Have a darling little kitten or cuddly puppy that you adore and have just welcomed into your home?

While it may seem like it's all warm fuzzies during this honeymoon period of being a pet owner, it is important to be prepared for anything when it comes to their healthcare from day one.

Imagine if you all of a sudden had to take your dog into the emergency room because they got into your secret stash of chocolate. Or your cat sneaks out at night and gets attacked by another animal.

Whatever the scenario may be, you will want the best coverage, like what you can get with  Pumpkin pet insurance, by your side from the get-go.

But for many new pet owners, pet insurance, in general, can seem overwhelming and confusing. In fact, so much so that way too many pet owners decide to risk life without it and then quickly come to regret it in hindsight.

So we are here to change that statistic and help you become comfortable and knowledgeable with everything there is to know about pet insurance and how to choose the right one. Here is our beginners guide to help you be the best pet owner out there without ever having to go into debt when it comes to providing your furry friend with quality healthcare.

Defining Pet Insurance

Let's start with the basics first. What is pet insurance? Well, it is very similar in principle to human health insurance. The main goal is to buffer out any potential health care costs that could be crippling financially. Veterinarian bills are notoriously pricey, so by paying a small premium fee every month, you will always get 90% of your costs reimbursed-whether it be for a wellness check-up, a vaccination appointment or an emergency surgery.

And just like human health insurance, there is a range of different plans that cover different things. So the importance really does lie in the details and ensuring that the insurance plan is truly right for you and your pet.

How Pet Insurance Works

There is a range of fine details to understand when you choose the right pet insurance for you. When it comes to coverage and money, here are the various factors your should compare when choosing a plan.

1. The maximum payouts

This term sets out how much the insurance company will reimburse you for when you make a pet insurance claim. The best ones always pay 90% from the get-go.

2. Premiums

This term lays out how much you owe the insurance company each month to get the benefits of your health insurance plan. It is better to pay a premium than simply set aside money into your savings account because as soon as you pay premiums you can access pet health care reimbursements-rather than risking something happening and not yet having enough money saved up.

3. Waiting periods

This term defines how long you need to wait before your pet will actually get the full benefits of the health care coverage. The best plans are the ones that kick in straight away-and we always recommend signing up for one the day you decide to get a pet.

Benefits of Pet Insurance

There is a range of different benefits that you get to access after you sign up for pet insurance. Here are just a few of the perks you and your pet will get to enjoy as a result of paying your premiums.

1. Proactive health care

With pet insurance, you don't have to just wait for something bad to happen to utilize the coverage. In fact, one of the biggest benefits is being able to take your pet in for a wellness exam each year and get them all their vaccines to stay protected and healthy.

2. Freedom of choice

When you have pet insurance, your plan will cover you regardless of the clinic you go to. This means that you have the power to decide what clinic you take your pet to know that you will still get the exact same type of reimbursement.

3. The ability to say "yes"

You never have to go a day with your pet worrying about not having enough money to care for them properly. Whatever healthcare your pet needs, you will be able to give them precisely that without having to hesitate in saying "yes".

Choosing the right pet insurance for you and your pet isn't rocket science. If you approach it as you would your own health insurance, you will find the process straightforward and realize the amazing benefits that you can access as a result. And you will have both a healthy pet and a healthy bank account-it's a double-win decision.