There is a wide array of pet insurance products and types. That’s why we created this site to help you wade through the options and possibilities. It’s important that you carefully consider the options and think about the plan features that best fit your needs now and are likely to be useful in the future.
As you start to consider the options it’s important to know that most plans don’t cover the cost of pre-existing medical conditions. This fact is important on two fronts:
- If your pet has an existing medical condition and you don’t have insurance then it’s unlikely you’ll be able to pick up coverage for that condition going forward.
- If you have insurance and you’ve made a claim, it can be challenging to switch to another policy or insurance provider.
With that major caveat in mind let’s take a look at pet insurance features that are often available.
Accident and Illness
In general, the core focus of pet insurance policies is the coverage of Veterinary fees if your pet becomes sick or is injured. For example, you’ll often see that consultation costs, tests, examinations, medications, etc. are covered.
Hospitalization
You were playing in a local sports league. It was the best game of your life, except you managed to hit that one uneven spot in the field and took a nasty fall. While you’re in the hospital for the next couple of days being attended to this will cover the cost of placing your pet in doggy daycare.
Third Party Liability (Accident coverage)
You want this type of coverage should your pet accidentally or intentionally cause property damage or injury to someone else. This is for when Boomer decides to rip up the neighbor’s prized rose garden or Lily accidentally knocks another owner over at the park causing them to wrench an ankle.
Holiday Cancellation
You’ve booked an all expense paid week in Tahiti. You’re super pumped for this trip! Unfortunately, Sheila’s come down with a terrible case of eating your sock and needs immediate surgery to have it removed. Not only is the veterinary bill going to be high but you’re going to have to postpone your holiday. That’s where this coverage comes in handy.
Travel Coverage
Sheila’s recovered from her battle with your sock and you’ve finally made it to Tahiti. Not only that you’ve brought her along to enjoy the resort with you. You’re awesome by the way! Unfortunately, she’s stepped on a bit of broken glass and needs some emergency medical treatment to stitch up her paw. Good thing you’ve got it covered.
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After Boomer’s foray into the neighbors garden, he’s gone missing. This isn’t like Boomer at all. Good thing you can advertise a reward around town and in the local newspaper asking that Boomer be returned home safely to his loving family. This type of coverage accounts for costs associated with advertising your lost or stolen pet, and the cost of the reward itself. Obviously, there will be a limit on the reward. Be sure to check the plan details.
Holistic Treatments
This is the coverage you’ll need if your pet is going to take part in acupuncture, herbal remedies, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, etc. A wide variety of specialty options are often available.
Purchase Price
If Bonnie is unfortunately lost, stolen, or passes away due to an illness or injury (before a certain age) this type of coverage can at the very least offer you some form of financial relief.
Funeral
Some insurance providers offer coverage associated with the loss of your pet, cremation, burial, etc.
It’s clear there are a lot of coverage options. And the pet insurance industry are a creative bunch with new offerings constantly finding there way to market. Be sure you research your options thoroughly and know with certainty what your pet insurance policy coverage is. It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway, it’s very important that you read the fine print. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices and you’ve got a plan in mind, it’s time for you to pour over that policy. You’re making a substantial investment and it’s time to dig deep one last time and do your final bit of homework.
If you’re finding your pet insurance policy is difficult to understand and not clear that’s not a great sign. Companies should strive to make their policies easy to use and understand. If you have questions to about a prospective plan be sure to ask questions and make sure you get your answers. This type of investigative interaction is a good one to take while shopping because if they don’t respond politely and fully to your expectations now then just imagine what it may be like when you file that first claim.