Being a pet parent is a full-time job that requires a lot of patience, planning and care. It is all well and good when you have a healthy pet, but say your pet contracted an ear infection or picked up a bug while digging through the trash can, you will need to ensure they are provided the right medical care.
Living in a state like Arizona especially requires you to invest in a good pet insurance policy because of the slightly rough living conditions. The following are some things you should know about pet insurance Arizona and why you should get it.
Reasons to Get Pet Insurance in Arizona
Arizona is a particularly perilous state for household pets. Home to the Grand Canyon, the state is known for its extreme conditions and even the desert critters that local Arizonians are simply used to seeing around their backyard, be it spiders or coyotes.
A spider bite alone can cost you $1,000 to treat your pet and any local Arizonian will tell you the state is replete with dangerous spiders, venomous snakes and insects! Does this mean people who live in Arizona do not keep pets? No, it simply means they are smart about their insurance coverage. More importantly, it also means that they always have to keep their pets under keen supervision when they let them out for a walk or to relieve themselves.
Arizona also has extreme weather conditions, which can become especially exhausting for smaller pets or even larger pets who are not used to the weather conditions. The climate can make the animals more vulnerable to illnesses. Therefore, unless you want to shell out large parts of your monthly income on paying for your pet’s medical bills, it is advisable that you invest in a good insurance policy for your pet.
Veterinary Costs in Arizona
Having gone over the reasons why Arizona can be an especially perilous state for household pets, you may also want to know what it costs to own a pet in the state and give it the best care possible. Even if you are able to give your pet a comfortable life and keep them out of trouble (see: desert insects, snakes and other critters), there is still a minimum that you will need to spend on your pet through the year.
From various platforms, the following are some of the average veterinary costs you may have to front in Arizona. The costs will differ from city to city, so where you live in Arizona will also determine how much a trip to the vet may cost you:
- Phoenix — $35.54/month
- Mesa — $45.84/month
- Yuma — $36.70/month
- Flagstaff — $31.81/month
- Tucson — $31.81/month
It is surprising that Mesa, a suburban city, is more expensive than larger cities like Phoenix. However, this is likely because larger cities are more equipped to take care of pets and provide more options and access to healthcare.
As a pet parent, you will end up spending anywhere between $2,000-$4,000 every year on your pet, depending on where you live and whether your pet has any underlying conditions. With pet insurance, you will be able to have those costs reimbursed instead of footing an expensive emergency bill.
The Best Pet Insurance in Arizona
In Arizona, you can largely expect insurance plans to cover the following things: accident-only coverage, illness coverage, wellness and endorsements. When it comes to illness coverage, it is best to invest in it when your pet is young as most insurance providers give illness coverage based on the pet’s age.
If your pet has a preexisting condition or has a preceding chronic illness, it is likely that you will not be able to find an insurance plan. The following are some good pet insurance Arizona options you can consider:
Spot Pet Insurance
Spot Pet Insurance is one of the best insurance providers not only in Arizona, but in the United States. It is a good option for the features it provides overall, such as:
- No age limit
- Low premium amounts
- Customizable plans
- Coverage for preexisting congenital and hereditary conditions
- Up to 90 percent remuneration on legible medical bills
Embrace
Embrace Pet Insurance is another great plan to cover unexpected medical bills, wellness coverage and competitive pricing. You can also customize your plan by selecting your annual maximum, deductible and reimbursement percentage according to your budget. The following are some of the features the plan offers:
- Offers behavioural therapy, including grooming and training and other wellness benefits
- Dental care of $650 in standard plans
- Flexible deductible adjustment options
Petplan
Petplan is a great plan if you are looking to get coverage for online vet visits, among other things. While the insurance plan does not cover pre-existing conditions, there are other things it offers. The following are some of the features of the plan:
- Online visit coverage
- Online claims service
- Coverage for diverse services like acupuncture, cancer treatment, emergency dental procedures, etc
In Conclusion
Pet insurance Arizona is one of the most important things for a pet owner to consider. No matter what your monthly income, there are plans for every household depending on your monthly budget.
Depending on your pet’s breed, the city you live in and other factors, the veterinary costs of looking after the pet may be different. It is best to carry out research in your local area and invest in a pet insurance policy that works best for you. In the meantime, if you are looking for low-income pet health help in the state of Arizona, there are a few options you could consider.
Animal Aid Network is a great option for Valley Verde residents if you are looking for financial assistance during pet medical emergencies or are looking to spay or neuter your pet at a low cost. You can also consider the Arizona Pet Project for various kinds of aid and neutering services. Pet insurance is one of the most crucial aspects of being a pet parent. Be sure to pick the right plan.
