Pet Health Insurance

Pet Insurance

Does Your Pet Need Insurance?: Pet Health Insurance Basics

Good health doesn't last forever. Even the healthiest pet can eventually develop kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, or swallow string or other foreign object. When illness or injury strikes, pet health insurance can help you avoid an unexpected hit to your bank account.

How Does Pet Health Insurance Work?

Most pet health insurance plans reimburse you for the fees you pay for veterinary care. A few pay veterinarians directly, but only if the veterinary office participates in the plan. After you pay the veterinarian, you'll submit your receipt to the health insurance company and wait for your reimbursement. Pet health insurance plans have exclusions and deductions just like the health insurance you purchase for your family.

Your plan may not cover pre-existing conditions or may only cover a certain percentage of the bill if it determines that the charge is above the usual, customary, and reasonable fee for the service or procedure.

Which Animals Are Covered by Health Insurance?

Dogs and cats aren't the only animals covered by pet health insurance. Plans also cover birds, rabbits, horses, guinea pigs, and other pets. Unlike your own health insurance, you'll be able to choose specific coverage components for your pet.

If you're worried about the cost of veterinary care following an accident, but don't anticipate that you'll ever have any trouble paying for annual exams, teeth cleaning, or vaccinations, you may opt for accident insurance only. Adding illness and wellness coverage ensures that your pet is completely covered no matter the reason for the visit to the veterinarian.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Pet Health Insurance Company?

Before you commit to a particular company or policy, consider these factors:

  • Coverage. Do you want coverage for accidents, animal care, or illnesses? What services and treatments are included in each component? How are genetic diseases covered? What about high-tech treatments, like laser surgery?
  • Finances. How much will you pay each month in premiums? How much does the company charge for deductibles? Will you have an annual deductible or separate deductibles for each incident? How much will premiums rise every year? Will you pay more to insure your older pet? Is there a discount to cover multiple pets? Will visits to specialists or emergency clinics be covered the same way as visits to your pet's vet?
  • Claims. Are claim forms easy to understand and complete? Can you submit them online? How soon can you expect to receive your reimbursement after submitting your claim?
  • Pre-existing Conditions. Are pre-existing conditions covered? If your pet has a pre-existing condition, can you obtain coverage for the condition after a waiting period? What conditions are considered pre-existing?
  • Portability. Can you still use the insurance if you move to another state or country?

Is Pet Health Insurance a Good Idea for Your Pet?

You'll need to evaluate your finances before making a decision about pet health insurance. Will you be able to pay thousands of dollars if your pet is hit by a car or needs surgery for hip dysplasia? Over the average 10-year lifespan for dogs and 15-year lifespan for cats, pet owners can expect to spend between $9,000 and $13,391, according to a 2018 report by ndp/analytics.

If you have insurance, you won't have to make a difficult decision if you don't have enough savings to cover a big veterinary bill. You'll simply pay for the treatment with a credit card, then make a big credit card payment when you receive your reimbursement.

Insurance is usually a better value if you buy it when your pet is young, but that doesn't mean it's not a good idea if your pet is a few years old. Health insurance can be costly if you buy it for the first time when your pet is older, although coverage is available for senior pets. In some cases, you may find that the covered services don't justify the high monthly premiums for your elderly pet.

Before you make your decision, you may want to talk to your veterinarian. He or she can inform you if certain costly health problems are common in the breed and may even pass along a little information on companies that clinic clients prefer.

Regular veterinary care and pet health insurance can help you ensure that your pet receives the treatment they need. If it's time for your pet's annual exam, or you're concerned about a health problem, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Canine Journal: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?, 9/12/18

https://www.caninejournal.com/is-pet-insurance-worth-it/

Pet MD: What to Ask When Choosing a Pet Health Insurance Provider?

https://www.petmd.com/centers/insurance/evr_what_to_ask_when_choosing_a_pet_health_insurance_provider

NBC News: Pet Insurance: A Good Deal? Or a Rip Off?

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43916934/ns/business-consumer_news/t/pet-insurance-good-deal-or-rip/#.W-ns9s5KjIU

ndp/analytics: The Economic and Social Contributions of the Animal Health Industry, 2/18

https://www.ahi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/AnimalHealthIndustryReport_AHI.pdf

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  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
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  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
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  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
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  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
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  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
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  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.