Bonar had to pay out of pocket (on her credit card) but was reimbursed within a week for 80 percent of the amount from Healthy Paws. The radiosurgery alone cost $14,000 and her MRI was $3,000. Both were covered.

Here’s the unpleasant reality, according to Bonar: “Had I not gotten her the insurance, I would not have gotten her the treatment. I love Kaya to death, but I could not have paid tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket twice. She would have gotten palliative care and indeed probably would have just lived a few more months.”…

All of which raises the question: If having companion animals is so good for us isn’t there some logic to the idea that having a way to keep them healthier and around longer will mean we ourselves will be healthier?

Yes, Medicare for our pets. Why not? It might even reduce our own human need for it.