Pets are treated as members of the family, which is why they also deserve to be protected through insurance. As a pet owner, you must be aware that the cost of veterinary services can be expensive. So, if you truly care about your pet, availing of comprehensive pet insurance should be one of your priorities.

However, getting pet insurance can be as daunting as availing of any other type of insurance, so you should be prepared to give enough time and effort. In addition, before getting pet insurance for your companion animals, there are many things you should consider, which we’ll be discussing in this article.

1. Type of Coverage

Pet insurance differs from insurance for people and businesses but also comes in various types. Some of the common types include:

Wellness plans. One of the most common coverages most pet insurance companies offer is the wellness plan which includes annual cheque-ups, dental, and minor laboratory cheque-ups.

Illness coverage. As your pet becomes older, it may encounter various illnesses like heart disease or diabetes. However, all pre-existing illnesses aren’t covered by the insurance policy, so you should avail it as early as possible.

Accident coverage. Accidents often happen whether your pet is trained or not. There should be guaranteed financial assistance that can cover the medical bills whenever your pet encounters various accidents.

Similar to other insurance policies, pet insurance coverage also comes in bundles, which tend to be cheaper, so keep an eye on them, especially if you don’t have an insurance adviser.

2. Know the Costs

Aside from identifying the pet insurance coverage, the cost also varies depending on many factors, including the breed, age, location, and vet fees. Once these factors are considered, it’s when the premiums and deductibles are decided.

As you know, the premium is the amount you pay annually or monthly, depending on your preferred payment frequency. Meanwhile, deductibles are payments made before the insurance claims kick in. Usually, it’s paid before you claim financial assistance for every incident.

So, when looking for pet insurance, you should understand the costs first. It doesn’t mean the cheapest is the best option, especially if you want what’s best for your pet.

3. Exclusions and Waiting Periods

Not every single illness or needs are included in a pet insurance policy. As mentioned, pre-existing conditions are usually denied coverage. Aside from that, most pet insurance providers exclude congenital and hereditary conditions, and routine cheque-ups, unless you avail of the specific coverage, as an add-on or the main coverage for the pet insurance policy.

Although it may take time to know the exclusions in pet insurance, knowing them can increase the safety of your pet. Or better yet, hire an insurance adviser to help you choose the right provider.

As for the waiting period, it should also be considered when looking for the best pet insurance option. The waiting time is when you already bought the policy, but your pet isn’t insured yet. Usually, the waiting period is around one to two weeks.

4. Reputation of the Insurance Provider

Another essential thing to consider when choosing the right pet insurance is the reputation of the provider. Nowadays, it’s easier to look for online reviews and recommendations but beware of the fake ones. For instance, if a pet insurance provider has only been in the industry for a few months or years they might not have enough reviews to prove their trustworthiness.

Aside from the insurance provider, you should also check their partners, including the vet clinics, animal hospitals, and animal health solutions. Aside from the services, it’s best to know whether the best animal health solutions provide the best products and work with the pet insurance you prefer.

5. Customisable Policy

A reliable pet insurance provider allows you to customise the insurance coverage you prefer for your pet and its needs. On the other hand, if you encounter a pet insurance provider that isn’t as flexible as expected, you should keep looking for other options. Besides, although it takes time, availing of pet insurance that’s flexible and customisable can save you more money in the long run.

6. Claims Process

How’s the claiming process of your preferred pet insurance provider? Does it take a significant time before you can the financial assistance you’ve paid for? Do other clients have the same experience when filing for insurance claims? If yes, you should look for an insurance provider that won’t let you suffer just to get the financial needs of your pet.

Meanwhile, another way to speed up the process is to be aware and fully understand the rules and regulations of claiming pet insurance.

Final Thoughts

Availing of pet insurance isn’t just a requirement as a pet owner, but something you should provide to your pet to show how much you care. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can find the best insurance for your pet, and let it enjoy life being healthy and happy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aliana Baraquio is a Web Content Writer working for Abbey Animal Health, an Australian-owned and managed animal health company, servicing the needs of veterinary professionals, farmers and pet owners. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that will help readers in making the right choice.