Pet Insurance
If you have a pet, you‘ve probably heard a lot about health insurance for pets and may have already purchased it.
Pet health insurance is among the fastest-growing pet services today. It’s even provided as an employee benefit by employers seeking to recruit and retain workers who own pets.
If you want to insure your pet’s health, it’s important to know that not all pet health insurance policies provide the same coverage in the same manner.
What pet health insurance covers
Most pet health insurance policies cover costs for treating illnesses and accidental injuries. They also cover costs for wellness procedures, including vaccinations, screenings, spaying or neutering, and other treatments. However, some policies may cover accidents and illness only.
While there are many common features in pet health policies, there are distinctions you should ask about, including:
- The scope of covered services: Are there any restrictions on coverage for certain services, such as surgeries, hospitalizations or prescriptions? Is there coverage for palliative care for terminal illnesses and end-of-life procedures?
- Preexisting conditions: Are there any restrictions for hereditary, congenital or incurable conditions? How would a newly arising condition impact the renewal of your policy?
- The method of coverage: Is there a waiting period for coverage to start? (See “Waiting period” below.) Is there a network of preferred or mandatory veterinary providers? What are the deductible and copayment amounts? Are payments made directly by the insurer or do you get reimbursed?
Coverage considerations
There are a few things you should consider when purchasing a pet health insurance policy:
The species of your pet
Dogs and cats are the most popular species insured, but other species of animals can be insured, too. The species of your pet will affect your coverage.
The breed of your pet
Certain breeds of animals are more prone to costly illnesses than others. Understand these risks when determining the level of coverage you need.
Cost of treatment
Talk to your vet about how much it may cost to treat the common ailments of your pet’s breed. This will help you determine appropriate limits for your policy.
Waiting period
Many policies have mandatory medical exclusion periods from the start of the policy. This is called a “waiting period” and could be anywhere from 10-30 days.
Pet health insurance is a small price to pay for peace of mind. And if something happens to your beloved animal, you want to give them the best treatment they can get. Talk to your personal lines insurance professional today about the pet health insurance options available for you.
Why Choose Conrade?
We provide the financial support your loved ones need to grieve and heal. We will advise you on the best coverage for your unique situation—keeping your goals in mind, regardless of your marital status or chosen beneficiary (person or charity)—and clearly guide you through the application details, including medical exam requirements. As a local, family-owned independent agency founded in Newton, Kansas, in 2006, we use our deep roots and extensive experience (insuring more hospitals and school districts than any other agency in the state) to find the absolute best coverage options from top carriers, ensuring your family is protected from every risk.