When we think about pet insurance, we typically think of it in terms of medical emergencies. Those moments when a pet is hurt or seriously sick and requires expensive veterinarian care. We want to be able to be there for our furry family members when they really need us, and pet insurance is the best way to ensure that we’ll never let them down.

That alone is a great reason to get pet insurance. The peace of mind and security that comes with the knowledge that a sudden emergency with your pet won’t bankrupt the family is something that cannot be understated. But that’s not all pet insurance can do for you and your favourite critter. There are a variety of benefits and expanded policy options available that can help you and your pet in ways you might never have expected!

Here are a few of the less well-known reasons pet insurance is a good idea for your family:

Vaccines and regular treatment

Again, while we tend to concentrate on medical emergencies when it comes to insurance, it’s important to remember that pets incur a number of regular medical costs. Vaccines, boosters, dental cleanings, and annual check-ups are all important to your pet’s health, but the bills can add up quickly.

Some pet insurance plans can help offset those expenses. These plans allow pet owners to pay a flat monthly fee to cover many of these regular, expected costs. Think of it as getting a little extra for the cost of your premium, that way you’re still seeing value from it even if you (thankfully) never have to file a claim.

Rehabilitation therapy

It’s one thing to survive an accident, it’s another to reclaim your life. When it comes to people, we understand this very well. The rehabilitation process is a natural and important part of recovering after serious surgery or a traumatic event such as an amputation. But our animal friends are not always so lucky. Rehabilitation therapy for a pet can often be preventatively expensive for a family to pursue after already struggling with the costs of surgery and vet care.

This is another area where pet insurance can be a lifesaver. This is unlikely to be a standard feature on most pet insurance policies, but it can be available as an add-on. With surgery and care, your dog might survive a hit and run. But with rehabilitation, you can get your dog back to running and playing like they used to. That’s coverage worth considering.

Boarding and Kennel services

You might think you’d never need to board or kennel your pets, but there is no telling what the future might bring. In the event of sudden unavoidable travel, or a disaster such as a flood that makes your home temporarily unlivable, you may need to board your pets unexpectedly. When that happens, you want to be able to leave your fuzzy friend somewhere respectable and trustworthy, not whatever kennel you can afford on the spot. That’s when the boarding and kennel coverage of some pet insurance policies can really help.

Talk with your broker

Finding the pet insurance that makes sense for you and your family isn’t always easy. There is a lot to consider and (as we might have illustrated) many things the average person is unaware of when it comes to pet insurance. That’s why it’s always best to discuss your needs and expectations with a qualified broker who will help you make sense of your options and help guide you towards the best value for you and your pet.