Pet Insurance
AHCC strongly advocates Pet Health Insurance. Sometimes the cost for certain procedures or generalized care can cost a bit more than expected, especially for certain breeds. Pet health care can seem on the surface to be exorbitant because we as humans can be insulated from the extremely high cost of health care through the use of either private or group medical insurance. Unfortunately, this is one of the areas that the veterinary field hasn't been able to compete with the human side as of yet.
We can provide the same level of care with much of the same technology; however, until more people make pet insurance a priority, we will continue to lag behind human medicine in this area. The more people that sign up for pet insurance, the more we can all keep costs under control while continuing to provide high quality care. The more interest there is for pet insurance, the more market forces will be at work providing a broader choice of insurance carriers and helping to keep monthly insurance premiums in check through good old fashioned competition.
What kind of coverage do I need?
Factors - Consider This:
Your Budget
Are you financially prepared to pay for extensive veterinary care?
Monthly payments and emergency funds
If you are unable to meet large, unexpected veterinary expenses you may wish to purchase a more extensive policy.
Specific Breeds
Do you own a breed that is more susceptible to certain illnesses or conditions? Make sure that these conditions are covered by your policy. You may have to pay a higher premium for certain breeds.
Pet's present and past medical history
Many insurance companies will not cover pre-existing or recurring conditions or they may limit the number of claims they will pay for these conditions. e.g., chronic ear infections, garbage eater, car chaser. If this is an adopted pet with no known past medical history you may want a broader coverage policy.
Pet's Age
Does the insurance company base their rates on the age of the pet when the policy was started? Does the rate increase as the pet ages?
Life Expectancy
Younger pets may be more susceptible to accidents and injury. Older and obese pets may be more subject to certain illnesses.
Where you live
Outdoor pets are more subject to accidents and exposure to disease and parasites. Rural animals are more subject to injury from wild animals. You may want a higher coverage for outdoor pets.
Species you wish to insure
Some insurance companies only cover cats and dogs. Make sure the provider you choose covers your type of pet.
Which Company Offers the Best Policies?
AHCC's recommends Trupanion as our preferred pet insurance carrier. However, everyone's needs are different. Before you purchase Pet Insurance, research what is available and what best fits your needs and budget. A good website to research is www.petinsurancereview.com.
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Trupanion offers one simple plan with 90% coverage, NO PAYOUT LIMITS!
(800) 569-7913 www.trupanionpetinsurance.com
(Click here) for a client video about Trupanion Pet Insurance.
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Other Current US Pet Insurance Providers
Petplan USA (866) 467-3875 www.gopetplan.com
AKC (866) 725-2747
www.petinsurancepro.com
ASPCA (866) 861-9092
www.ASPCApetinsurance.com
Embrace (800) 511-9172
www.embracepetinsurance.com
Hartville (800) 799-5852
www.hartvillegroup.com
PetCare (866) 275-7387
www.petcareinsurance.com
VPI (888) 899-4874
www.petinsurance.com
Petfirst (866) 937-7387
www.PetFirst.com
Pets Best (866) 929-3807
www.petsbest.com
Purina Care (877) 878-7462
www.purinacare.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Co-Insurance?
Co-Insurance is the portion of the costs that you will have to pay. If your policy has a 20 percent co-pay, you would have to pay 20 percent of any total bill.
What is a Deductible?
A deductible is the predetermined amount that you would be responsible for before the insurance starts to pay. There is a lot of variation between insurers, ranging from $0 to $500.00. For some companies you can select the amount of deductible you desire. Deductibles also vary from an annual to per claim.
Will my Pet be Covered Out of State or Country if on Vacation?
Coverage while you travel varies with the insurer. If this is a concern, be sure to check with the company before you purchase.
What Kind of Insurance Coverage is Available?
Many companies have a basic plan which covers illness and injury, Within the basic plan, you can often select your desired deductible amount and whether or not you desire their standard plan or a more superior plan, which would cost more but also provides maximum coverage. In addition to the basic plan, most companies offer add on's, such as:
- Pet Wellness- this would cover things like, annual exams, vaccinations, preventative dental care, annual laboratory profiles, sterilizations (spay or neuter) etc.
- Cancer Coverage
- Lost Pet Retrieval
- Boarding Fees
- Death Benefits
- Burial/Cremation
- Behavioral Modification Treatment
Some companies include these normal add-on's in their standard policy.
What Questions Should I Ask the Insurance Provider?
- What kinds of illnesses are covered?
- Are pre-existing conditions covered?
- Does the policy cover hereditary/congenital conditions?
- What is the deductible and can I select a higher deductible for a lower premium?
- Do the premiums change as the pet ages of if a claim is made?
- Do you offer any discounts? (e.g., if the pet is microchipped multiple pets, sterilized)
- Is there a maximum payout per claim? Do I have to pay the veterinarian and then submit a claim?
- What kinds of medical treatment/interventions are covered by this plan?
- What is not covered by this plan?
- Is there a waiting period before the policy goes into effect?
- Is there a co-pay?
- What is the insurers past track record? (claims payment, client satisfaction)
- Do you have breeds you will not cover?
- What are the terms of cancellation if that should occur?
- Are there behaviors that are excluded from payment such as fight injuries?
- Is dental health covered and does it include cleanings?
- How can I access my insurer after hours or while traveling?
- What are the limits of coverage?
- Is euthanasia and cremation covered?