Pet insurance is steadily increasing in popularity, due in large part to the evolving medical innovations in veterinary science. A much wider range of technologies and procedures are now available for pets including, CAT scans, MRIs, organ transplants, pacemakers, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
The expanding range of veterinary options has become a struggle for pet owners who cannot keep up with the costs of such complex technologies. A growing number of budget conscious pet owners are finding themselves in the difficult position of having to make life and death health decisions based on their ability to afford available veterinary care. For most people faced with these difficult decisions, pet insurance seems to be a practical option.
Pet insurance policies are similar to human insurance policies; annual premiums, deductibles and coverage are based on the plan the owner chooses. Policy costs vary widely depending on the animal and the different packages available. Some packages are comprehensive, including annual checkups and vaccinations, spaying and neutering where other plans cover only accidents and illness.
In order to find the best policy for your pet, here are a few helpful tips and questions to keep in mind when shopping for insurance:
Veterinary Recommendations:
Is your veterinarian familiar with the pet health insurance company and would the veterinary office staff recommend the company?
Company Research:
Review the company website and sales materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and look for online review. make sure the business has been around for a long time and it is financially stable.
Insure all your pets with the same company:
Most companies offer multi-pet discounts.
Make sure the insurance company covers your pet: Some policies won't cover old pets and certain breeds may be excluded from your coverage.
Certified and trained professional: A quality pet health insurance provider must be knowledgeable in both the veterinary and insurance industries and should have trained veterinary professionals on staff.
Routine checkups and preventative care: The company should offer coverage for common preventative treatments and procedures including, wellness exams, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, teeth cleaning and prescription flea control.
Coverage of treatment costs:
Compare the plan's benefti schedule with your vet's fees to determind to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment cots.
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