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Pets are an integral part of our lives. A pet often becomes a member of the family. When a beloved pet becomes ill, people often go into debt to pay for treatments. Unexpected expenses resulting from broken bones, swallowed objects, or other injuries can quickly become expensive. More people are starting to buy pet insurance for their pets. There are a variety of plans available to meet your needs.
The most basic plans cover injuries and accidents. These plans cover incidents such as car accidents, broken bones, burns, allergic reactions, or injuries involving your pet from ingesting foreign objects or poisons. These plans are relatively inexpensive and cost less than $ 20 a month. With most plans, you are limited to two claims per year. Basic accident plans do not cover expenses related to illness or disease.
A little more expensive are the plans that cover both accidents and illnesses. These cover diseases of most major body systems, cancer, and infectious diseases. Coverage limits range from two to three thousand dollars or more, varying with the cost of the plan. Many of these plans offer additional benefits, such as accidental death coverage, which reimburses you for the purchase price of your pet, if it accidentally dies during treatment. Some plans offer to pay kennel fees for your pet if you are hospitalized and unable to care for your animal; this is an excellent additional benefit.
Some companies now offer plans specifically for older dogs. These plans are only slightly more expensive than those of other dogs. Deductibles tend to be higher in these plans. Senior dog pet insurance plans cover strokes, heart disease, and cancer, which occur most often in senior dogs. To receive benefits, you must have insurance before your pet gets sick. If you suspect your pet is sick, don’t waste your money on health insurance. All senior dog plans have health requirements and require a checkup before the policy is issued. These health insurance plans offer euthanasia coverage in case you need to put your pet to sleep.
How much money you will save with pet insurance really depends on how often you need it. Unless your dog is accident prone or seriously ill, the premium may not be worth it. Most policies have limits for the treatment of cancer or other diseases, usually between two and three thousand dollars. Depending on the plan and the pet, you will spend between two and four thousand dollars on pet insurance coverage for life. Comprehensive plans that cover checkups and vaccinations are the best deal in terms of saving money on every vet visit.
When comparing pet insurance plans, don’t just look at the monthly premium. A lower premium can mask higher deductibles. Read the plans carefully for information on deductibles and copayments. Check the rates for your pet. Some companies charge higher fees for certain breeds of dogs, older pets, or pre-existing medical conditions. Read everything carefully and ask questions. You want a policy that is worth the money you spend on premiums.
Remember, all insurance companies want to make money. The plans are written to reduce company liability and make better profits. They stack the deck in your favor by excluding conditions typical of certain races. For example, many larger breed dogs are prone to hip dysphasia and certain bone and joint disorders, which is why many pet insurance plans list these ailments in the exclusions for the most disorder-prone breeds. If you have a breed that is prone to a particular disease and pet insurance does not cover treatments, it may not be worth paying the premium. For the same reason, pre-existing conditions are generally not covered and some plans require a review with a veterinarian to exclude them.