The pandemic brought a rise in new pet owners, with millions of Americans left quarantined at home alone, animal shelters across the country were left empty due to such high adoption rates. Whether you adopted a new furry friend during quarantine or are thinking of doing so soon, you’ll want to leave some extra room in your budget for pet insurance.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance policies help you offset the costs of routine care for your pet as well as any unexpected illness or injury they might endure. Most pet insurance policies cover everything from acupuncture to ACL tears. You can decide if you want coverage only for major accidents and illnesses, only for routine check-ups and vaccinations, or coverage that extends to both. It is important to know that pet insurance does not cover taxes, waste, grooming, boarding, or any pre-existing conditions.
Why do I need pet insurance?
Pet insurance guarantees peace of mind by protecting pet owners against any unexpected veterinary costs. While your pets may be perfectly healthy now, the truth is 1 in 3 pets will require emergency medical treatment in their lifetime. The price of these emergency vet visits is increasing each year resulting in thousands of dollars in medical bills for pet owners. Just like any family member, you want to make sure your pets are covered in the event of a medical emergency and that you won’t be caught off guard with no way to cover the high costs.
How does it work?
Pet insurance plans are generally reimbursement plans. This means that when you take your pet to the vet, either for a routine check-up or an emergency, you will still be required to pay the bill upfront. You will then send the bill to your insurance provider, and they will reimburse you. It’s always a good idea to ask your insurance provider upfront about how claims are processed as well as the general time frame for reimbursement. If you are unable to cover the price upfront, some insurance providers will even work with you to reimburse you prior to the bill being paid.
5 things to consider before buying pet insurance
Pet insurance isn’t one size fits all, so consider these 5 things before purchasing a plan. Understand what you’re buying. Before purchasing pet insurance, do your research to find out what is covered and what isn’t. It’s always better to know what your plan covers in advance, so you never feel caught off guard or unprepared upon receiving a vet bill.
1. Understand what you’re buying. Before purchasing pet insurance, do your research to find out what is covered and what isn’t. It’s always better to know what your plan covers in advance, so you never feel caught off guard or unprepared upon receiving a vet bill.
2. Choose the right coverage for your pet or pets. Before jumping into a pet insurance plan, ask yourself what kind of coverage is right for you. When we think of pets we often think of dogs and cats, but you may need coverage for a bird, snake, or other exotic pet.
3. Pick a plan that works for you. Pet insurance comes in a variety of different plans. You will need to choose between standalone medical coverage or the added protection of additional wellness coverage. Keep in mind that premiums and deductibles vary from plan to plan.
4. Enroll pets when they are young and healthy. It’s important to know that pre-existing conditions are not covered by any pet insurer. Make sure to enroll your pets when they are still young and healthy to ensure you are receiving maximum coverage at a lower cost.
5. Get reimbursed for vet visits. Pet insurance policies will reimburse any eligible veterinary expenses based on a percentage of the treatment cost or at an annual benefit schedule. Talk with your insurance provider about how you can get reimbursed and what that process looks like.
For many, pets are more than just furry friends, so why not protect them like family. There’s no way to anticipate when or how your pet may become sick or injured, or how much it’s going to cost you. At the most, pet insurance could be a real lifesaver, and at the least, it promises peace of mind to any new pet owner.
Click here to start the process of enrolling in pet insurance with UWIB today!