If you are a pet owner and haven’t yet heard about pet insurance, then it’s time to consider if you should have coverage for your fur babies. Pet owners are currently saving thousands of dollars of veterinary care with pet insurance. If you would like to join in on the savings, keep reading to see if you qualify.
What is pet insurance?
If you have ever been a pet owner, you know that our little companions can get themselves into a lot of trouble. From eating out of trash cans to rough play at the dog park, pets have a vivid curiosity for the mundane. We love them for it but when we have to take a trip to the vet as a result, we don’t love the bill at the end. Veterinarian diagnostic and treatment options have come a long way but also at an increased cost to the customer. This is where pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance acts similarly to your human health care coverage to help you better afford a large range of treatment options for your pet. There are monthly premiums, annual coverage limits, and deductibles. They are also different in that pet insurance works off of a reimbursement system. This means that once you submit your claim directly to your insurance provider, you will receive cashback for your vet bills. This system also enables you to choose your own vet since they are never involved in the process.
So, do you qualify? Let’s check out some different variables that determine if your pet qualifies for coverage.
Does my puppy or kitten qualify?
If you have recently brought home a new puppy or kitten, there are a few things you need to know about their coverage. You are first going to want to confirm that the provider you are using accepts juvenile pets. Not all providers will cover pets through their first six months due to the level of care needed during that time. However, many providers will extend coverage to pets eight weeks and up and even have their own special plans for all the exams and vaccinations that your baby will need during their first year. Spaying and neutering procedures are typically not covered as they are considered elective, but there are providers that will cover microchipping for new pets.
Does my senior pet qualify?
Similar to puppies and kittens, not all providers will offer coverage to senior pets. When shopping around for pet insurance, make sure that your provider will offer full coverage to your older companions. Also, note that many providers will offer insurance to seniors but with significantly reduced coverage. Make sure your provider will cover all of the care that is needed for older cats and dogs.
Does your breed qualify?
You may be aware that some dog breeds are more prone to health-related issues than others. For example, dachshunds are more prone to back issues and Boston Terriers typically need eye surgery later in their lives. Some providers will deny coverage to certain breeds that have more costly health issues. Make sure to shop around with different providers if you are having trouble finding coverage for your pet.
My pet is currently sick, do they qualify?
If your pet is currently sick or injured, you can still get them coverage under insurance. Your dog or cat’s current ailment will be considered a pre-existing condition, so any costs relating to their treatment will not be covered. However, if the experience of having a sick or injured pet has made you keen to sign them up for insurance, go ahead and get them enrolled. Once they are cured of their illness any future mishaps will be covered in your plan. Then you can focus on helping your furry friend get better.
My pet is chronically ill, do they qualify?
Similar to human health insurance, pets who are chronically ill will not usually qualify for pet insurance. This is why it is important to get your pet enrolled in health insurance as early on in their life as possible. No one wants to think about their pet developing a chronic ailment, but it is always better to be prepared for these situations. Pet owners who are uninsured will find themselves paying thousands of dollars out of pocket if their pet’s health is compromised. If you have one of those breeds that is more prone to developing one of these illnesses, let this be your sign to get your pet signed up.
If you have determined your pet qualifies for pet insurance, congratulations! You have just taken an important step in their preventative care which will help set them up for a long and happy life.
Joseph Yaghi
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