To many people, their pets are members of their families. They want to be able to care for their health in the same way they would any other family member.

Pet health insurance can help you afford the very best wellness care for your cat or dog, as well as to be prepared for the unexpected emergency visit. Pet health insurance plans can take care of your pet's needs from accident and illness only, to complete wellness care such as annual checkups, vaccinations, and flea and heartworm preventative medication.

The idea of health care insurance coverage for household pets has been around for awhile now. As technological advances in the world of veterinary medicine increase the availability of human level diagnostics and health care to animals, many pet owners find themselves in the heartbreaking position of not being able to afford the care their pet needs. Unlike the world of human health care, there is no government health care plan ready to step in and provide that care.

Just like human health care insurance, pet health care insurance pays for veterinary care and often for prescription medication as well. The cost of pet insurance will vary based on what is covered by the health care policy. Some pet insurance policies will include coverage for annual vaccinations for your dog or cat. Other policies do not cover these routine medical expenses and are there in case your pet suffers a catastrophic illness or injury.

As with human health care insurance, pet insurance pays the health care provider, in this case the veterinarian, according to a schedule worked out by the insurance company. Before you sign up for pet insurance, it is a good idea to make sure your veterinarian accepts the insurance you are considering. You may want to ask your vet for a recommendation. Pet insurance is becoming more and more common, so there is a good chance the staff at your veterinary hospital has at least a passing familiarity with the various pet insurance programs offered in your area.

Also consider the deductible you are required to pay before the pet insurance kicks in. Of course, the higher the deductible, the lower the cost of the insurance policy.

Charlene Mattel is founder of http://www.insurance-insurance.info and has worked in the insurance industry for almost 30 years. She understands how confusing all of the different insurance policies can be so she created a website to explain all types of insurance in plain English, to help you buy the policy and coverage that you really need and at the best price.

http://www.insurance-insurance.info/health/pet%20insurance.htm