TL/DR –
Zoe, a 12-year-old cat, accumulated a veterinary bill of $25,000 after losing an eye to cancer, a cost that was fully borne by her owners as they did not have pet insurance. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that the average household spends $367 annually on routine medical care for dogs and $253 for cats, however, serious medical issues can cost thousands of dollars. As of 2022, the average monthly cost to insure a dog for accidents and illnesses was $53 and $32 for a cat, with premiums decreasing with larger deductibles.
Zoe the Cat: The $25,000 Lesson in Pet Insurance
Zoe, a 12-year-old cat, lost an eye to cancer, leaving her owners, Torrance residents Mike Superstein and Suzanne Erdelyi, with a hefty $25,000 veterinary bill. Uninsured, they bore the full cost of her medical treatment.
They learned a valuable lesson about the importance of pet health insurance. Kristen Lynch, executive director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, emphasizes, “If you love your pet, you’re going to have to treat that pet.”
The American Veterinary Medical Association reveals that the average household annually spends $367 on dogs and $253 on cats for routine medical care. However, unexpected serious medical issues can skyrocket these costs – justifying the need for pet insurance.
Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, agrees. “It’s definitely worth it if you are the kind of person who feels like you would do anything to save your cats or your pets if they got injured or ill,” she says. In 2014, California passed a law for greater transparency in pet insurance fees and conditions making it a more reliable option.
Currently, the average cost to insure a dog for accidents and illness was $53 a month, and for cats, it was $32 according to industry estimates. Much like human insurance, a larger deductible means a lower monthly premium.
Veterinary experts advice pet owners to thoroughly understand insurance policies. Important questions to ask include: What is covered? Are routine checkups and preventive care included? Do they cover age-related conditions such as cataracts and joint problems?
In light of Zoe’s disease, Superstein and Erdelyi chose not to insure her due to her age and her pre-existing condition. However, they insured their younger cat, Sunny Gray, in a bid to avoid similar hefty bills in the future.
“She figures to be living at least another 12, 13 years minimum,” says Mike. “So that’s the only way to go after what we went through.”
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