Compare Pet Insurance and Save Money on Vet Bills

There is one thing that we, pet lovers, always had in common – to see our pets grow healthy and happy. They are part of our family, so we have to give them the best possible care they could have. But sometimes, unexpected things happen, because of course, they are pets. They will roam around, they will play, most of the time rough play, and they will tear and eat whatever is in their sight. Because they are family, once these circumstances arise, we have to give them the best possible vet care.

Imagine this – your dog got diagnosed with Parvovirus, you panicked, and you hurriedly ask your vet to do whatever it takes to save your dear friend. Though you trust your vet with a dog’s life, and you were thankful that he nursed your dog back to health, but you had a whopping bill of almost $3,000. Of course, you understood how that bill came about, but you keep thinking that you could’ve avoided this had you only researched for pet insurances.

After that day, you would immediately research and get your dog pet insurance. It would be the best decision you could’ve made. We should understand that our furry friends are playful and sometimes clumsy. They feel like they are invincible and will do everything they want out of curiosity. Plus, you would always worry about your pets, especially when you are travelling since some of them do not like going on long distances. It is a good thing that some pet insurance have overseas travel insurance.

There are several things that you must take into consideration if you are getting pet insurance. You must look at their coverage, the critical coverage terms, and the price equivalent to the policy.

For the coverage, there are at least three levels:

• Accidental only – this includes treatment for specific injuries like a broken leg. Accidental-only is the cheapest policy; hence, it does not cover treatment for illnesses medical conditions. There is also no maximum age limit for this policy, and there is almost no waiting time from the approval of your membership until you get to use the plan.
• Accident and Illnesses – this policy covers both accidental injuries and treatment for certain illnesses. This policy is an essential coverage, as this can sometimes suffice your pet’s needs.
• Comprehensive – this policy has extensive coverage as it includes accidental injuries, illnesses, and other benefits like routine care, cruciate ligament condition treatments, and deworming. This policy has the highest maximum cover and reimbursement rates.
• While reading the terms and conditions of your preferred policy, there are specific keywords that you must take note, such as:
• Annual Benefit – this is the maximum amount that you can get for all claims in one policy year.
• Sub-limit – in other pet insurances, you will encounter this word. Sub-limit is the maximum amount that you can get out of specific additional treatments in your policy, such as paralysis tick treatment.
• Reimbursement Rate – this is the percentage of how much your insurance company can reimburse your treatment costs. It usually ranges from 60% – 80%.
• Excess – this is the amount excluded from your claim. In some insurance policies, the application of the Excess is usually only on the first time your pet received treatment, or sometimes the first time your pet received treatment every policy year. Others also pay the Excess in every visit to the vet. The range of a company’s Excess is from $0 – $200, and some other policies let you pick your Excess.
• Deductible – This is what you pay before they give any services to your pet. Every insurance program has a different level of deductible. If you have a bigger budget for your pet insurance, it is better to pay a higher deductible to reduce your insurance cost. 
• Waiting period – this is the number of days you have to wait from the time they approve your policy until the time you can fully avail of your claims. For example, your plan has a waiting period of 30 days, and your pet had an accident within those 30 days, you cannot yet avail your policy within that period. Other insurance companies allow a 30 day waiting period while others are only 21 days.
• Pre-existing conditions – these are conditions already diagnosed just before you have availed your insurance policy. So if your pet had an illness way before you had your pet insurance, any further treatment for that illness will not be covered by your insurance company. A pro tip: it is better to get pet insurance while your pet is still young and healthy to keep any exclusions of your policy short.

The prices for pet insurance policies depend on the coverage of your system. The wider the coverage will have, the more expensive the amount of the program. However, there are still certain factors you must consider, like the breed of your dog or cat, the age, the coverage levels that you would like for your pet, your age, and the place where you live.

Spaying or neutering your pets is one of the essential parts of your pet’s life. Primary insurance policies do not include neutering; however, you can have it added in your wellness and preventive care policy. And since this can be an add-on or directly involved in your chosen insurance program, it is more expensive than an accidental injury and illness coverage.

Whenever you choose pet insurance, always make sure that you are confident, satisfied, and comfortable with the company that you selected. Since we are talking about your pet’s health and also the money that you are going to invest, you must be sure about which company to choose.

However, if you are unsure about specific companies, you can check our comparison chart on pet insurance companies and their coverage and prices. In there, you will keenly see and compare which insurance company best helps your furry friend.

You could also check our reviews on the pet insurances available on the market if you want in an in-depth search and information about insurance companies that interest you.

As a pet parent, you always want the best for your furry friend. You want to provide them with the best food, the best toys, and the best care possible. And when it comes to their health, you want to ensure that they are protected in case of any unexpected accidents or illnesses. That's where pet insurance comes in.

Pet insurance is an essential investment for any pet owner. It helps cover the cost of veterinary bills, including surgeries, medications, and even routine check-ups. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the right pet insurance can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you choose the best pet insurance for your furry friend.

