care (optional for Bronze), as well as veterinary diagnostics and treatment resulting from accident or illness. Additional coverage for alternative and behavioural therapy, as well as preventive care coverage, is available for Silver & Gold Paw policyholders. It’s recommended that you review all of our pet insurance packages to see which one works best for you and the breed of animal that you have. Your veterinarian may also be of assistance in case you aren’t aware of any predisposed conditions that some breeds may be known for.

Whatever level you choose, we will reimburse you for 80% co-insurance of veterinary fees due to accidents or illness, plus an annual deductible also applies.

Just like a burglary or a car accident, we hope we never have to worry about getting our pet life-saving medical treatment, but it’s important to have a plan in place in case we do. Pets, after all, are not just furry companions – to many of us, they’re family members.

If your pet’s health and well-being is important to you, you will want to provide them with the best care available. Pet insurance can make the process of doing so more manageable, while also guaranteeing a safety net in case of an emergency. To many pet owners, this peace of mind is well worth the monthly fee.

To learn more about what’s covered in our pet insurance policies or to get a quote, click here.