Pet Insurance Claims: Understanding The Average Veterinary Bill

The cost of a vet visit depends on the type of pet, where you live, and the services required. The average cost of a routine check-up for a dog or cat is between $50 and $250. Basic veterinary services, such as an office visit or physical examination, can cost around $50, while more complex procedures such as surgery or hospitalisation can cost thousands of dollars. The price of veterinary services has been steadily increasing, and pet insurance can help offset these costs, with the average cost of pet insurance being $35 per month for dogs and $28 per month for cats.

Routine checkups

• Checking your pet's weight, stance, and gait
• Listening to your pet's heart and lungs
• Examining the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and teeth for any abnormalities or signs of infection
• Palpating the abdomen to assess the internal organs and check for discomfort
• Examining the skin, coat, nails, and feet for any issues such as parasites, dryness, lumps, or hair loss
• Administering necessary vaccinations

The cost of routine checkups can vary depending on the type of pet, their size, age, and location. The national average cost for a routine vet visit in the US is between $25 and $186. However, prices can go up depending on additional tests or treatments that may be required. It is recommended to bring your pet for a routine checkup at least once a year, with some pets requiring more frequent visits based on their age, health history, and other factors.

Vaccinations

Core Vaccinations

Core vaccinations are typically required for all dogs, regardless of their location, as they protect against widespread and highly contagious diseases. These include:

• Rabies
• Distemper
• Adenovirus 2 (Hepatitis)
• Parvovirus

The rabies vaccine is usually required by law and costs around $15 to $40. The DA2P or DA2PP vaccine, which protects against distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus, costs around $25 to $50. These core vaccinations are often given together as a single combination vaccine to reduce the number of injection sites and costs for pet owners.

Non-Core Vaccinations

Non-core vaccinations are recommended for dogs in specific areas or situations and include:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)
• Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
• Canine Influenza Virus H3N8 and H3N2
• Leptospira
• Rattlesnake Vaccine

The cost of non-core vaccinations varies, with the bordetella vaccine ranging from $30 to $40 and the Lyme vaccine costing around $20 to $40 per dose.

Average Cost of Vaccinations

The average cost of dog vaccinations in the first year ranges from $100 to $350, with an annual cost of $80 to $250 thereafter. For cats, the average cost of vaccinations is between $20 and $60. These prices can vary depending on the specific vaccines administered, your location, and the veterinary practice.

In addition to the vaccinations themselves, you can expect to pay for other routine veterinary services such as physical exams, fecal exams, heartworm tests, and flea and tick prevention. These costs can add up, but they are crucial for maintaining your pet's overall health and well-being.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can help offset the costs of vaccinations and other veterinary expenses. Some policies include a wellness component that covers vaccines and exam fees, while others may require you to add a wellness rider to your primary plan. It is important to compare multiple policies and providers to find the best coverage for your pet's needs.

Emergency visits

The cost of an emergency vet visit can vary widely depending on the location, type of animal, and type of emergency. In general, a trip to the emergency vet costs more than a trip to the regular vet. The cost of a trip to the emergency vet for a dog can range from $150 to $5,000, while for a cat, it may cost between $150 and $3,000. These costs can add up quickly, especially if surgery or hospitalization is required.

• Anaphylactic shock: $500-$1,000
• Urinary tract blockage: $700-$4,000
• Intestinal blockage: $800-$10,000
• Trauma: $100-$4,000
• Stomach issues: $200-$3,000
• Poisoning: $200-$6,000, depending on the toxin

Basic diagnostic tests and treatments for an emergency vet visit may include:

• Basic blood work: $80-$200
• Basic imaging (x-rays or ultrasound): $150-$600
• Hospitalization of 3 to 5 days: $2,000-$3,500
• Emergency surgery: $1,500-$5,000

It's important to note that these costs can vary significantly depending on the specific situation and location.

Paying for Emergency Vet Visits

There are several options to consider when facing high veterinary expenses:

• Pet insurance: A standard accident and illness policy may reimburse up to 90% of the bill. However, most pet insurance plans require you to pay upfront and then file for reimbursement.
• Credit cards: Using a credit card can provide flexibility and time to pay. CareCredit is a credit card specifically for medical costs.
• Savings account: Setting up a dedicated savings account for your pet and contributing to it regularly can help cover emergency costs.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe allow you to share your pet's story and raise money for their care.
• Charities: Local and national charities, such as Waggle, may be able to provide financial assistance.
• Payment plans: Some veterinary clinics may be open to arranging payment plans, especially for long-standing patients.

Surgical/specialty visits

Surgical and specialty visits can be required for a number of reasons, including cancer treatment, foreign object removal, fracture repairs, dental extractions, and spaying or neutering. These visits are likely to be more expensive than routine check-ups, and the cost will depend on the type of animal, the complexity of the procedure, and the location.

The cost of surgery and specialty treatments can range widely, from $80 for bloodwork to $5,000 for emergency surgery. Other surgical procedures include:

• Bladder/urinary tract infection treatment: $300-$500
• Dental disease/periodontitis treatment: $70-$400
• Femoral Head Ostectomy Surgery (FHO): $1,500-$3,500
• Foreign object removal: $800-$2,500
• Wound treatment: $600-$1,700
• Cancer treatment: $1,500-$5,000

Specialist procedures such as these are likely to be covered by pet insurance, with reimbursement rates of 60-100% of eligible expenses. However, it is worth noting that pet insurance rarely covers pre-existing conditions.

Illnesses

• Respiratory conditions and kidney/renal disease: Treatment for these issues can vary based on the breed, age, and size of the pet. For example, the average cost for treating respiratory issues in small dogs (under 10kg) can differ from medium or large dogs.
• Foreign body ingestion: When pets swallow foreign objects, professional medical help is often needed to prevent serious harm. This can result in costly emergency vet visits and procedures.
• Cancer: Treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy are available for pets, and certain dog breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are particularly susceptible.
• Orthopedic problems: "Gait disturbances" in dogs may indicate orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia, and surgery may be required depending on the severity.
• Stomach and intestinal disorders: These issues can range from ulcers and parasites to kidney problems in dogs, while constipation and inflammatory bowel disease are common in cats.
• Periodontal disease: According to the American Veterinary Dental College, this is the most common ailment in dogs and cats, and it often goes untreated due to a lack of noticeable symptoms.
• Food allergies: Both dogs and cats can suffer from food allergies, with symptoms including chronic ear inflammation, gas, and skin irritation.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are common in pets and can lead to costly vet visits, especially if left untreated.
• Skin disorders: Veterinarians recognize over 160 skin disorders in dogs and various problems in cats, including ringworm and cat bite abscesses.
• Ear infections: While rare in cats, ear infections in dogs are caused by bacteria, excessive hair, and moisture, and they can lead to expensive treatments.

The cost of treating these illnesses can vary depending on the severity, the specific veterinary hospital, and the location. It's essential for pet owners to be aware of these common health issues and their potential financial impact.

Frequently asked questions