If your pet needs extensive medical attention or comes down with a serious illness the veterinarian bills can grow quickly. The popularity of buying health coverage for pets is growing. Pet insurance can give pet owners a piece of mind. Some pet owners feel better about budgeting the cost on a monthly basis rather than being hit with a surprise vet bill they hadn’t anticipated or adequately planned for.
Prices vary just as you will find for human health insurance. Prices depend on breed, age, deductible choice and of course, the particular plan you choose. As the pet ages, premiums may be raised.
The search for a good policy exposes pet owners to the similar problems that instigated the health care reform. High costs, shifting rules, and fine print that makes it difficult to know what you’re buying. One recommendation I can make is to discuss the topic with your dog’s veterinarian. Maybe they’ll be able to recommend certain plans or policies.
Many vets will recommend an insurance company that offers predetermined reimbursements based on a benefits schedule. These policies clearly detail coverage parameters and limits so you know how much to expect back after submitting a claim. With most of these plans, you’ll be able to choose your deductible.
Pet health insurance has been available in the US for about 30 years but their popularity has jumped in the past decade because of society’s change in attitude towards the family dog. Many people feel that their dogs are members of the family and they are willing to invest money in the health of that dog.
Three percent of the nation’s 78 million dogs and 1 percent of its 93 million cats are now covered. It’s even more popular in the UK where 20 percent of pets have policies.
This increased affection for our four legged friends has led to several new insurance providers competing in the insurance market. Other trends that probably impact this attitude is higher divorce rates, fewer children, and people living farther away from their family members. People are now using their pets to replace human social relationships.
What Do They Cover?
Some policies cover your pet’s accidents and illnesses, and some even cover alternative treatments such as chiropractic therapy and acupuncture. Most of the basic policies do not cover spaying and neutering. BUT, some offer an additional well care plan, for more money of course, to their basic policy which will cover routine care such as dental care, heartworm and flea medications, annual exams, vaccinations, and neutering or spaying.
Pet insurance policies vary widely and you would be best to do some comparison shopping before purchasing a policy. Unfortunately, many policies will not pay for hereditary conditions and most do not cover pre-existing conditions. (Sounds like many of our human counterparts.) Besides comparing coverage and premiums, also be aware of maximum pay outs.
Having pet insurance can give pet owners a piece of mind when those unexpected and expensive accidents happen to your pet. Without insurance, making decisions related to expensive medical costs related to accidents and illnesses can be difficult at best. Often, the financial burden forces us to make tough decisions. Having pet insurance can remove the difficulty of these decisions by allowing us to give our pets the best care for their needs.
My recommendation is if you are planning on getting health insurance for your dog, get it while your pet is still young since it could possibly cover much of the cost of wellness and routine care, as well as any major medical problems that may arise.
If you find yourself without insurance and facing a large veterinarian bill, health care credit cards are becoming a popular option. Often, the interest rates are deferred for 3-24 months.
Regardless of whether you pay out of pocket or opt for buying pet insurance, payments plans, or both, it’s best to decide on a plan of action as soon as possible.
VPI Pet Insurance/ PetCare Insurance
No related posts.
