The vast majority of pet parents are willing to invest in their pet’s health, but when it comes to covering the cost of unexpected veterinary care, many struggle. This is why pet insurance is such a valuable investment – it helps cover vet costs when you can’t afford them.
There are a variety of factors that influence the cost of a pet insurance policy, including the species (cat or dog), breed, age and region, as well as deductible, co-insurance and annual limit options. Additionally, some plans are designed to reimburse pet owners for specific conditions and illnesses while others require you to pay upfront and submit a claim later.
Most pet owners know that hereditary diseases and recurring prescriptions are covered by most insurance providers. However, what many people don’t realize is that a good pet insurance plan can also help with things like dental disease, ear mites and arthritis. These are all common problems that pet owners worry about – but that don’t always have expensive treatments.
The best way to save on pet insurance is to purchase it when your pet is young and healthy, as premiums are generally lower than they are for older pets. The other way to save is to choose a policy with higher annual limits or a lower deductible. However, lowering these options can mean less coverage, so it’s important to weigh these tradeoffs carefully.
It’s also worth noting that a good pet insurance plan will cover the cost of your pet’s medical treatment up to your chosen maximum. Some providers also provide coverage for lost or stolen pets, and will even offer a payout to compensate you for the price you paid for your pet when they were originally purchased.
Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered by most plans, so be sure to read the terms of your policy thoroughly before purchasing a pet insurance plan to make sure that any existing conditions you have bought the coverage for. If your pet develops a condition that existed before you signed up for the policy, or during the waiting period, it will be considered pre-existing and won’t be covered, with the exception of hereditary diseases such as heart disease and intervertebral disk disease.
Pet insurance isn’t just for dogs and cats; some companies even offer coverage for rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, birds and other exotic animals. Although, these are often less popular as they have shorter lifespans and are more prone to injuries and illness.
When it comes to choosing a provider, there are plenty of comparison sites that will allow you to view quotes from multiple providers and custom compare charts. Be wary of simple review aggregators though, as they don’t provide you with the context that you need around policies, breed exclusions and lifetime pricing. pet insurance