The thought of your pet falling ill is an unpleasant one, and you’ve probably thought about whether you should have pet insurance. When it comes to health, it’s best to be prepared for every eventuality. And in the event that your pet does fall ill, pet insurance can help you cover the substantial costs associated with treatment.

To give just a few examples: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or canine cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery for dogs can cost as much as $2,500; the costs for cataract surgery can set you back $4,000 while resolving an intestinal blockage can be as high as $7,000. Treatment for furry felines can also cost a paw and a leg: intestinal surgeries for cats can cost as much as $4,500. 

These are high numbers, and they can force families who can’t afford the treatment into making the heart-wrenching choice of bidding farewell to their loved ones.

It’s important to note that most (if not all) pet insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions. This is why if your pet is relatively healthy, you should consider purchasing pet insurance now so that you can be covered for possible future accidents and illnesses.

The average premiums for pet insurance in the United States are approximately $50/month for dogs and $30/month for cats. While these costs might seem exorbitant at first glance, they are a bargain compared to the costs of some of the most typical surgeries.

Selecting the right pet insurance is vital: if you switch providers at some point in the future, any condition prior to the new enrollment would be considered as “pre-existing”, even if that condition was covered by the first provider.

How then can you select the best health insurance provider for your pet?

This “Wirecutter” review provides detailed research on available options for pet insurance and is a great starting point.  As you read the review, you will discover that there’s no one “best” option. You will have to take a more personalized approach, and factors like your location and your pet’s medical history play an outsized role in helping determine the best insurance provider for your pet.

Ask for quotes from at least three providers. Conduct a detailed comparison by taking a wide variety of factors into account – these can range from policy, the coverage options, and the waiting period: the amount of time at the beginning of the policy when coverage is restricted. You will run into the fine print, and find that now is as good a time as any to ask questions and put your prospective pet insurance provider’s customer service to the test.

And as always, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. They see patients from multiple providers and can give you an expert opinion.

Your pet deserves the best – especially when it comes to health. Buying great pet insurance can help ensure that your best friends get prompt, quality medical treatment during the time they need it most.