Buying pet insurance can support a more enjoyable relationship with your pet. First ask yourself can you afford to pay out-of-pocket for your pet’s illness, injury, and wellness. It is especially important to consider the cost of major veterinary events like genetic conditions, and surgery. If you are on a tight budget shop around for pet insurance that will customize your policy to your budget. Illness and injury are the most common scenarios to occur with your dog or cat.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Illness is commonly related to diet and pet food choices and nutrient deficiencies, addressing these areas with preventative measures saves you a lot of money in veterinarian visits. Injury most often happens between dogs and vehicles and between dogs and other dogs. Stay in dog-friendly spaces i.e. dog parks, dog runs, walking paths and stay off of streets with vehicle traffic and away from parking lots. Using this approach will also save you a lot of money on visits to the vet. Absolutely you must know your dog’s breed. Some breeds have genetic health issues i.e. difficulty breathing, hip displacement and higher risk of cancer.
SHOPPING FOR PET INSURANCE
Read their website reviews and independent reviews about their company with a focus on customer service satisfaction. See if they are accredited and what their rating is. Read the policy carefully so you are not surprised. Do they offer unlimited lifetime benefits, no claim caps, annual deductibles. Look at their turn around time to pay claims, do they pay the veterinarian directly or do they reimburse you. Does the pet insurance company offer 24/7 hotline/after hours, do they cover senior pets, and how young do they cover pets. Is there a payment plan and what percentage do they cover i.e. 90% of vets bills. Coverage for online visits, do they cover viruses and do they offer a diminishing deductible.
MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO LOOK FOR
Can you keep your current veterinarian or must you use their network and do they cover your pet’s dental illness. Do they offer a discount for multiple pet coverage. Is there an instant quote online, and do they cover spay and neuter. Coverage for birds and other exotic pets and coverage for congenital and hereditary conditions are other things to consider. If you travel with your pet, is there coverage while you travel with your pet i.e. across state line, other countries. Pre-existing conditions are important to consider and do they penalize policy holders when a claim is filed.
READ CAREFULLY FOR THESE ITEMS
Coverage for behavioral issues and preventative care is very desireable. Full money back guarantee if the policy is canceled in 30 days or other trial period; Do they cover prescription food or special diet for a pet condition. Do they offer pet play dates and a pet socialization network; Know your breed of dog or cat, some breeds have more health issues than others. Read closely what is not covered by pet insurance.
CHECK WITH YOUR HOME AND AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY
If you have home owner’s insurance and/or auto insurance research your current policy to see what pet coverage is already available to you. These companies may offer pet insurance and you can get a deal for multiple policies with the same company. Some homeowner policies exclude coverage of certain breeds. General rule with coverage amounts is minimum of $5,000., better is $10,000. and best is Unlimited, depending on your budget.
Pet insurance gives pet parents peace of mind.