Every pet owner comes across this scenario at least once. The scenario of what will happen if my pet gets sick or requires surgery. Pets are not cheap, but to most they are family and you can't put a price on that. However, you can consider pet insurance.  Pet insurance is becoming increasingly popular to the point that even certain companies will offer it as part of your benefits package. Yet the same questions remain, should my pet be insured and is it worth it?

These are difficult questions to answer and will vary from person to person. In this article I will provide my perspective on whether or not to insure your pet and if it’s really worth it. Pet insurance is a case-by-case scenario. It’s also both an economic and emotional decision that is based on your current financial situation. For some, people insure their pets for peace of mind.  For example, you have the money, you love your pet, and you like the fact that you have a cushion in case of emergencies. For others, it can mean a lot more in terms of the age of your pet, any current illnesses, and if you find the right plan that can meet your budget. The bottom line is that for many people, pet insurance is viewed as more of a luxury than a necessity. Although it may be considered a luxury, you should insure your pet and here’s why.

Surveys have shown that most pet owners would pay any amount for the well-being and longevity of their pet.  One reason you should get pet insurance is to cover the ‘what if’ scenario. Every day people buy insurance to help them pay for large, unexpected, and unplanned out of pocket expenses.  The same concept applies to your pet when they suddenly fall ill or need an emergency surgery.  Many owners claim that the current pet insurance plans available are insufficient, expensive, and do not provide full coverage.  This is not true. There are several companies that offer pet insurance policies that provide full coverage. These companies also allow you to customize your policy to fit your budget and personal needs. The point is that if your pet were sick or injured and required major surgery, would you have the cash on hand to cover it? Would you be prepared for the unexpected? Chances are most likely not. If that’s the case, then you should look into purchasing pet insurance.

So is pet insurance really worth it? The answer is simple. Ask yourself do you love your pet. If you can look at your fur baby and positively answer this question, then there you have it.  You might pay a little or you might pay a lot, but insure your pets because they truly are worth it.