With the cost of veterinary care rising, more pet owners are questioning the value of pet insurance. Understanding what’s covered and what’s not can help you make a well-informed decision. The good news is that many reputable pet insurance providers are available these days who offer lower rates than ever due to rising vet costs.
1. What’s Covered?
Some pet insurance providers will offer a limited number of conditions and treatments. Others will cover a broader range of conditions and treatments. Understanding each policy’s terms, limitations, and exclusions are important before deciding if pet insurance is right for your situation. Covered conditions include medical conditions that may require hospitalization, surgery, or prescribed medicine. The condition and treatment must be reasonably related to the animal’s age, breed, or species. If your pet has a condition that is not covered by your policy, you may still be able to cover some of the cost through your pet insurance claim.
2. What’s Not Covered?
It’s easy to assume that your coverage includes everything your pet might need, like vaccines, tests, and even a trip to the vet. However, that is not always the case. The most common pet insurance exclusions are non-routine surgeries, like routine teeth cleaning and removal, and wellness exams and vaccinations, like rabies and distemper. If your pet does need one of these procedures, your coverage won’t catch it. Pet health insurance companies may also exclude certain conditions to keep their premiums down. For example, many companies exclude cancer or heart conditions to save on claims.
3. How Much Does Coverage Cost?
Although pet health insurance providers typically offer a range of possible monthly premiums, they rarely provide exact pricing. When comparing rates, ensure you know the exact premium amount you’ll be paying each month. Otherwise, it may be more expensive than you realize. Some pet health insurance providers offer discounts or additional benefits that may impact your premium. Before comparing rates, ensure you understand any additional costs or discounts your policy includes.
4. Pet insurance FAQs
What happens if my pet doesn’t have any of the conditions covered in the policy?
Many pet insurance providers offer riders or add-on coverage to protect your pet if they do not have one of the conditions covered in their policy. Check your policy’s exclusions and limitations to see if this is something your policy covers.
What happens if my pet needs the non-covered condition?
If your pet requires one of these procedures, you may still be able to claim on your policy. However, most policies will not cover the procedure or the associated treatment.
What is the difference between pet health insurance and veterinary insurance?
Pet health insurance is designed to cover your pet’s medical expenses, regardless of whether they are covered under your policy.
5. Should You Buy Pet Insurance?
For most pet owners, the answer is an unequivocal yes. One of the greatest benefits of pet insurance is having peace of mind knowing you are financially protected if your pet needs the occasional vet bill. It will cover non-routine procedures like routine dental cleanings and vaccinations and major conditions like cancer, heart disease, and kidney failure. This way, you’ll never have to bear the financial burden of unexpected veterinary bills on your own.
Closing Thoughts
Pet health insurance can protect you financially if your pet needs medical care. Remember, it doesn’t cover routine care or preventative measures like vaccines and check-ups. Make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not in your policy before signing up. Pet health insurance is a smart investment for many pet owners.
