Pet Insurance
A pet is truly part of the family. So, it only makes sense that their health is of the utmost concern. Much like any other family member, a pet should be provided with adequate levels of insurance. This arises from the fact that certain treatments can be prohibitively expense in terms of out-of-pocket costs. Also, some policies are more comprehensive than others. As there are a number of plans to choose from, it is important to note the most important aspects of each.
The Different Types of Pet Insurance
This is the most robust type of policy (similar in purpose to a comprehensive car insurance plan). Not only will this cover emergency treatments to an animal hospital, but a host of other conditions are usually addressed. These can include diagnostic testing, breed, specific conditions, cancers, surgery, rehabilitation and even alternative therapies. Another point to be noted with a comprehensive plan is that while the premiums are likely to be higher, the financial levels of coverage are likewise much greater when compared to other plans.
Accident-only policies can be considered the bare-bones option for those who may not be able to afford comprehensive plans. Simply stated, this policy ONLY covers accidents and emergency visits to a veterinarian. This package will normally not provide treatment options for chronic or congenital illnesses (unless the visit is considered to be an emergency). So, pets with preexisting conditions or that may be suffering from ailments due to old age will not benefit from this plan. It should also be noted that co-payments will be higher. Finally, some providers put in place a yearly "cap" in regards to how many emergency visits are included. After this limit is reached, the owner will have to pay the money out of his or her own pocket.
Most owners will choose at least a basic pet insurance policy. This plan will cover both emergency visits and illnesses. It can be thought of as a compromise between comprehensive packages and emergency-only options. While all necessary care and diagnostic procedures are included, the provider may not offer as much coverage for pets with congenital defects. Also, routine visits are normally not addressed with basic coverage. The costs of any veterinarian will often be reimbursed by up to eighty percent. Co-payments will also be significantly lower than emergency-only plans.
Choosing the Best Pet Insurance Plan
The most predominant concern will be the cost of the plan in combination with the expected needs of the pet. Additional factors to address can be:
This type of insurance is necessary for the health and welfare of any pet. Keeping these basic ideas in mind will enable the owner to find the most well-suited plan.
