Pet Travel Insurance: What is it and do I need it?

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According to research from Roanoke Times, 78% of pet parents travel with their pets each year.  Thus, pet travel insurance should be seriously considered when traveling abroad—in fact, we can’t overstate how important it is to look at options, for the sake of your pet’s safety and your mental well being. There’s a defining feature that it covers that regular pet insurance usually doesn’t, and it’s in the name: traveling with your pet. Especially overseas!

Invest in pet travel insurance, so you can breathe easy all the way to your destination and back… knowing your beloved companion will be taken care of, no matter what happens.

Does pet health insurance help with travel?

Well… yes and no.

Basic pet health insurance may cover health events like spays, dental care, pre-existing conditions, and other important categories, but it’s not often they cover events that happen internationally. This can leave you paying full price for treatments that your dog desperately needs or force you to cut your trip short to return to your area of coverage.

This isn’t to downplay the importance of regular pet health insurance; it’s recommended you obtain it to ensure you’re able to vaccinate your pet and have them physically ready to fly, boat, or otherwise join you overseas without breaking the bank. Many destinations require your pet to have a vet-approved and vet-provided clean bill of health before they’re allowed to enter the country. Generally, they must also be up to date on vaccinations, particularly with regards to rabies shots and other highly contagious diseases.

Pet health insurance is more likely to cover your pet’s regular medication and flea/tick treatments you’ll need when you’re on vacation. Sometimes you can ask for a bit extra to take with you while you’re gone. Clearly, it’s well worth the investment!

However, it doesn’t always cover oversea incidents. This is where pet travel insurance can offer pivotal support.

Why is pet travel insurance so important?

Simply put, it covers everything travel-related.

Depending on the provider you choose, they can cover a wide (and incredibly helpful) category of events. Say you’re out on an adventure and end up hurt, needing to fly home? Your dog may not be allowed to return with you on the plane due to its limitations. Some policies will cover the event of returning your pet to you, from the cost of the flight delivery to the cost of an accompanying human.

There are other scenarios to consider. Should a flight be delayed, your pet sustains an injury during transit (or over the course of your vacation, period), or catches an illness in new environments, pet travel insurance is meant to address those gaps in coverage, so you don’t have to.

Depending on your plan, some cover pre-existing conditions too, so you’ll have access to possible reimbursement should your dog need medical care at a vet local to your destination or a refill on their prescription.

Consider the risk of your particular trip and consult with potential policy providers to find the plan that fits you and your pet best.

Purchase Policies Early

Each provider will have different requirements for policy activation. Many will require you to insure the cost of the trip fifteen (15) days or more prior to your departure date. You want your plan to be active when you leave, as it can help cover any events during your departure as well.

Is pet travel insurance expensive?

How much you’ll pay will depend on the provider you pick and the intended use of coverage… but it is most often more expensive than the regular cost of pet health insurance. This is because it’s meant to cover emergencies over a short period of time, while the previous is meant to cover over the year (or more!). Due to its ability to handle international incidents, it’s still worth fitting into the budget.

We strongly recommend travel insurance for you, but we don’t want you to forget about your furry friends too! 

See our other informative blogs about traveling with your pets under the travel tips tab.  If you travel with your pets (or just by yourself), give us a call at 844-645-6225 and we will be happy to chat with you about your travel plans.

Photo Credit:  Alin Luna

#petsafety #pettravel