What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to help pet owners manage the costs of veterinary care for their pets. Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance provides coverage for various medical expenses incurred when a pet becomes ill or gets injured.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Premium: Pet owners pay a monthly or annual premium to the pet insurance provider, similar to regular insurance plans.
Coverage: The insurance policy typically covers a range of veterinary expenses, which may include accidents, illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, diagnostic tests, and sometimes routine preventive care (depending on the plan).
Co-Insurance: The portion of the cost of the claim you are responsible for paying for.
Deductible: Pet insurance policies often come with a deductible, which is the amount the pet owner must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. The deductible can be per incident, per year, or as a lifetime limit.
Reimbursement: After paying the veterinary bill, the pet owner submits a claim to the insurance company, along with relevant documents and invoices. The insurance company then reimburses the pet owner for a portion of the eligible expenses, based on the coverage and reimbursement rates specified in the policy.
Pre-Existing Condition: Any chronic medical condition, illness, or injury that was known or diagnosed prior to the pet owner applying for insurance. It is important to note that many insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions.
Breed Exclusion: It is important to note that some insurance companies have breed-specific exclusions. These exclusions mean they will not cover certain hereditary conditions or illnesses common to specific breeds.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage:
Accident: Accident coverage generally covers the cost of emergency veterinary care, up to a certain amount, for an unexpected accident.
Accident and Illness: In addition to accident coverage, this type of insurance also covers illnesses which generally involve treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and more.
Preventive: Some companies also offer preventive coverage which generally covers annual exams and vaccinations.
Additional Options: Some companies will also allow you to add additional coverage for alternative services such as rehabilitation, cremation and burial, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, etc.
Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Pet Insurance:
- What is and is not covered under this insurance policy?
- Is my pet still covered under the insurance policy if we’re travelling out of the province or country?
- Do my premiums increase as my pet ages?
- Is there a waiting period before I can make my first claim?
- How long does it take to process a claim?
- Does the insurance company have a multi-pet discount?
It’s essential to read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not, as well as any limitations, exclusions, or waiting periods before certain conditions are covered.
Pet insurance can be beneficial for unexpected, costly veterinary expenses, especially in cases of emergencies or serious illnesses. It can provide financial peace of mind and help pet owners make decisions based on their pet’s health needs rather than solely on financial constraints.
Like any insurance, the value of pet insurance depends on individual circumstances, the coverage selected, and the specific needs of the pet. Before choosing a pet insurance plan, it’s advisable to compare different providers, policies, and coverage options to find the best fit for the pet’s health requirements and budget.
Popular Insurance Companies Our Clients Use:
Trupanion: https://www.trupanion.com/
OVMA: https://www.ovmapetinsurance.com/
PetsPlusUs: https://www.petsplusus.com/
Petsecure: https://www.petsecure.com/en-ca
