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Hey everyone, I’m a new pet parent trying to decide if pet insurance is worth the monthly cost. I’ve been reading a lot online, and it seems like there are strong opinions on both sides. Some say it’s a lifesaver when unexpected vet bills pop up, while others argue you’re better off just putting that money into a savings account. What has your experience been? Have you found pet insurance to be a good investment, or do you think it’s mostly just throwing money away each month?
I definitely think pet insurance is worth it. My dog tore both of his ACLs, and the surgery cost us about $10,000. Luckily, my insurance covered 80% of that, meaning I only paid $2,000. Without it, I would have had to empty my savings or possibly make a heartbreaking decision about his care. For the peace of mind alone, the $50 a month I pay feels like a small price.
From my experience, it’s better to save the money yourself. I’ve had my cat for 17 years and have never had pet insurance. In all that time, I’ve only had one emergency vet visit that cost me around $1,000. If I had paid even a modest $30 a month for insurance over those years, I would have spent over $6,000 in premiums, far more than my actual vet emergency cost.
As someone who works in a vet ER, I see firsthand how crucial pet insurance can be. Neurosurgery for our patients often costs around $13,000. I’ve seen Trupanion cover the MRI, surgery, and hospitalization, leaving the owner with only a few hundred dollars to pay. If you can’t afford a sudden $5,000 bill, insurance is likely a good idea for you.
I used to think saving was the way to go, but my friend’s older dog needed a $15,000 surgery. Watching her struggle with that decision made me realize that pet insurance was worth it to avoid that kind of stress. Now I pay around $50 a month, and knowing I won’t have to choose between my pet’s life and my finances is invaluable.
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