Weighing Out Your Pet Insurance Options

If you have a pet, one of the best things you can do to ensure their health and longevity (not to mention your own peace of mind) is to invest in pet insurance. No one ever expects the worst to happen, but unfortunately, things don’t always go to plan, even for our furry little friends. Accidents or illnesses involving pets can be extremely difficult not only because of the trauma and grief associated but also because they can be exceedingly expensive, putting pet owners in impossible situations. 

Luckily, pet insurance has been on the rise in recent years, and there are now a plethora of options to choose from. There are plans that seemingly cover every possible situation for any pet you might have, but there are also very specific policies that are great for specialized needs. Unsurprisingly, just as you would do for your own health insurance, you really have to weigh all the options to decide which plan is best for you and your pet. Well, you don’t need to run quotes with a few companies, Canine journal provides comparison to find the best price and plan coverage for your pet. But just in case, here are some things you might want to consider when looking for the right pet insurance for your specific needs. 

Coverage

Of course, one of the most important factors with any insurance is coverage. Particularly, how much will be covered and when. There are plans that focus more on accidents, such as a car or other animal-related injuries, where you would be completely covered for things like surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics, etc. Another area of coverage might be wellness-related. Plans with this focus tend to cover medicinal treatments, in the form of prescriptions or vaccines. Fortunately, the majority of plans address both accidents and wellness, but often to varying degrees, so you will need to decide just how much assurance you want to have.  

Deductibles

However, it’s not only what will be covered and to what extent, you will also need to be on the lookout for deductibles. Some pet insurance plans allow you to pay a premium price annually and waive any potential deductibles, but it’s far more common to have to pay a certain percentage upfront throughout the year. This is ultimately up to you and your financial situation, but it’s definitely a good idea to check with potential companies about whether or not you can change your plan in the future. You might also want to read some reviews or ask around to find out whether or not they’ve upped their rates in the recent past. You don’t want to get locked into an ever-increasing cost. 

Preventative Care

Another area that many of the best pet insurance plans address is preventative care. This includes procedures like annual vet visits, teeth cleanings, vaccines, screenings, etc. Packages that include these elements are great because you can really get the most out of your insurance by spreading out your costs while simultaneously securing a safety net and continued care. There are typically a lot of options with what might be considered “preventative care”, so check out the various possibilities as well as any other benefits that might be offered for bundles. 

Waiting Periods

If something should happen, and you need to use your pet insurance, you might also want to be aware of what the waiting periods are for reimbursement. Particularly if there is a large expense, such as life-saving surgery, will you only pay your deductible or will you need to pay the entire amount and wait for the insurance to clear? Some plans also require waiting periods after enrollment for certain injuries or illnesses. You should definitely read the fine print here because you don’t want to assume you’re covered and later find out that coverage doesn’t kick in until after the six-month or full-year mark.  

Family Discounts 

Another key benefit that might really appeal to some pet owners is the family discount. Many plans will offer discounts or bundles if you have more than one pet in your household. This can be particularly economical if you happen to have quite a few pets and are likely to continue that trend for years to come. There are plans that give certain percentages off for each additional pet and others that allow you to choose plans tailored to specific numbers of pets; again, the choice is ultimately yours. Just be sure to find out what happens if you find yourself the proud owner of a new family member, post-enrollment time. 

Pet care is an essential (and at times, expensive) responsibility, but the rewards are most certainly well worth any obstacles. Pet insurance is a great way to not only provide for your fur-babies should something happen to them, but it might also be the most cost-effective option in the long run. Remember to weigh out all the options and look at the details of individual companies and plans before making a decision. You can find many direct comparisons online featuring well-known names, like Nationwide Pet Insurance, as well as smaller, more personalized options as well. Ultimately, there should be no doubt that you can and will find the perfect plan for your pets, whatever your circumstances might be.