Understanding Pet Insurance: Is It Right for You and Your Pet?
More and more pet parents are choosing pet insurance, and that’s great news for our furry friends. Pet insurance can curtail the costs of certain pet health expenses, which makes advanced care for serious illnesses and injuries more within reach. At BEEVET Animal Hospital, we are a participating provider of Trupanion Pet Insurance and Pets Best, and our team has put together this primer on pet insurance basics to help answer some of your questions.
What Are the Benefits of Pet Insurance?
Pet health insurance provides a financial safety net that helps you cover the cost of emergency care and extensive veterinary treatments, which are often expensive and unexpected.
Some additional benefits of pet insurance include the following:
- There’s no such thing as “in network.” Unlike our own health insurance, pet insurance applies when your pet is treated by any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic anywhere in the United States for on-the-go peace of mind.
- Options for world travelers. Some pet insurance coverage options include treatment when traveling internationally.
- Insured pets tend to receive better care. Sudden, unexpected pet health expenses can put a significant strain on the family budget. Having pet insurance can help pet parents consider more—and more advanced—treatment options for their pets, rather than having to make difficult decisions for financial reasons.
- Exclusive benefits. Some pet insurance coverage options include coverage for damages a pet causes to others or their property, or if a pet gets lost or stolen.
- You can insure your senior pet. Most policies exclude pre-existing conditions, but any pet can be insured—even senior pets.
Choosing Pet Insurance for Your Furry Family Member
The cost and coverages of pet insurance policies vary widely and are driven in part by a pet’s age, breed, and risk factors for certain medical conditions, so it’s important to do your homework. When choosing pet insurance, consider the following:
- Make sure you understand what the plan covers, such as injuries, chronic illnesses like diabetes, and prescription medications; as well as what is NOT covered, such as breed-specific disorders, alternative therapies, and routine wellness exams.
- Does the plan have an annual limit? How does the reimbursement and deductible affect the plan’s cost?
- Research the insurance provider’s reputation and how long they’ve been in business.
- Are there discounts for multiple pets?
- Consider how your pet’s age, breed, health issues, and pre-existing conditions could impact cost and coverage.
- Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare coverages and costs.
- Read reviews from real customers.
- Use online resources like Consumers Advocate, ASPCA, and Forbes to compare pet insurance providers.
Contact Us for More Information
Do you have other questions about the benefits of pet insurance? We’re happy to help! Contact us at (512) 263-9292 to discuss more pet insurance basics or to schedule your pet’s checkup.