b'If Confusion Is the First Step to Knowledge,When It Comes to Understanding Pet Insurance,We Pet Parents Are Geniusesby Anna CookeMorethan23-millionAmericanhouseholdsadoptedapet thepreviousyear,accordingtotheNorthAmericanPetduring the pandemic. A majority of households have retained Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). The average annualtheir pandemic-adopted pets, despite alarmist headlines tied cost for an accident and illness policy is about $640 for dogsto regional reports of a surge in owner surrenders. This trend and $387 for cats, according to NAPHIA data from 2022, theisnotcurrentlyevidentonanationallevelwithmany most recent available. That works out to about $53 a monthorganizationssimplyseeingareturntopre-pandemic for dogs and $32 a month for cats.operations and intake.* NerdWallet, a platform that provides financial guidanceto consumers and small to mid-sized businesses, released somehelpful tips for those considering insurance for their pets.Some key insights include:n Estimate the cost of vet caredoes your pet havespecial needs? How often are you going to the vet?Having an idea of how youre spending money onyour pets health is a great place to start.n Understanding pet insurancelike human care,insurance is not one-size-fits-all, and for some pets,insurance may not be needed. n Pet Insurance quotesAre pet insurance offerstiered into different buckets like human insurance?Is it just a flat fee? Knowing what youre beingquoted for is key when deciding which insuranceplan is best for your pets specific needs.There are three main types of pet insurance plans: n Accident and illness. The most common type of petinsurance, these plans cover treatment for illnessesand accidental injuries.n Accident-only. These plans tend to be more affordable.Theyll pay if your pet swallows a toy or is hit by a car,Chardonnay contemplates the need for pet insurance. but not for any illnesses such as diabetes or arthritis.As healthcare and medical technology for our pets havegreatlyimproved,thecoststotakecareofourpetshave n Wellness or preventive care. This type of coverage isincreased. There are still a lot of questions from seasoned and usually an add-on. Itll pay for well visits, vaccinesnewpetownersregardingpetinsurance.Whenwebegan and other routine care.publishingTheNewBarkerin2006,petinsurancewasconsideredaluxury.Onlyoneortwoproviderswere Afteryoubuyyourpetinsuranceplan,youllusuallywell-known and sometimes their brochures were displayed in have a short waiting period before the coverage takes effect.veterinary offices. However, no one knew enough about pet Waiting periods are typically a few days to a couple of weeks,insurance or the providers to make a sound recommendation. butsomecompaniesimposelongeronesforcertainWas it necessary or just an additional expense that might not problems such as cruciate ligament injuries or hip dysplasia.pay off in the long run? Once the waiting period is over, your pets vet expensesToday, a growing number of pet parents are choosing to will be eligible for coverage as long as you continue to payinsure their pets. More than 4.8 million U.S. dogs and cats your premiums. Depending on your insurer, you may be ablewere covered by pet insurance in 2022a 22% increase from to pay on a monthly or annual basis.56THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'