We treat our pets like family and spend billions of dollars annually on veterinary care. If you think pet insurance could save you money on routine checkups and emergencies, listen up. According to Consumer Reports, not all parents with pet insurance are satisfied, and there may be a better way to save on medical costs for your furry friend.
A Consumer Reports survey found that pet owners are highly dissatisfied with their pet insurance coverage. In the survey, more than 2,000 members shared their pet insurance experiences on everything from actual coverage to the premiums they paid and the process of making a claim for a refund. And overall, there was no true top dog. Most results show that all insurance companies are about in the middle.
Consumer Reports examined survey data on eight pet insurance companies. On average, the total cost per pet was about $47 per month.
Six insurers received moderate overall satisfaction scores, while two received the lowest ratings.
So what can we do to save? Deposit the amount that can be used for insurance premiums into a dedicated savings account.
You can self-insure your fur baby by putting money into a high-yield savings account each month in case they need medical help.
If you're having trouble paying for your pet's medical care, why not consider attending a veterinary school that offers discounts on everything from health checkups to spaying/neutering?
If your pet needs medication, shop around. You may find it cheaper to order medications online from places like Chewy, Petco, PetMeds, and Walmart Pet Pharmacy.
You can also try telehealth veterinary services like Bond Vet and Pawp for non-emergency care, according to Consumer Reports.
