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Pet insurance companies are extremely important in veterinary medicine. It is very often that when you ask a veterinary professional whether you should get pet insurance for your new pet, the pet professional will encourage you to do so.
Pet insurance can help with many different medical conditions in pets and some even include preventative care reimbursement. In this blog, I am going to tell you about why you should consider getting pet insurance, the best pet insurance companies to start with and what to expect with your pet insurance.
What Are Pet Insurance Companies?
Pet insurance companies are companies that help pet owners cover expenses for their pet’s care. There are pros and cons to pet insurance companies.
It is definitely important to consider your pet insurance companies and the benefits they may have on you and your pet.
I am going to be talking about why pet insurance companies are important to consider, what the pros and cons are with these companies, what to expect from the company and what to expect at your veterinarian when you elect one of these pet insurance companies.
Benefits to Pet Insurance Companies
When considering pet insurance companies, consider this situation: you get a puppy or kitten, they come into your home and are perfect little angels. They are completely healthy and you think to yourself “I don’t need pet insurance, it will be a waste of money”.
Your pet gets older and goes to the veterinarian and you find out your pet has diabetes. Your veterinarian is telling you that to manage your pets diabetes, you will need to bring them in every 2 weeks for the next few months.
Let’s just pretend that each appointment will cost about $100. You will also have to buy insulin and consider if your pet has any issues from the diabetes that may require hospitalization. All of that will need to be paid out of pocket, up front.
If you went through the whole same scenario but this time, you considered pet insurance companies and even chose one to go with you now still pay the fees out of pocket (depending on the insurance) but now you are reimbursed up to 100% of the funds with only the deductible to consider truly out of pocket.
Pet insurance companies could actually save you a lot of unexpected financial hardship and allows you to make decisions for your pet based on status and recommendation rather an just finances.
Types of Coverage
It is important to do your research from the very beginning even before adopting your pet to consider your finances. Certain breeds may be more expensive than others based on size, potential for disease and age.
When it comes to safeguarding our beloved pets, pet insurance is an invaluable resource. Understanding the types of coverage offered by various pet insurance companies is crucial for ensuring comprehensive protection.
From accident-only plans that cover sudden mishaps like broken bones to comprehensive policies encompassing accidents, illnesses, and even routine care, the spectrum of coverage options is vast.
Some companies also offer wellness plans that include preventive care such as vaccinations and annual check-ups. Tailoring coverage to match your pet’s needs and your budget is key, so exploring the diverse offerings of different insurers allows for finding the perfect fit for your furry friend’s health and well-being.
I have compiled a list of pet insurance companies worth checking out:
| Pros + Option for payments directly to your veterinarian + 24/7/365 Customer Service + Lifetime Coverage + Unlimited reimbursement for covered costs | Cons – Slightly More Expensive |
| Pros + Coverage Up to $100,000 per year + As little as a $100 deductible + Covers up to 90% + Add-ons cover almost everything needed + App for ease of filing claims | Cons – Depending on age your pet may not be eligible – Does not cover preexisting conditions |
| Pros + Affordable Coverage + Comprehensive coverage at no additional cost + Helps pay for advertising and reward if your pet goes missing | Cons – Not Everything is Found on the Website – Coverage is not very customizable (online) |
| Pros + Add on available to cover exam fees + Offers unlimited reimbursement limit | Cons – Additional cost to cover medications – Limited routine care reimbursement |
Factors to Consider
There are many factors to consider when deciding if pet insurance would work for you and your family. First and foremost, consider your pet.
Have you adopted your pet yet? Does your pet have any medical conditions. Keep in mind that most pet insurance companies will not cover any preexisting conditions.
If your pet has a bunch of preexisting conditions, pet insurance may not be worth the investment. Alternatively, if you have just adopted a puppy or kitten that is healthy and has no known conditions, it would be something to consider now.
There is a waiting period for most pet insurances as well to consider. If your pet was just adopted today and tomorrow receives a diagnosis, your pet will not be covered depending on the insurance.
Your insurance may also require you to take your pet to the vet before approving coverage to make sure there are no preexisting conditions. They also require yearly appointments for preventative care.
What to Expect
Pet insurance companies work a little differently than other insurance companies. At the current moment, typically when you work with an insurance company such as medical insurance, your insurance company will pay the facility directly.
Currently, most pet insurance companies require that you pay for your veterinary bills up front and then submit for reimbursement.
A lot of insurance companies have apps to ease the claim submission. There is a wait to receive the funds to give the company time to look into the claims.
The company also requires proof of payment and medical records from their visit. I have been using pet insurance for my pets.
Even considering these stipulations in current pet insurance processes, it has really paid off for us. My dog has Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) that is a life long disease and we have been reimbursed for thousands of dollars that we have had to spend on her care.
If you would like to reach about some other pet emergencies that pet insurance can help with, I have written a blog about common pet emergencies and plants that are toxic to your pets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering either getting a new pet or purchasing insurance for an existing pet, it is important to consider the current state of your pet and the reimbursement you can receive from future pet illness.
Each pet insurance company listed has it’s benefits and room for improvement but consider what is best for you, your family and your pets when considering the right pet insurance.
