Must Read
For Pet Health Insurance Company Shopping
Pet Health Insurance Company: A must read before purchasing health insurance for pets. Find the best questions to ask, along with important policy pitfalls that have proved costly for others.
Let me start off by saying this: I've heard time and time again..."You have health insurance for pets??" Well, why wouldn't I? I have insurance on every other thing in the UNIVERSE...cars, jewelry, identity!!
So of all things to not have insurance on, why would I choose my pet(s)?
Pets can be one of life's greatest treasures and I certainly want to have a gift, such as a pet, protected.
I believe now, more than ever, our pets are being accepted as one of the family. And with the threat of illnesses, injuries, etc. on hand, there is a growing demand for a pet health insurance company to meet our needs.
**Must Read Check List**
So with that, I have compiled a list below of important things to check for when it comes time to receive pet health insurance quotes. Be aware, that certain companies will quote lower premiums from their "low-end" policies. Then, after getting your commitment, they will ask questions from below in order to mandatorilybump you into a higher priced policy. Just do your "due diligence".
I hope this helps!
Questions/Concerns To Ask
Did You Know?
If a pet is insured at age 7, but the companies cut off age is 9, not all companies will continue coverage after they have passed the specified age limit.
PLEASE CHECK THIS BEFORE SIGNING!!
- Does the pet health insurance company offer coverage for ANY breed of dog or cat? Some do not!
- Is there a requirement for the pet to be registered?
- What about the age of the pet? Some companies will not insure animals that are less than 6 or 8 weeks old. Also, certain policies within a pet health insurance company forbid coverage on pets over a certain age. For example, a dog over 9 years of age, may not be eligible for coverage! Double check this!!
- What illnesses or injuries will be covered? Examples would be: Bites, Burn Injuries, Broken Bones, Hit by Autos
- How about Routine Care? Luckily, lot's of companies now offer teeth cleaning, yearly exams, vaccines, and other prevention treatments. Again, not all do....so check, check, and double check!
- Which veterinarian can you choose? Some companies require you to visit only a select few of Doctors. In my opinion, I would never choose a pet health insurance company that requires this. I believe it's a disaster waiting to happen!
Side Note
Some companies will offer boarding of your pet in case you were put in the hospital.
It will cost extra, of course, but could prove to be very useful if you had a prolonged visit! I hope you won't!
Important Coverage Questions/Facts
- Emergency Visits? Once again, tons of companies are very strict on why you go, where you go, and how many times you go for follow ups after the emergency visit.
- Concerning pet insurance, health could be a factor. Most companies will not cover preexisting conditions. Some will, so if this is important to you, keep shopping and you'll find the right company. However, be prepared to pay big for this policy.
- Make sure you check up on the coverage limits and the dollar amounts of the pet insurance health plan!
Most will have a deductible that you are responsible for along with a maximum amount they will pay out per accident. As well, there will be a maximum they will pay out per year. And, as with humans, there will also be a maximum amount the pet health insurance company will pay out for the life of the policy.
All figures will be different from policy to policy and company to company. So do your math, and find the best one that works with your finances...as well as your projected expenses for veterinary visits, check-ups, etc. (I know....hard to do.)
When viewing the coverage limits on your proposed policy, the above amounts may seem lower than what would first come to mind. However, remember that the lifespan of your pet is much less than that of yourself, so the lifetime max payout for a pet is substantially lower than that for you and I.
However, don't settle for an amount TOO low. Surgeries and other procedures on your beloved pets can be Extremely High! (As most of you probably already know.)
Claims
Speaking of payouts, try to get a grip on what the company would pay when you submit a claim.
Tons of pet insurance companies will pay what THEY think the procedure is worth. (Ex., they might pay $1500 of a $3000 bill.) That doesn't cut it for most people. Good and reputable companies that offer health insurance-pets, will pay their agreed upon amount....no matter what the hospital bill might be! (Ex., they would pay their agreed upon 80% of the total bill. That would equal $2400 in the same example above....Big difference!)
In the end, it's all about questions. Even though you might feel awkward asking 20 questions about each policy, you'll be so glad you did. There are so many policies out there with lots of varied methods of delivering insurance. So make lots of notes and compare, compare, compare.
Good Luck!!
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