Pets are family, and we would do anything to take care of them. We know many paw-rents, as well as those thinking of adopting, are wondering whether they should purchase pet insurance or not. In the United States and Canada, only 1% of fur-babies have insurance, compared to about 50% in Sweden and 25% in the United Kingdom. We have insurance for ourselves, our homes, and our vehicles, so why don't we have it for our pets?

When it comes to pet insurance, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, it can bring paw-rents some peace of mind in the event of an emergency. As medical advancements in veterinary care are made, the costs for such care will increase. Pet insurance can help offset the costs you may have to pay due to illness or injury. Here are some things to consider for your pet:

• With pet insurance, you will typically pay the veterinarian for services, and then must submit a claim to the insurance company, who will then provide you with a reimbursement check.
• Not all services will be covered under the insurance, with parents having to pay for preventive and annual services (vaccines, dental cleanings, etc.). Some providers offer wellness plans to help cover those costs.
• If you have a young pet, you might want to consider insurance. Energetic and untrained animals can get into a lot of trouble, including eating things they shouldn't or getting injured while playing.
• If you have a senior animal, they will be more expensive to insure. They can develop more health problems and pre-existing conditions will not be covered by most plans. Additionally, some insurance companies will "age out" pets and no longer offer coverage.
• Before purchasing pet insurance, make sure to review everything to know what is and is not covered, even calling the insurance company to clarify their policy. When making a final decision on a company, research their reputation online, and ask your vet and friends if they liked the service.

Ultimately, whether to get pet insurance is up to you and what you think is best for your fur-baby. Speak with your veterinarian about your pet's health to help make that decision. If you're planning on getting insurance, head to the American Veterinary Medical Association website for more advice.