Types of Pet Insurance Policies

Before choosing a pet insurance policy, it's important to understand the different types of policies available in the market. The most common types of pet insurance policies are accident-only policies, time-limited policies, maximum benefit policies, and lifetime policies.

• Accident-only policies provide coverage for accidents and injuries, such as broken bones or swallowed objects. These policies do not cover illnesses or pre-existing conditions. They are usually the cheapest option but offer limited coverage.

• Time-limited policies provide coverage for a set period, usually 12 months, and have a maximum payout limit per condition. Once the policy expires or the limit is reached, the condition will no longer be covered. These policies are usually cheaper than lifetime policies but provide less coverage.

• Maximum benefit policies provide coverage up to a set amount for each condition. Once the limit is reached, the condition will no longer be covered. These policies are more expensive than time-limited policies but provide more coverage.

• Lifetime policies provide continuous coverage for your pet's entire life, as long as you continue to pay the premiums. These policies usually have an annual payout limit, but there is no limit on how many times you can claim for a condition. They are the most expensive option but offer the most comprehensive coverage.

Consider Your Pet's Age, Breed, and Health History

When choosing a pet insurance policy, it's important to consider your pet's age, breed, and health history. Certain breeds are more prone to certain health conditions, and older pets are more likely to develop health issues than younger pets.

For example, purebred dogs are more likely to have genetic health problems than mixed-breed dogs. Bulldogs, for instance, are prone to respiratory issues, hip dysplasia, and skin allergies, while German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and cancer.

If your pet has a pre-existing condition, it's important to check if the policy covers it. Most policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, but some policies may provide coverage after a waiting period.

It's also important to consider the level of coverage you need for your pet. If you have a young, healthy pet, you may only need coverage for accidents and emergencies. But if you have an older pet or a pet with a chronic health condition, you may need more comprehensive coverage.

Compare the Coverage and Cost of Different Policies

Once you've narrowed down the types of policies that suit your pet's needs, it's time to compare the coverage and cost of different policies. Look for policies that provide comprehensive coverage, including accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions.

Read the policy documents carefully and understand the exclusions and limitations of the policy. Some policies may have deductibles or co-payments, which can affect the overall cost of the policy.

It's also important to consider the reputation of the insurance provider. Look for a provider with a good track record of paying claims and providing excellent customer service. Read reviews from other pet owners who have used the same policy .

Consider the Insurance Company's Reputation and Customer Service

When choosing a pet insurance policy, it's important to consider the reputation and customer service of the insurance company. Look for companies that have a good track record of paying out claims promptly and efficiently. Read reviews from other pet owners who have used the same policy to see how their experience has been.

In addition, consider the customer service provided by the insurance company. Do they have a responsive and helpful customer service team that can answer your questions and provide assistance when you need it? You don't want to be stuck with an insurance company that is difficult to reach or unresponsive to your needs.

Review the Policy Documents Carefully

Before signing up for a pet insurance policy, it's important to review the policy documents carefully. Make sure you understand the coverage and limitations of the policy, as well as any deductibles or co-payments that may apply.

Look for exclusions in the policy, such as pre-existing conditions, hereditary conditions, or breed-specific conditions. Some policies may also have age restrictions or limits on the number of claims you can make per year.

If you have any questions about the policy, don't hesitate to ask the insurance company. It's better to have a clear understanding of the policy before signing up, rather than being surprised later on by unexpected limitations or exclusions.

Consider Add-On Coverage Options

In addition to the standard coverage provided by pet insurance policies, some companies offer add-on coverage options. These options can provide additional protection for your pet and may include things like dental care, alternative therapies, or behavioral therapies.

Consider your pet's specific needs and whether any of these add-on options would be beneficial. However, keep in mind that these options may come with additional costs, so be sure to factor that into your decision.

Keep Your Policy Up to Date

Once you've chosen a pet insurance policy, it's important to keep it up to date. This means paying your premiums on time and notifying the insurance company of any changes in your pet's health or circumstances.

If your pet develops a new condition or illness, be sure to inform the insurance company as soon as possible. Depending on the policy, there may be waiting periods or exclusions for new conditions, so it's important to stay on top of any changes in your pet's health.

Consider Other Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy

While pet insurance can provide important protection for your furry friend, it's also important to take other steps to keep them healthy. This includes things like providing a balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups.

By taking a proactive approach to your pet's health, you can help prevent illnesses and avoid costly veterinary bills. While pet insurance can provide financial protection when unexpected issues arise, prevention is always the best medicine.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pet insurance policy is an important decision for any pet owner. By understanding the different types of policies available, considering your pet's age, breed, and health history, comparing the coverage and cost of different policies, and choosing a policy that fits your budget, you can make an informed decision.

In addition, consider the reputation and customer service of the insurance company, review the policy documents carefully, and keep your policy up to date. By taking these steps, you can choose the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend and ensure that they are protected in case of any unexpected accidents or illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions on Pet Insurance