An online article at USA Today’s web site raised the question of whether or not pet health insurance was run more effectively than human health insurance. Their argument was that health insurance companies could learn a lot from the companies running most of the pet insurance programs available on the market.

For starters, pet insurance policies are created to encourage pet owners to provide necessary treatment even when it does cost more. Compare that to human health insurance which is designed to knock people out of coverage when they need it the most or to deny them access to the more costly procedures even when they might save the patient’s life.

Costs are also much more affordable and people have access to a wider range of options. You can shop around, get quotes for the coverage you want, and choose the most affordable options. This also means that companies have to compete for business and are going to keep plans patient-focused.

Of course, part of the savings can be traced back to the more streamlined medical processes and smaller offices operated by vets compared to human physicians.

Pet insurance provides protection for your pets in the way you would want your health insurance to provide protection for you and your family. The only difference is that costs are usually more reasonable. You still have to shop around a great deal to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible but at least you have that option.