Sometimes pet owners wonder about the costs of providing quality veterinary care for their pets. Why is veterinary care for my pet(s) so expensive these days? Sometimes it seems we spend more on our pet’s health care than on our own.
The cost of veterinary care has actually risen very little during the last 20 to 30 years. When compared to the rising cost of human health care, pet care is not at all unreasonable. Bear in mind that your veterinarian is your pet’s general physician, surgeon, radiologist, dentist, dermatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist, ears/nose/throat doctor, and pharmacist.
Your veterinary bill is a reflection of the costs of maintaining suitable facilities, equipment, and support personnel to provide the level of care that is expected in animal medicine today. Although it may feel as if you are paying more for your pet’s health care than your own, chances are that you probably have adequate health care insurance for your own needs. Consequently, you may never see the total bottom-line figure for your own doctor bills. When human health care costs are added up – including insurance, deductibles, and pharmaceutical costs – there is no comparison to the much lower veterinary care costs.
Today, pet health insurance is available to offset the costs of your furry friends’ medical expenses in much the same way that yours are.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) strongly suggests that all pet owning families assess their financial situation and consider their ability to meet unexpected expenses that may be incurred for veterinary care. For some families, these expenses may be met through existing savings. Others may be able to use credit card reserves or medical payment cards. Some families should consider budgeting for these expenses and still others may want to consider protecting themselves through pet health insurance policies.
For those considering pet health insurance, AAHA offers the following suggestions:
- Be sure you understand what the policy covers. Some policies (but not all) cover some preventative care, such as vaccinations, but not always.
- Understand the exclusions. Almost all policies exclude pre-existing conditions and some exclude hereditary conditions. Some may exclude certain conditions unique to certain breeds.
- Almost all policies have a deductible and a co-pay requirement. Some pay according to a set schedule of “usual and customary fees” while some pay based on the actual incurred expense. Understand how expenses will be reimbursed.
- Ask whether or not the policy allows you to seek care from a veterinarian of your own choice or a network of providers.
- Speak with your veterinarian or someone in the practice. Your veterinarian may have experience with different policies and can provide advice.
Remember you would never expect your own physician to provide diagnosis, care, and medication free of charge. You cannot ask your veterinarian to do this for your pet. The owner ultimately determines care of the pet.
Every pet owner has different ideas about what is acceptable pet care. Veterinarians can only make their clients aware of the services and products that are available and then provide guidance in options. As a pet owner ask for an estimate of the charges.
References:
- (Excerpted from The Cost of Compassion: Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Veterinary Health Care, 1997, AAHA Press.)
- This information was obtained directly from www.healthypets.com
