Should I Get Pet Insurance in Arizona?

To do or not to do, that is the question. 

Many of us are uncertain whether pet insurance is worth it or not, so in this blog, we aim to give you the low-down on pet insurance in Arizona, from the vet practice perspective. 

What Are the Benefits of Pet Insurance?

Deciding whether to purchase pet insurance depends on various factors, including your financial situation, your pet’s health, and your comfort level with potential veterinary costs. 

Here are some key benefits of dog and cat insurance:

1. Financial Protection: Pet insurance can help cover unexpected veterinary costs, which can be significant in the event of accidents, illnesses, or chronic conditions. In Arizona, with our special blend of poisonous desert creatures and monsoon weather surprises, it is not uncommon to have an unplanned trip to the vet. For this reason, pet insurance in Arizona can be especially useful. 
2. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have coverage can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your pet’s health without worrying about the financial burden.
3. Access to Better Care: With insurance, you may be more willing to opt for advanced treatments or specialist care that might be cost-prohibitive otherwise.
4. Budgeting: Insurance premiums can help you budget for your pet’s health care costs by spreading out expenses over time rather than facing large, unexpected bills.

What Should I Consider When Making Pet Insurance Decisions? 

At Revel Vet, we don’t believe in anything that comes with the description “one-size-fits-all.” Your pet is an individual, as is your lifestyle and situation. When considering whether or not pet insurance is a valuable fit for you, we recommend a big picture approach. 

Consider:

• Your pet’s age and health status. Insuring a young, healthy pet can be more cost-effective and ensures coverage before any conditions develop. For older pets or pre-existing conditions, coverage may not be useful or it may be more expensive. 

• Breed-specific risks. Some cat and dog breeds are prone to certain health issues. Research your pet’s breed to understand potential risks and the associated costs of treatment.

• Your finances. Can you afford to pay out-of-pocket for major veterinary expenses in the event of an emergency? If not, insurance might be a wise investment.

Pet insurance may not be necessary if your pet has a low-risk of health issues and you are comfortable handling expenses out-of-pocket. 

What Cat and Dog Insurance Does Revel Vet Recommend?

At Revel Vet, we recommend Trupanion, a pet insurance company that provides coverage for cats and dogs in the event of accidents, illnesses, injuries, and other medical issues. 

Trupanion’s comprehensive pet plans cover:

1. Accidents and Injuries: This includes broken bones, bite wounds, and other injuries.
2. Illnesses: Covers a wide range of illnesses, from minor ones like ear infections to major ones like cancer.
3. Hereditary and Congenital Conditions: Includes conditions that are present from birth or inherited.
4. Diagnostic Tests: Covers tests such as X-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and ultrasounds.
5. Surgeries: Includes surgeries for accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions.
6. Medications: Covers prescribed medications for covered conditions.
7. Hospital Stays and Specialty Care: Covers hospitalization and care provided by specialists.
8. Prosthetic Devices and Mobility Aids: Includes items like prosthetic limbs and carts.
9. Alternative Therapies: Covers therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hydrotherapy.

Trupanion does NOT cover pre-existing conditions, exam fees, preventive care such as vaccinations, flea control, and dental cleanings, or elective procedures. 

Pets can be enrolled in Trupanion starting at birth and up to age 14. There is a 5-day waiting period (unless you enroll in the Exam Day Offer; see more below!) for injuries and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses.

In terms of deductible, Trupanion offers a lifetime per-condition deductible. This means you only pay the deductible once per condition, and it remains satisfied for the lifetime of your pet for that condition.

Additionally, Trupanion reimburses 90% of eligible veterinary costs after the deductible is met. There is no payout limit, meaning there’s no cap on how much the insurance will pay out.

How Does Trupanion Work At My Revel Vet Visit?

When you visit Revel, we can submit your claim directly to Trupanion at the time of checkout. Trupanion will process the claim and reimburse 90% of the eligible costs, directly to the vet, so that you do not have to wait for reimbursement. 

What is the Exam Day Offer?

The Trupanion Exam Day Offer is designed to make it easier for you to get your pets insured by waiving certain waiting periods. 

The Exam Day Offer is available to new Trupanion customers who sign up for pet insurance on the day of their pet’s veterinary exam. 

Normally, Trupanion has a 5-day waiting period for injuries and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses from the start date of the policy, but with the Exam Day Offer, Trupanion waives these waiting periods, meaning coverage for both injuries and illnesses begins immediately. This immediate coverage can be especially beneficial if any issues are detected during the exam.

You can enroll in pet insurance through the Exam Day Offer by scheduling an appointment with Revel Vet and signing up on the day of your exam.

Our team is here to help you with the process.