Helpful Information About Pet Insurance

This Dog is Going to Cost Me How Much?
How Pet Insurance Can Help With Unexpected Cost

Pets can bring happiness into any household. However, have you ever sat down and considered the cost you may incur over the years? The cost can be higher than you think because you want your pet to be healthy and do what is best for them.  Pet insurance is a great option to help with those costs and making a better decision on what you can do for your pet.

There are several pet insurance companies for you to choose from.  It is always a great idea to shop around for insurance plans before you commit to one company to make sure that you get the best coverage at the best price for your pet. Most pet insurance companies will not cover a pre-existing condition, so it would be most beneficial if you get an insurance policy early on in your pets’ life. There is also the benefit that it will be much less expensive per month then if you get a policy after your pet has already developed a medical problem.

Most insurance companies offer different policies and insurance packages to fit your budget. You can choose a policy that will cover everything from the yearly physical exam and vaccines to a routine surgery. Or you can get a policy that simply covers those unexpected emergencies that you may have to deal with at some point. Whichever policy or plan you may choose, it will help you to take another step in the right direction of taking the best care of your pet.

How does Pet Insurance work?

When you purchase your policy, insurance companies can require a physical for the animal and/or a year of records from your vet. If the animal is accepted into the plan, there usually is a required waiting period before coverage goes into effect because of insurance fraud (yes, it happens on the pet side also). You will be paying a monthly premium just as you do for your own health insurance. Unlike your health insurance, you don’t just present your animal’s insurance card, pay a co-payment, and receive care for your animal. You’ll be paying for your animal’s treatment up front and will be reimbursement by the insurance company later. Many vet offices will gladly fill out your forms or assist you in providing the pet insurance company with appropriate documentation. The nice thing about most pet insurance plans is that you can still keep your regular vet and your animal will still receive the same care. You’ll still have the same sense of assurance regarding your
animal’s welfare. Submitting a claim simply involves some paperwork and the upfront cost of the visit to the vet until you receive reimbursement. A check in the mail is always a good thing. This check won’t automatically reflect the exact amount as your vet visit. The pet insurance company will subtract any deductibles and co-payments based on the plan you choose.

Pet insurance can be a very helpful thing to have, so before you adopt that new puppy or cuddly kitten, consider the cost and look into insurance to benefit you now and in the future.