Helpful Info

A Thought or Two on Costs of Veterinary Care

We often hear that this or that veterinary procedure ‘costs more than my children’s visit to the pediatrician.’ While the co-pay might indeed only be $15 or $20, here’s some food for thought. Health insurance and reimbursement for people range, in the Philadelphia area, from $500 to $1500 per month for a family of four, usually part of the “benefits” package for one spouse through the employer. That works out to $6000 to $18,000 per year. The doctor collects $15 from the patient and can get upwards of $35 to $50 per patient wellness visit through a PPO style insurance remuneration plan. So, 2.5 visits per year gets your general practitioner about $40 out of your pocket and $80 to $125 from the “insurance company.” But wait; what if you (remaining otherwise healthy) skipped the health insurance and just had two wellness visits uninsured? Then you’d have $150 out of pocket. And your employer (or you) would have the $6000 to $18,000 savings in premium.

Pet Insurance

While there is nothing “wrong” with pet health insurance, few people look at the cumulative costs. What most of our clients fear is a “cash flow” crisis; a fractured femur might cost as much as $3500 to plate by our specialty referral colleague. If you don’t have access to that much cash or credit in a short time frame, that would be terrible for your pet’s leg. Insurance will fill that gap, but a the cost of the premium. We might, alternatively, suggest keeping a separate credit card free and clear of any debt, with a sufficient credit limit to cover $1500 to $5000 of immediately usable funds. This costs you nothing, is accepted by nearly every veterinary hospital, and covers you for multiple pets (whereas multiple pet households must have policies in place per pet—a potentially pricey way to supply coverage.

Animal Welfare/Puppy Mills

The veterinary profession has occupied a unique position through history in the defense of animal welfare. Today, while much controversy roils, we can be sure that veterinary medicine is striving to improve.



		Helpful Info A Pet Owner's Contract Tips on Referrals and Second Opinions from Dr. Michael Moyer Neutering Facts Skunk Antidote A Thought or Two on Costs of Veterinary Care Pet Insurance Animal Welfare/Puppy Mills A Thought or Two on Costs of Veterinary Care We often hear that this or that veterinary procedure ‘costs more than my children’s visit to the pediatrician.’ While the co-pay might indeed only be $15 or $20, here’s some food for thought. Health insurance and reimbursement for people range, in the Philadelphia area, from $500 to $1500 per month for a family of four, usually part of the “benefits” package for one spouse through the employer. That works out to $6000 to $18,000 per year. The doctor collects $15 from the patient and can get upwards of $35 to $50 per patient wellness visit through a PPO style insurance remuneration plan. So, 2.5 visits per year gets your general practitioner about $40 out of your pocket and $80 to $125 from the “insurance company.” But wait; what if you (remaining otherwise healthy) skipped the health insurance and just had two wellness visits uninsured? Then you’d have $150 out of pocket. And your employer (or you) would have the $6000 to $18,000 savings in premium. Pet Insurance While there is nothing “wrong” with pet health insurance, few people look at the cumulative costs. What most of our clients fear is a “cash flow” crisis; a fractured femur might cost as much as $3500 to plate by our specialty referral colleague. If you don’t have access to that much cash or credit in a short time frame, that would be terrible for your pet’s leg. Insurance will fill that gap, but a the cost of the premium. We might, alternatively, suggest keeping a separate credit card free and clear of any debt, with a sufficient credit limit to cover $1500 to $5000 of immediately usable funds. This costs you nothing, is accepted by nearly every veterinary hospital, and covers you for multiple pets (whereas multiple pet households must have policies in place per pet—a potentially pricey way to supply coverage. Animal Welfare/Puppy Mills The veterinary profession has occupied a unique position through history in the defense of animal welfare. Today, while much controversy roils, we can be sure that veterinary medicine is striving to improve.

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