Is pet insurance worth it in Arkansas?
When you consider the cost of veterinary care in Arkansas and the fact that pets are more likely to be engaged in accidents or to fall ill, it becomes apparent why pet insurance is important.
The cost to treat any health condition is high if you use veterinarian services. Furthermore, when it comes to pet expenses, veterinary care is one area that may quickly add up. If you take your pet to a veterinarian for treatments and examination, prepare to spend more on these services. With pet insurance, your pet will be treated as soon as it’s diagnosed, and you don’t have to stress about the hefty bill. You can focus on your pet and its recovery so it is able to return home safe and sound.
Keep in mind that as your pet ages, it is more likely to develop injuries and illnesses. Pet owners are encouraged to purchase an insurance plan when their pet is young because any pre-existing conditions your pet may have will likely not be covered.
What types of pet insurance plans are in Arkansas?
There are three main types of pet insurance coverage options available in Arkansas, according to different pet insurance providers.
- Accident-only plan: This plan is a low-cost type of pet insurance that only covers pets who have been involved in an accident. It only pays for emergency medical treatment for pets that have been in an accident. This type of plan is also a cost-effective option for individuals on a tight budget.
- Accident and illness plan: This is the most suitable plan for pet owners in Arkansas. It provides coverage for both accidents and illnesses that may occur for your pet, given the state it resides in. However, this type of plan may be a bit pricey, and you’ll want to factor in your pet’s age as older pets might decrease your chances of getting coverage.
- Wellness or preventative plan: This type of plan is designed to provide routine preventative care for your pet. Wellness policies may cover things like annual checkups, vaccinations, and parasite control.
What does pet insurance cover and exclude?
The following are most commonly covered under pet insurance policies:
- Vaccinations: Most insurers cover annual vaccines against core diseases like rabies, canine distemper, and feline panleukopenia. Some also cover vaccinations for other conditions such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
- Treatment for illness or injury: This includes routine care and emergency medical treatment. This type of policy is also expected to cover x-rays, medications, and surgery.
- Preventative care: This would include wellness exams, routine lab tests, and nutrition counseling if you are seeking regular maintenance for your pet. Heartworm testing and flea/tick preventatives are also included.
- Diagnostic testing: imaging exams such as an ultrasound, CT scan, MRIs, etc.
The following is a list of exclusions you should be aware of when looking at pet insurance policies:
- Treatment or diagnosis of pre-existing conditions: Pet insurance will not cover the cost for treatment or the diagnosis of pre-existing conditions.
- Specific injuries and illnesses: Pet insurance will not pay for injuries or illnesses caused by abuse, neglect, self-mutilation, or any other intentional act on the pet owner’s part.
- Breeding, pregnancy, and whelping: Pet insurance does not cover expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, or the whelps (i.e., newborn pups) if the mother dog dies during pregnancy or the whelping process. This would include transportation costs to and from the veterinary clinic, medications, and surgeries related to whelping.
- Veterinary facility fees: If your veterinarian charges more than the fee agreed upon in your policy, pet insurance will not cover the difference.
- Elective veterinary procedures: Any elective veterinary procedures will not be covered by the insurer in a basic plan. Examples of these procedures include dental care, routine surgeries such as spaying (for females), neutering (for males), and declawing. However, many policies do offer an add-on option if you would like to have coverage for elective care.
How much does pet insurance cost in Arkansas?
The cost of pet insurance in Arkansas varies depending on the insurer. This is due to some underlying factors such as age, pet breed, and zip code. Standard accident and illness pet insurance coverage in Arkansas costs between $12 to $31 per month for dogs and $7 to $20 per month for cats, according to a few findings. When considering a different dog or cat breed, keep in mind that the prices will not be the same.
In Arkansas, this is how pet insurance costs are calculated with respect to the pets’ age and breed.
| Breed | Age | Monthly Cost |
| Chihuahua | 5 year old dog | $23 to $90 |
| Chihuahua | 6 month old puppy | $18 to $68 |
| Domestic Shorthair | 5 year old cat | $17 to $45 |
| Domestic Shorthair | 6 month old kitten | $14 to $40 |
What are the veterinary costs in Arkansas?
A frequent appointment to the veterinary office in Arkansas should cost no less than $100 every visit on average. However, if you’re dealing with more significant concerns, expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $10,000, depending on your pet’s condition.
Some of these conditions and the estimated prices are:
- Canine hip dysplasia – $4,000 to $6,500 per hip
- Cardiac issues – $1,000 to $20,000
- Boxer cardiomyopathy – $500 to $2,000
- Broken bones – $200 to $5,000
- Routine checkups – $50 to $250
- Spay/neuter – $160 to $220
- Allergy testing – $195 to $300
- Cataracts – $1,500 to $3,000 per eye
- Bladder stones – $50 to $500
- Cancer – $5,000 to $20,000
- Bloodwork – $80 to $200
- X-rays – $150 to $250
- Ultrasounds – $300 to $60
- Physical exams – $45 to $55
- Dental cleaning – $70 to $400
How to choose the best pet insurance in Arkansas
When choosing pet insurance, the options can be quite overwhelming. There are several costs and policy types to consider. Here are some tips on how to choose the best pet insurance for your pet’s needs:
- Get quotes from multiple providers: Compare three to five different pet insurance providers before you make a final decision. By shopping around, you can see what is out on the market and which plan works best within your budget as well. Also keep in mind the deductible costs, potential discount offers, and the monthly premium cost during your research.
- Consider an agent: Another option for getting the best pet insurance is to contact an independent pet insurance agent in Arkansas. Most independent agents work with a variety of insurers, and they may be able to recommend the best pet plan while considering your needs.
- Customer reviews: Check what other customers have to say about an insurance agency you’re considering. Read reviews about the customer’s experience and how the agency handles their claims process.