Pets are close to our hearts, and we love them to death. No one wants anything bad to happen to their dog or cat. However, just like humans, pets are living creatures, and more often than not, they could fall sick or get injured and need to be treated.
Veterinary care usually costs a lot and can, under dire circumstances, become unaffordable, which is an added headache over the emotional burden of a sick pet.
Just like you have health insurance, it only makes sense to keep your pet covered, given how much pet health insurance costs, which isn’t a lot.
After all, we have only ourselves to blame, and we will be sad if we can’t get our sick pets treated and they keep suffering.
What to know when choosing pet health insurance plans?
Much like human health insurance, choosing pet health insurance plans that apply to your particular scenario requires nuance.
Don’t always opt for the most affordable plan
While cheap plans can help you save a buck or two, they may not save the life of your pet. In this case, it is not worth it.
Cheap pet insurance plans are usually fundamental and cover minor illnesses, things your pets may never need. Sometimes, inexpensive plans only cover costs up to a specific limit, making you pay later anyway.
Check particular use cases
As an owner, you know best what afflicts your pet. So, if you think you have a hyperactive poodle who gets himself into trouble all the time, opt for an accident-only plan.
If you bought a dog with a congenital disability that causes trouble in the future, buy a lifetime plan that covers its chronic illness.
Convenience
Check out the quotations within the policy that you buy. Keep convenience in mind.
Many pet health insurance plans allow you to choose your veterinarian so you can receive higher-cost but better treatment.
Similarly, some quotes are more straightforward and less restrictive than others. Some others offer higher premiums.
The average monthly price for a dog with the lowest tier policy was less than $14. The top plan averages $98 monthly. Select the one that best suits you and your pet’s needs.
4) Pay first policy
Pet health insurance plans differ from human insurance at the time of payment. This is a bummer, but essentially, you need to pay the vet yourself and send the amount to your insurance company to get paid by them later.
Thus, the insurance does not pay your vet directly. Pet insurance offers more benefits than human insurance, which can be a severe turn-off for prospective buyers.
5) Not just for a dog or cat
Exotic pets also deserve healthcare. Sometimes more so than cats or dogs. However, it is often difficult to insure them. Most insurance, after all, covers dogs.
In this case, it is better to look for policies that cover rarer species.
What good pet insurance offers
Considering the above points, let us build perfect pet health insurance plans.
A lower deductible
Depending on your plan, your deductible must be paid for each renewal cycle or with each new incident.
Always opt for a pet health plan that diminishes this value by a certain amount every payment cycle as your investment grows.
Covers diagnostic fees
Some insurance companies scam you into signing agreements that only pay for treatments but exclude examinations.
Remember, no treatment is possible without clinical examinations and laboratory diagnosis; a half-decent plan should cover these things. If a plan doesn’t cover this, don’t get it. Simple.
Covers pre-existing conditions
Diseased pets deserve love and health care. However, most money-grabbing pet insurance refuses to cover prior defects after a thorough workup.
However, some do, and if your pet has a condition you’re aware of, you should scour hard for these benevolent companies. If at least they even cover curable conditions, it affords your beloved pet pain relief that can easily be cured with money.
Preventive care
While most pet health insurance plans cover diseases, quite a few refuse to cover regular health check-ups, vaccinations, cleaning sessions, pet grooming, etc.
We all want our pets to be healthy; cleanliness and vaccines are important.
Thus, looking for plans that meet these requirements is worth your while.
Final thoughts on choosing pet health insurance plans
Pets are valued members of our families, and it’s heartbreaking to see our pets suffer.
Immediate treatment becomes a priority, and not affording the care your pet deserves can be a useless burden during stressful times.
Pet health insurance plans are a blessing during these times as long as you follow the plan we have laid out for you.