In recent years, there has actually been a substantial boost in the need for veterinary services, sustained by mass family pet adoptions throughout the pandemic. As the president of Embrace Pet Insurance, I have actually experienced this rise firsthand, with our business covering over 193,000 claims in the very first quarter of 2023 alone.
One of the essential elements driving this increased need is the greater cost of family pet treatments. The landscape of veterinary care has actually progressed with higher frequency and elegance in screening and treatments. As an outcome, the expenses connected with offering top quality care to our family pets have actually increased significantly. At Embrace, we have actually seen a stable boost in typical claim quantities year over year, with a 13% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of vet services has actually increased by 234.8% considering that 1997, growing at a typical inflation rate of 4.76% each year. In 2022, veterinary prices experienced the most significant modification in almost 3 years, with an inflation rate of 8.83%.
Embrace’s biggest claim paid in 2022 totaled up to $23,569. However, as we reach the midpoint of 2023, our biggest claim has actually already exceeded that figure, standing at $31,922. These intensifying expenses highlight the requirement for family pet owners to have a monetary safeguard in location to guarantee their family pets receive the very best available care without jeopardizing their own monetary wellness.
Moreover, the competitive work landscape within the veterinary market positions extra obstacles. Despite the need for veterinary services, veterinary professionals and vets are frequently underpaid, overloaded, and overworked. In the United States, the mean per hour wage for veterinary professionals is $19.60, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
We think family pet insurance coverage is the response to these installing issues. By offering family pet owners with a thorough insurance coverage, we allow them to hedge their direct exposure to the many elements that add to the total cost of veterinary care. Our objective is to empower family pet owners to constantly pick the very best available take care of their animals without the worry of monetary pressure.