Your pets are a very important part of your family, which is why it’s so important to make sure you can take care of them if they get hurt. No matter how well you take care of your pet, accidents can still happen, which is why it’s important to be prepared. Vet bills can be very expensive, especially in the event that your pet is seriously injured.
Pet injury insurance can help protect you financially in the event that your pet does get injured. Here’s how pet insurance can help your family and what to consider before buying it.
What is pet injury insurance and what does it cover?
Pet insurance is designed to reimburse your vet bills if your pet is hurt or sick. It works similarly to health insurance for humans (but is typically more affordable and less complicated). Pet insurance coverage varies depending on the type of plan you get and which insurer you go with. Some plans only cover treatment for injuries and accidents like broken bones, swallowed objects, cuts, and bites. Other plans are more comprehensive and will also pay for treatments for both short-term and chronic illnesses. Depending on which plan you get, covered treatments may include medication, physical therapy, and behavioral issues.
Typically, pet injury insurance will not cover any pre-existing conditions. This means if your pet has been recently diagnosed with an injury or illness before you take out insurance, the policy will not cover it. Most policies will also not cover medical treatments related to pregnancy other than sterilization, or cosmetic treatments.
Where can I buy pet injury insurance?
You have many options when it comes to pet injury insurance, and you should always shop around before making a purchase. There are plans available at many different price points, and each has their own selection of add-ons that you can customize to fit your needs.
There are some companies that only distribute pet insurance. These include the ASPCA, Pet Assure, Figo, Embrace, and more. Because these companies focus specifically on pet insurance, they typically offer unique features and add-ons that you can use to customize your policy. Many of these companies distribute their policies through veterinarians as well as online.
There are also many large national insurance companies that offer pet insurance. The advantage of taking this approach is that you can combine your pet policy with other types of insurance you need, like home insurance and car insurance. This can help you save money in the long run, and it can also make it easier to manage your policy. However, if you’re looking for specific add-ons for your pet insurance policy, a large insurance company might not have as many customization options.
If you’re struggling to find a policy that works for you, ask your veterinarian’s office for recommendations. They may have certain companies that they prefer to work with. Some vets also offer their own insurance plans for their repeat patients.
What should I look for when shopping for pet injury insurance?
There are a lot of factors to keep in mind when shopping for a pet insurance plan. Because there are so many options out there, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the coverage that makes the most sense for your pet’s specific needs.
Qualifications
First, you’ll want to consider the requirements the insurance company has for your pet. Many pet insurance companies have age requirements. They typically won’t take pets over a certain age for new policies. This is because older pets are more likely to have health issues and therefore pose an additional financial risk. Some plans also have a minimum age for puppies and kittens.
Additionally, there are sometimes requirements and exclusions for pets with pre-existing conditions. Your insurance company may require you to take your pet to the vet for a checkup before you finalize the policy.
Pricing and Discounts
Of course, you’ll need to consider the price of your pet injury insurance plan when purchasing. Pet insurance typically isn’t very expensive, but you’ll still want to make sure you’re getting enough value for your money. You’ll want to consider the percentage of each treatment that your insurance will reimburse, as well as total payout caps. It may be worthwhile to pay slightly more on a monthly basis for better payouts when you need it.
As with other types of insurance, pet insurance isn’t priced at a flat rate. Your insurance company will consider several different factors to give you a price for your pet’s insurance policy. They’ll consider your pet’s breed and age, as both factors can affect their health. They might also take your location into consideration, as vet prices can vary widely by area. Finally, your monthly premium price will be lower if you have a higher deductible. Raising your deductible is an easy way to lower your monthly premium price – but you’ll need to make sure that you can actually afford to pay the deductible in the event you need to file a claim.
You’ll also want to see if your pet insurance company offers any discounts. Many companies will provide discounts for insuring multiple pets on the same policy. You also might qualify for a discount if your pet is spayed or neutered, or if your pet continually gets a clean bill of health from the vet. If your pet insurance is through a major insurance company, you might also get a discount for bundling pet insurance with other types of insurance, like home and car insurance.
Coverage Type
You’ll need to make sure that your insurance policy covers the specific types of services your pet needs. Most plans cover treatments for basic injuries and illnesses. However, if you want ongoing treatment, you may need to pay for a more comprehensive plan. The most comprehensive kinds of pet insurance cover regular check-ups and preventative care, as well as care for chronic conditions. Additionally, you may need to purchase separate add-on coverage if you want ongoing behavioral therapy or alternative treatments for your pet.
If you have a pet at home, it’s a no-brainer to invest in pet insurance coverage for them. Having pet insurance can help you feel more confident, knowing that your vet bills won’t break the bank if your pet gets into an accident. There are plenty of excellent pet insurance companies out there, many of which have very low monthly fees.