Your pet is an important part of your family and just as with any of the other members of your family, you want to make sure that he or she is healthy and protected in the best way possible. Health insurance for pets is an increasingly popular option for those who don’t want to face steep medical bills in the case of an emergency.
While you know that your pet needs health insurance, shopping for the right pet insurance plan can be a challenge. Here are some things to keep in mind while you compare pet insurance plans.
What Should My Plan Cover?
The best pet insurance plans cover illnesses, accidents, congenital and hereditary conditions, and, optionally, routine care.
- Illnesses: Coverage includes chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer in addition to curable conditions.
- Accidents: Common accidents such as broken legs and cuts are included in coverage.
- Congenital and Hereditary Conditions: Examples include cherry eye, luxating patella, IVDD, epilepsy, glaucoma, and hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Routine Care: This optional coverage option is typically available for an extra price. This should help pay for preventative measures such as dental cleanings, blood work, vaccinations, and annual exams.
Coverage Levels
With the rising cost of veterinary medicine, low coverage limits in pet insurance simply aren’t realistic. Consider a plan that covers the true costs of unexpected accidents and illnesses, including unlimited coverage plans and high coverage limits.
Deductible
Choosing a plan with a higher deductible will lower the price of your monthly payment but will translate into higher out-of-pocket costs when your pet is in need of care. Choosing a plan with a lower deductible will raise your monthly price but lower your out-of-pocket costs at the time of care. Other plans have annual deductibles that must be met for each yearly policy term. Personalise your plan in a way that best fits your current and estimated future budgets.
Reimbursement
In general, your pet insurance reimbursement will be calculated in one of two ways:
- A straightforward and fair percentage of the eligible vet bill
- A percentage of the benefit schedule, which will limit the amount that your insurance company is willing to pay
Veterinarian Choice
Look for plans that will allow you to visit a licensed veterinarian of your choice, veterinary specialists such as an oncologist (cancer specialist) or an ophthalmologist (eye specialist), and emergency vet clinics – even after hours.
How to Find the Best Dog Insurance Policy
There is no single dog insurance policy that works best for everyone. Rather, the best policy will depend on you and your pet’s needs and budget. In order to find the best pet policy, make sure to do your research, ensure that your pet insurer is registered, and ask your vet for recommendations.