Our pets are our four legged children, and as pet owners we ensure that they get the best of care that money can buy or at least that our pocket book can handle. If your pet was to have a serious accident or illness would you be able to afford the best treatments available? Perhaps pet insurance is something to consider?
Just as human medical technology has made leaps and bounds in the past 10 years so has veterinarian medical technology! The treatments available to save your pet are truly remarkable. But when it comes to cost these treatments cost about the same as their human counterpart's treatment would cost, and that means the vet bills can add up very quickly.
Pet insurance is an option every pet owner should consider. It first became available in 1982 by a company call VPI. Since then many pet insurance companies have appeared and disappeared almost as quickly. But there remains a strong network of pet insurance companies providing coverage to today's pet owners.
It appears although we love our pets we aren't quite as attached to the idea of buying pet insurance. Sweden sees 50% of pet owners insuring while the United States see less than 2%. Time will most certainly change the numbers.
Pet insurance works just like insurance for people does, and you have similar options when it comes to buying coverage. Some plans you choose your veterinarian, while others you are provided with a list of veterinarians that's services will be covered. Other plans offer you discounts for an annual fee and some even cover grooming needs.
The most important thing to watch for is the fine print. Read it all! Watch for the waiting periods before the policy comes into effect. Watch for exclusions, deductibles, and caps that may apply either per year, ailment, or incident. Some policies also limit the coverage on older dogs. Be sure to do your research carefully!
If you aren't sure which pet insurance company is best for your needs you can ask your vet for recommendations. Which plan is best can depend on the breed of dog or cat you have, where you live, and what your budget looks like.
Many of the pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions or hereditary illness. So if you have a big breed that's genetically disposed to hip dysphasia and it develops it, you may find your insurance doesn't pick up the tab. Shar peis are another great example. Many insurance companies will only insure this breed for accidents because they have so many hereditary problems.
Your premiums will be based on the age of your dog. Older dog's premiums will be much higher because they are more likely to become seriously ill, especially with cancer. You'll also want to find out if your premiums will increase as your dog ages or whether you will receive the rate you began with as long as you continue coverage.
You'll also want to find out if routine care such as yearly vaccinations are covered. Ask which routine tests and treatments are covered such as for heartworm. And what about eye and dental care? Some do and some don't unless you add a wellness rider.
Know what your deductible options are too. Some companies offer only one deductible while others offer you deductible options. You'll also want to know if there are yearly caps on what the insurance company will cover. Lastly find out if you can pay monthly or if you will have to pay for the entire policy upfront.
Once you know what each policy has to offer you can choose the best pet insurance for your needs.
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