“There is no question that with an insurance policy you will be able to provide the best care possible over the lifetime of your pet.”

Thanks to new developments in veterinary medicine, pets today enjoy longer, healthier lives than ever before! We have made amazing advances in veterinary medicine to keep pets healthy. Not long ago, such things as MRI, chemotherapy, or cataract removal for pets were rare or non-existent. Our pets are part of our families, and we want to do whatever we can to keep them healthy and happy.

As one would expect, veterinary costs have continued to rise along with these advances. But it can still be quite a surprise to find how expensive today’s advanced treatments can be, and pet owners may find their economic realities in direct conflict with medical recommendations should their pet unexpectedly get ill or injured. We all want to provide the very best medical care, and foregoing the prescribed treatment due to finances can be heart wrenching for everyone. But there is a tool that can be used to manage this financial risk: Pet Insurance.

Having pet insurance allows you to make better medical decisions. It helps to avoid potentially crippling out-of-pocket expenses, or worse yet forced into an economic euthanasia. Pet insurance can provide you comfort and reassurance. There is no question that with an insurance policy you will be able to provide the best care possible over the lifetime of your pet. Extending into their senior years, you will be able to make decisions on your pet’s care from your heart and not from your pocketbook.

FAQs ABOUT PET HEALTH INSURANCE

Is pet health insurance like having an HMO?

No. With most insurance providers, you are able to see any licensed veterinarian. Also, you pay the veterinary bill at the time of service, then submit the claim and the insurance provider pays you.

When is the best time to buy health insurance? Isn’t it better to wait until my pet is older or has a health problem?

The best time to purchase health insurance for your pet is when it is still a puppy or kitten. You can still purchase policies later in life, but your coverage might be limited by “pre-existing” conditions your pet develops before the policy is effective.  If you wait until there is a problem, the current illness or injury will not be covered.

Isn’t pet insurance expensive? Is it really worth it?

Pet insurance costs vary significantly by carrier but generally range between $20.00 and $50.00 per month (some companies start even lower) and depend on which policy you choose. Should your pet become ill or hurt, veterinary costs can quickly reach thousands of dollars. Pet insurance ensures that you will be able provide the best care without dipping heavily into your savings, putting charges onto your credit card, or compromising medical care.

My pet lives inside. Indoor pets don’t have too many health problems, do they?

While outdoor pets are more likely to be victims of certain accidents and illnesses, being an indoor pet does not guarantee good health. Accidents can occur in the home and indoor pets can succumb to a variety of illnesses. It is always better to be prepared.

Can you get coverage for wellness care such as dentals and vaccinations?

Many carriers do offer wellness care plans. However, many people find that they can afford wellness care expenses along the line. Pet insurance is most beneficial for the unexpected, large expenses that can cause undue financial hardship, worry, and perhaps alter the best treatment plan available.

Is applying and submitting claims complicated?

Every carrier is different. Many offer easy and free on-line quotes and offer simple insurance claims. Submitting claims usually consists of keeping copies of your claim form in the pet’s medical chart, having the doctor provide the pet’s diagnosis and signing the form, and then submitting it with a copy of your invoice.

Is it hard to understand the different policies?

It is true that it can take time to evaluate different carriers and different plans. The first step is to read the websites of various carriers, and then call the company that seems to offer a policy that most fits your needs. We have researched many companies and have found Trupanion to be a plan that is simple to understand and has many aspects we felt would be desirable to pet owners. Most company representatives will spend a lot of time answering your questions. It’s important to take this time to make sure it is the right policy for you.