There are dozens of insurance companies that provide pet insurance and tens of options in the pet policy you can customize. Why do you need pet insurance? What is the cost of pet insurance? What is covered and not covered by pet insurance? We want to answer all the questions for you in this article.
Why do you need Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance can help you improve animal welfare because there might be large bills when caring for your pets. In our blog, we summarized 12 reasons you need pet insurance. Your pets get sick, too, and may have accidents. The bills for your pets can sometimes be unexpectedly high. Pet insurance is primarily to cover those expenses.
In addition, some excellent insurance coverage will also pay if your pet dies, is lost, or is stolen. You can even find coverage that covers the expenses if your pet injures someone else. Therefore, having a good pet insurance plan can help you find the best care possible when unexpected things happen.
💡Takeaway: Basic pet insurance covers your pets when they get sick or injured. Better (more expensive) policies can cover when your pet dies, is lost, or is stolen.
What does pet insurance cover?
Many insurance companies provide pet insurance. Pet insurance coverage usually covers the costs related to medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment. Below is a list of standard coverage. Because pet insurance coverage varies from company to company, so you should always refer to your policy to see your coverage definition.
- Accidents
It covers injuries and emergencies related to accidents. - Illnesses
It reimburses you for the costs of major or minor illnesses. However, pre-existing conditions are normally excluded. - Prescriptions
When your pet gets sick, you may need prescription medications. If you opt-in the prescription coverage, your cost can be covered. Prescription coverage usually comes with limits. - Hereditary conditions
It is usually an add-on as well. It covers the costs of inherited conditions and congenital disabilities.
💡Watch out for the add-ons
Because pet insurance is less old than traditional insurance, such as auto insurance, coverage packages vary from company to company. Therefore, always pay more attention when you compare the packages.
What are the steps for purchasing a pet insurance policy?
So you’ve decided that pet insurance is a good investment and want to protect your pets. (Smart decision!) Now what?
- Find out the pre-conditions of your pet
The insurance companies will not be likely to pay for treatment for conditions that already received medical treatments. - Understand the plan coverage and policies
No two pets are alike. It's better to find a customized plan that fits your budget well. However, because pet insurance varies from company to company, it is a good idea to understand the key phrases and terms in your policy. Usually, insurance companies provide basic coverage that only covers accidents/illnesses and a few premium packages with more add-ons. - Choose your deductible wisely.
If you need to make a claim, this is the amount that you will be required to pay out of pocket if your claim is approved. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums. However, be sure you have chosen a deductible that fits your particular financial situation. At the same time, a lower premium seems nice, but that higher deductible can be a strain in the event of a loss.
💡Note: Read your policy carefully about the co-pay, limits, scope, exclusions, and waiting period.
How much is pet insurance?
The national average for pet insurance is from $11 to $49 per month. The premium is determined by factors such as your type of pet, the pet's health condition, and your coverage, etc., The below table shows the cost of pet insurance in 20201.
| Accident & Illness | Accident Only | |
|---|---|---|
| DOG | $594.15/year | $218.13/year |
| CAT | $341.81/year | $133.61/year |
If you are wondering how much it costs for a specific breed, please take a look at the list below.
Ready to start shopping around for pet insurance? Hit the big button below to get your free quotes.
What is not covered by pet insurance?
Pet insurance does not cover all the risks. When you purchase your policy, it is always important to read your policy to understand the exclusions. In addition, you need to pay more attention to the things below.
- Pre-existing conditions
- Waiting or affiliation period
- Treatment of a hereditary disorder
- Costs for congenital anomaly or disorder
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Disclaimer
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