Pet health insurance companies

According to 2002 figures from the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are more than 61 million dogs and 69 million cats in the U.S., with approximately 300 species of birds kept as pets. More than 60 percent of U.S. households own a cat or dog. More than 91 percent of pet owners take their dogs and cats to the veterinarian for vaccination and preventive care. In addition, avian care is increasing. In 1991, consumers spent $37.7 million on veterinary medical expenditures for birds, increasing to $140 million by 2002. Vets have access to increasingly sophisticated and costly diagnostic tools such as MRIs. Such screenings not only boost the cost of insuring a pet is pretty reasonable. You're not alone. By some accounts, the U.S. market for pet insurance has grown at an annual pace of 45% over 5 years, totaling $88 million in 2002 according to the research firm, Packaged Facts. A few years ago, pet insurance would have ranked right up there with policies on children and dread disease coverage on my list of insurance you don’t need to buy. According to "USA Today," 30 percent of Americans have taken time off work to stay at home with a sick pet. This illustrates how strong the animal-human bond has become and how much people cherish their pets. Deductibles, exclusions and surcharges But if you’re the type of person who would do anything to save your pet, including spend thousands of dollars on medical treatments, pet insurance might be a preferable alternative to going into debt. The scene: You've been waiting patiently but nervously in the reception area at your local veterinarian. Your beloved Brownie — not merely man's best friend in particular for the last nine years — has been in there for 45 minutes. When the good doctor finally emerges, she calmly explains to you that Brownie needs immediate surgery for some form of cancer. The cost? About $3,000. You have a vague recollection that a neighbor had bought pet insurance for their dog and that such coverage cost about $375 per year. Suddenly,. Pe helth insrance compaies - Per hwalth insurancd fompanies.