Is Your Pet’s Illness and Isolated Incident or a Chronic Condition?

Jeffersonville, IN (PRWEB) July 11, 2014

In most scenarios, sicknesses come and go. But that isn't always the case. Unfortunately, people and pets alike can develop illnesses that require ongoing treatment, care, or medication for years, sometimes even for the rest of their lives. These costs add up quickly due to the repeating treatments and medication that may be needed.

Some of the most common conditions that can affect your dog or cat in a long-term (if not lifelong) basis are:

   •  Diabetes
   •  Cancer
   •  Chronic Allergies
   •  Hip Dysplasia

"Hearing that your pet has a chronic condition such as diabetes can be overwhelming and frightening to pet parents," said Fran Mitchell, Claims Manager at PetFirst. "The first thing a pet parent needs to do is become informed about the condition."

In 2013 alone, PetFirst reimbursed more than $93,528 for the condition of diabetes in both dogs and cats. Diabetes in pets can be managed under the supervision of a veterinarian. Insulin shots are typically administered daily by the pet parent, so that expense adds up quickly.

In addition to diabetes, another diagnosis that pet parents never want to hear is cancer. Hearing that your cat or dog is diagnosed with cancer can be frightening.

In November 2013, pet parents of Fuego, received that devastating diagnosis. Fuego, a Rhodesian ridgeback in Texas, was diagnosed with cancer when a tumor was found in his soft pallet in the back of his mouth. The tumor grew to effect his breathing, requiring surgery. The cost of treatment totaled more than $5,100. Thankfully, Fuego's pet parents had a pet insurance policy, and were reimbursed more than $4,500 of that total cost.

These dollar amounts can be just as frightening as hearing the diagnosis. Fortunately for pet parents, PetFirst offers policies that cover chronic, hereditary, and congenital conditions year after year. These policies, known as Lifetime policies, offer coverage of $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000 per year towards accidents or illnesses. With PetFirst, policyholders can be reimbursed each year, but will never experience a lifetime maximum.

A notice to pet parents though. Pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Insuring your pet early before they develop any illnesses will help obtain the best coverage option possible.

"Just as with our own personal health, you can never anticipate or predict when your pets will get sick or injured. Chances are at some point in their lives, they will," said Mitchell.

The best thing a pet parent can do is to be informed and prepared. There are multiple symptoms and behaviors your cat or dog will exhibit if something is wrong. Know the symptoms and seek the medical expertise of a veterinarian.

Pet owners with pet insurance have the satisfaction of knowing their veterinarian bills can be reimbursed up to 90% should an accident or injury arise any time of year. PetFirst offers pet insurance that is convenient for pet owners and can be activated online or by phone. To receive a customized quote for pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.

About PetFirst
PetFirst is the fastest growing pet insurer in North America offering easy-to-understand lifelong coverage for dogs and cats. PetFirst's comprehensive coverage is unique in the industry providing simplified policies with coverage for hereditary, chronic and breed-specific conditions with no per diagnosis limits. PetFirst offers pet insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through animal welfare agencies, retailers, employers as well as other partners. PetFirst polices are underwritten by American Alternative Insurance Corporation (Munich Re) which is rated by A.M. Best as A+. Additional services are underwritten by Lloyd's. For more information about PetFirst pet insurance, visit http://www.petfirst.com or call 877-894-7387.

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