How Pet Insurance Works and What It Usually Covers

It is hard to imagine a life-saving treatment costing you more than you can afford for your cat or dog. Is pet insurance the solution? Find out about the most popular types of pet insurance and the benefits. There are also options to finance your pet’s healthcare.

How Pet Insurance Works?

Although you may consider your pet a member of your family, legally speaking, pets are considered personal property. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, pet insurance works more like homeowners or auto insurance than human insurance.

This is how it works: If your pet requires a procedure not covered by your policy, first you pay the full cost, and when you submit a claim to your provider. They will reimburse you for any additional costs. Your policy may have a copay or coinsurance requirement. This means that you would pay a percentage out of pocket, and your provider would reimburse the rest.

Different types of pet insurance:

While you can usually only choose one type of coverage, you might be able to combine multiple types depending on your insurance provider. Premiums will increase the more comprehensive your pet’s insurance coverage.

In North America, there are three types of pet insurance:

• Accident insurance: Provides coverage for injuries that are unintentionally or unexpectedly.
• Illness insurance: Covers sickness, disease, and other health issues
• Wellness insurance – Also known as Routine or Preventive Care. This covers routine procedures such as vaccinations and dental care.

NAPHIA says that depending on the provider; there may be additional coverage. These include:

• Coverage for emergency care when you are outside the country
• You can get liability coverage if your pet injures or damages someone’s property.
• If you are hospitalized or incapacitated, coverage for pet care.
• If your pet needs emergency surgery, you will be covered for the vacation cost.
• If your pet is missing, you have coverage for advertising and reward money.

What Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover?

According to NAPHIA, pet insurance does not cover preexisting conditions. There is usually a waiting period of 30 days before your policy kicks into effect. Any illnesses or injuries that occur during this time will not be covered.

Pet insurance does not typically cover spaying and neutering or any costs related to pregnancy and delivery.

How to choose a pet insurance plan?

The following factors will affect your policy and your premiums: Your pet’s age, breed, weight, and current health.

When shopping for pet insurance, it is important to consider the predispositions of your pet’s breed toward chronic diseases such as diabetes, epilepsy, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.

Ask your vet about the costs of common tests and treatments. This will help you decide the right type of coverage.

Alternatives to Pet Insurance:

Paying monthly premiums for your pet’s routine care might seem like a waste of time, especially if they are healthy. You might find that your finances limit the coverage you can afford. You might look into alternatives to insurance if either of these is true.

• Place the premium money into a savings account for pet health emergencies.
• A company may offer interest-free financing for veterinary services by opening a credit line.
• It would help if you shopped around for a veterinarian who offers a wellness program. The Spruce Pets suggests that this plan would allow you to make an initial payment and then cover the cost of preventative and routine care over time. However, it wouldn’t cover injuries or illnesses.

Pet insurance can help you save money and give you peace of mind knowing that you will meet your pet’s medical needs. To decide if pet insurance is worth the cost and benefit to you and your furry friend. It’s not right for everyone.