Pet insurance is very similar to human health insurance and is rapidly growing in popularity throughout the US. And just as with health insurance for humans, it’s the back-up plan you hope you never have to use but having it gives you a peace of mind that you wouldn’t have had otherwise. Pet insurance is the affordable way to make sure your pets stay healthy and live longer, happier lives.
What is Covered
Every pet insurance policy is different, and what is covered largely depends on the company, the plan, the age and breed of the animal, and any preexisting conditions your pet may have. The best way to find out what would be covered under a policy is to get a quote from an insurance company. Some plans may not cover any preexisting conditions, while others may cover any and all conditions regardless of when the issue came up. Still, many pet insurance companies will require the animal get a thorough physical before the insurance goes into effect to make sure there are no current physical problems with the pet.
The Benefits
Having help paying for bills is always nice, especially at the veterinarian’s office where the cost of pet care can quickly spiral out of control. When the claim is filed with your pet insurance company, you will receive a reimbursement check for the portion of the costs that the insurance company is covering. Should your pet’s breed be predisposed to certain illnesses or physical issues, or if your pet were to get hurt in some way, then he or she would be covered. Pet insurance would put your mind at ease about how to pay for your pet’s medical care.
Comparing Policies
Every pet insurance company is different, so make sure you compare quotes from a few places to make sure you have a broad view of the kind of pet insurance you are looking for. The quotes should include the monthly or quarterly premiums, the amount of coverage (as well as what is not covered under the policy) and the deductibles so that you can accurately compare each policy. You will want to make sure that the companies you are comparing are reputable, so online reviews or Better Business Bureau (BBB) checks might be in order. Many vets have worked with these pet insurance companies , so you can ask them for a recommendation, and you may even be able to get pet insurance through your current health, car, or homeowner’s insurance company.
Factors to Consider
Buying pet insurance for your pet is a big decision and not one to be made on a whim. You must do research before purchasing the policy that best fits your needs. But what other factors should be considered when it comes to needing pet insurance? If your pet stays indoors and away from other animals, your pet has a lot less need for pet insurance than a pet who is taken to parks, is boarded occasionally with other animals, and may get out of a fenced yard or out of the house. So the need for pet insurance needs to be determined before the shopping around for the right policy can begin. So do your pets need to be insured?