Typically, most pet owners would do anything to save their dog or cat, even spending thousands of dollars on veterinary care for injuries and illnesses. Purchasing pet insurance can offer much financial protection and keep pet lovers from going into debt if, and when, the unexpected occurs.
The time to buy insurance, obviously, is before it is needed. Once the illness or accident happens, it is probably too late for the incident to be covered.
Here is what a person can expect to pay (approximately) for a veterinary emergency visit:
Sudden illness - $900.00
Poison ingestion - $900.00
Broken leg - $1200.00
Swallowing a foreign object - $2000.00
Cruciate ligament tear - $3000.00
Cancer treatment - $3500.00
Poison ingestion - $900.00
Broken leg - $1200.00
Swallowing a foreign object - $2000.00
Cruciate ligament tear - $3000.00
Cancer treatment - $3500.00
Comparing Pet Insurance Policies
Before enrolling in a pet insurance health plan, however, it is important to shop around and find the right insurance policy. Pet health polices vary widely in coverage, cost, and reimbursement benefits between pet insurers and health plans. Understanding everything, from the covered benefits to the limits and exclusions of the policy, is very important to the decision-making process.
Items to Consider when Comparing Pet Health Plans:
The age of the pet: Some insurers have age restrictions for coverage (some won't insure pets less than 8 weeks old and some won't insure older pets), while others have no age limit.
The breed of the pet: Many insurers restrict coverage for certain breeds, while other insurers will either not insure certain breeds or charge higher premiums for certain breeds.
Pre-existing conditions: Coverage for a pre-existing condition are normally excluded; also, some pet insurers consider a condition pre-existing at renewal (a covered illness or injury from one policy period may not be covered in the next policy period).
Type of coverage: While some insurers offer policies that only cover accidents, most insurers offer pet plans that cover both accidents and illnesses, and a few offer policies that cover preventive care including: checkups, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and teeth cleaning. These are in addition to accident and illness coverage.
Exclusions: Make sure to understand the limitations of the policy; all insurance policies have exclusions to help keep costs down, such as exclusions for: hereditary conditions, chronic illnesses, cosmetic procedures, or alternative treatments. Often the health issues that are likely to affect the breed of pet may be excluded from coverage; also, preventable diseases may not be covered if the pet did not receive the recommended vaccinations, or accidents, if the owner was not following the leash law.
Deductibles, co-pays, and caps: Find out about reimbursement rates and limits; some companies pay a percentage of the vet bill, some pay in full, and others pay a set amount; some insurers have a limit per incident, annually, or the pet's lifetime.
Deductibles, co-pays, and caps: Find out about reimbursement rates and limits; some companies pay a percentage of the vet bill, some pay in full, and others pay a set amount; some insurers have a limit per incident, annually, or the pet's lifetime.
Robert D. Lockhart is an Insurance Agent of Blackwell Insurance which is located right here in Southern California and specializes in Personal Lines Insurance.
