Got a dog, or a cat, or perhaps both? Sooner or later you are going to be faced with a veterinarian’s bill for care and a prescription to fill. It’s time to look at Pet Health Insurance and here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
* Ask the Pet Health Insurance provider for a list of vets in your area that they recognize, and then double check with the vet you choose to ensure that he will accept their check. Get your veterinarian’s advice on what coverage he thinks you should have then see what the insurance company will cover and at what price.
* Prescriptions for your pets are just as expensive as they are for you and I, so be sure they are included in your policy. You may need to have a rider added to your policy for prescription coverage.
* What are the payout limits, called caps in the industry. There is usually a schedule of limits, so much for a broken leg, so much for the loss of a leg, so much for cancer treatment.
* Make sure you understand what the deductible is on your pets coverage. This is the amount you have to pay before the insurance kicks in and it differs from company to company. For instance, you might have to pay the first twenty-five dollars on a prescription with the insurance company paying the rest. The higher the deductible the less you will pay in premiums.
* How do your submit a claim for reimbursement? How long does the insurance company hold the claim before sending you a check? Ten days seems about average. What documentation do they require? Make sure you have the answers before signing up.
* Every company that insures pets have exclusions. Some exclude certain breeds they believe are more risky. Other exclusions may pertain to whether or not it is a working dog or does it have a prior health related condition. Others seem somewhat whimsical until you learn the reasoning behind them. An example might be their refusal to provide coverage for white Great Danes, the reason being such a dog is almost certainly deaf and has a hereditary tendency toward blindness.
* Breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Staffordshire Terriers are commonly excluded for coverage entirely, or at best very limited (and more expensive) coverage. This is due to their hereditary disposition toward hip dysplasia.
* Another example are Bulldogs. Because of their flat face and smashed breathing passages Bulldogs have a history of breathing problems. They are prone to heat stroke, sleep apnea, birthing problems, cherry eye, allergies, hip problems, and cataracts. Think high premiums here!
* You pet health insurance company may exclude your English Cocker Spaniel from cover until he is at least two years old and you can produce a letter from your vet attesting to the pup’s good health. The problem here is Familial Nephropathy, it’s a genetic condition and generally fatal.
Insurance companies compile statistics and from these they extrapolate the probabilities of risk, which dictate the monthly premiums you have to pay. This applies to pets as it does to all other risks they may cover. The more extensive the coverage you request, the more you have to pay. It’s a good idea to get your veterinarian’s advice on what coverage he deems best for your pet, then decide on the coverage you need and the size of the premiums you can afford.
Buyer beware is good advice when buying health pet insurance as in most other purchases.
Tags: catcare, cats, ragdollcats, pets
