You may have found yourself thinking as you whip out your credit card to pay for Fido or Fluffy’s vet visit, “Boy, they should have insurance for this!” Well, it turns out, they do. There are several companies out there who are willing to insure your pet for everything from routine vaccinations to cancer treatment. Here are a few things to think about if you are considering pet insurance:
- Most pet insurances require you to pay the veterinarian at the time of service out of pocket and then reimburse you directly based on your policy. Some plans will reimburse you based on the actual bill and others based on a predetermined amount depending on the services provided. Find out what you are getting before you buy.
- Pre-existing conditions and breed specific diseases are often not covered, although this may vary from policy to policy.
- Weigh the costs. You can buy coverage that will pay for routine costs or one that just covers major medical expenses. Decide what you are better off paying out of pocket for and where insurance coverage would be helpful.
- Shop around. You may find a better deal for similar coverage with another carrier. A few to check out include Trupanion Pet Insurance, VPI Pet Insurance, Pet’s Best Insurance, PetCare Pet Insurance, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, and PetFirst Healthcare.
For some situations, pet insurance makes a lot of sense. Many times it helps owners afford care that they otherwise might have to forgo. Do your research and find out if pet insurance might be a good investment for your furry family. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.