why pet insurance is important to me

I've had pet insurance for over 5 years on my cats. I started off with one company and then switched to Lemonade about 4 years ago when my prior plan didn't cover a minor mouth surgery and biopsy on Sosi, which cost me nearly $2500. I'm extremely comfortable recommending them. Personally, I chose pet insurance for 5 reasons:

1. TESTING &  DIAGNOSIS. The worst feeling is having to take your kitty to the vet for an unknown issue and getting told we can do ABC, 123, or XYZ to figure it out. Then they present the cost of all 3 options. Insurance allows me to chose the option not based on cost, but on necessity.
2. ER VISITS. My vets don't see pets after hours. Going to the 24hr Emergency in Appleton is extremely expensive. I can't emotionally handle waiting until our vet opens.
3. COVERAGE IF & WHEN I NEED IT. While I may not use it often, I DO think about what can happen as my cats age. Disease and illness requiring long-term, expensive treatment is not something I want to stress about. If and when my aging cats fall ill to something, it's another time I don't want to be forced to make a decision based on cost.
4. I NEED TO BE SURE. I can't rely on Google or online groups to diagnose my cats. And, I can't live with not getting them any care the minute they need it.  Waiting something out stresses meowt. I'll do it for myself but not with my "kids."
5. My cats are literally MY LIFE.

1. DON'T WAIT. The younger and healthier the pet, the lower the price. Pre-existing conditions are most often not covered so it's best to start insurance as soon as you get your kitty. I always see people asking about insurance in the same sentence as their kitty having issues or needing surgery. You want a policy in place BEFORE you need it for WHEN you need it.
2. GET WHATEVER YOU CAN AFFORD. Get what you can afford, even if it's not top tier coverage. Think long-term and how any coverage is better than no coverage, especially if surgery or disease pops up down the road. As with all insurances, a lower deductible or higher co-pay can lower your monthly premium.
3. DON'T LET IT LAPSE. Even if you're not using it, keep it going to keep your coverage and your premiums where they are. Stopping and starting up again usually changes the cost.
4. PICK A COMPANY YOU'LL STICK WITH. Changing companies usually means prior health issues will be considered pre-existing and you may find they won't be covered.  

I compare my pet insurance to auto insurance...I have it for when we need it, not for when I don't. I would let my own health insurance lapse before I let my cats' lapse. Lol