Understanding pet care can be challenging, particularly with regard to unexpected veterinary costs. Here’s where pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance is health coverage for your pet, which pays a part of your pet’s medical bills based on your chosen policy.
Just like human health insurance, pet insurance can vary a lot. Some plans cover regular check-ups, while others cover more serious problems. Having pet insurance means you can get your pet the care they need without worrying about a big, surprise bill. In this blog, we’ll dive into all the details about different plans and talk about the good and the not-so-good parts of pet insurance. This will help you figure out what’s best for you and your furry friend.
What to know before you purchase
Let’s use example of a simple insurance plan to explain to understand the plan:
Important terms of pet insurance
Monthly payment
A monthly payment (a premium), is the amount you pay to the insurance company every month to keep your pet’s insurance policy active. The amount of this payment can vary widely depending on factors such as the level of coverage, your pet’s age and breed, and the deductible you’ve chosen.
The average cost of pet insurance for dogs in Ontario is $55/month.
The average cost of pet insurance for cats in Ontario is $30/month.
Deductible amount
The amount of money you have to pay out-of-pocket for your pet’s veterinary care before your insurance company starts to pay. Once you’ve paid that amount, the insurance company will then start to cover a portion of your pet’s medical costs. The higher your deductible amount, the lower your monthly pet insurance premium will be.
Different types of pet insurance coverage
When selecting insurance for your pet, different types of coverage are included. You may customize plans based on what you need, but let’s first understand the basics:
Accident coverage
This type of insurance typically covers treatments for accidental injuries, such as falls, collisions, and ingestion of foreign objects. If your pet is a curious explorer or frequently active outdoors, accident coverage might be an important option.
Illness coverage
This insurance provides cost support for treatments needed when your pet is sick, including but not limited to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Both of these above are based on veterinary diagnoses and treatments.
Dental coverage
This type of insurance typically includes costs for cleaning, extraction, or repair of your pet’s teeth and gum health. Dental care is indeed a significant aspect of a pet’s overall health. However, it’s not uncommon for it to be separated from general illness coverage in many pet insurance policies.
Furthermore, dental diseases in pets can be complex and ongoing, requiring regular check-ups, cleanings, and sometimes expensive treatments or surgeries. Unfortunately, while these costs can be substantial, dental coverage in many pet insurance policies is often limited or may not cover these treatments fully. Also some dog insurance only covers canines.
Wellness and preventive care coverage
This type of insurance typically includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, heartworm and flea prevention, etc. With preventive care, your pet can maintain optimal health and any potential health problems can be detected and solved early . Not all insurance covers this part, at least most basic plans won’t cover those advanced coverage, so if you need this type, you need to confirm with the insurance company.
Special coverage
This type of insurance provides protection for specific conditions or treatments that do not fall into any of the above categories, such as alternative treatments, behavioural therapy, and medical devices. These may not be necessary for every pet.
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
Help with unexpected bills
You won’t have to worry about unexpected vet bills wiping out your savings. The right plan can cover everything from accidents to chronic illnesses and even cancer treatments.
Peace of mind for pet owners
When it comes to treatment for your pet, you will have the financial peace of mind so that you can focus on the right thing to do, instead of how much it will cost.
Healthier pets in the long term
You’ll be able to afford regular check-ups and preventative care for your pet. That means you’ll catch health problems early and keep your pet healthy in the long term.
Access to advanced treatments and specialists
If your pet needs specialized care, pet insurance can help you cover the cost, which means giving your pet access to better treatment.
Disadvantages:
Increased monthly expenses
Pet insurance comes with a cost, which might increase the overall cost of owning a pet.
Exclusions for pre-existing conditions
Many pet insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. This means if your pet is already sick or has a known health issue when you get the insurance, the costs for treating that condition likely won’t be covered.
Deductibles, co-pays, and coverage limits
Pet insurance often has deductibles, co-pays (a fixed amount you pay for a covered service), and coverage limits (a maximum amount the insurer will pay for a covered service).
Waiting periods policy
Most pet insurance policies have a waiting period. This means you can’t claim expenses for a certain period of time after buying the policy, which could be a problem if your pet needs immediate care.
Is pet insurance right for you?
While the decision to get pet insurance may largely depend on personal preferences and circumstances, there are specific groups of pet owners for whom pet insurance may be particularly beneficial.
Owners willing to seeking financial protection for peace of mind
Vet bills can quickly become substantial, especially in the case of emergencies or chronic conditions. For pet owners concerned about handling these unpredictable costs, insurance can offer financial protection and make you feel at ease with your pet’s future.
Pets with breed-specific health problems
Some breeds are naturally more susceptible to certain health conditions. For these pets, insurance can be a crucial safeguard, helping to cover the costs of high probability breed-specific ailments or complications that could arise over their lifetime.
Pets involved in high-risk activities
Adventurous pets who love the outdoors or potentially risky activities (ex. large breed dogs) can end up with unexpected injuries.
First-time pet owners
If you’re new to pet ownership, understanding and budgeting for potential vet costs can be challenging. Pet insurance can offer a level of reassurance, helping to cover any unexpected expenses that might arise as you navigate this new journey.
Owners of young pets with no medical history
Young pets without any existing health conditions are often easier and less expensive to insure. Getting insurance while your pet is young can guarantee coverage before any potential health issues emerge.
Multi-pet households
If you have multiple pets, the potential for vet costs can multiply quickly. An insurance policy for all your pets can help manage these potential expenses, making it easier to budget for their healthcare. Furthermore, multi-pet households increase the likelihood of contagious diseases spreading among pets. The close interaction and shared living spaces can facilitate the spread of various infections or parasites from one pet to another. This can potentially lead to more frequent or substantial vet bills.
Final step: making the right choice
Choosing the right pet insurance for your beloved pet is a decision not to be taken lightly and the company you select plays a significant role. Start by checking out a few companies’ reputations. Look at online reviews and poll friends and family about their experiences with various pet insurance companies. Your vet might also have preferred insurance companies so discuss your interest in pursuing pet insurance with your vet.
If you travel a lot, you’ll want to make sure your insurance works in other provinces or even in the USA. Take a good look at what each plan covers and what it doesn’t, so you know what to expect.
Pay attention to the claim process, which should ideally be straightforward and swift, minimizing headaches during stressful periods. Also, remember to check the waiting period – the span between when you purchase the policy and when it comes into effect.
Finally, see if the company pays the vet directly or pays you back later. By doing your homework and thinking about these things, you’ll be in a good place to pick a pet insurance company that fits your needs and takes the best care of your pet.
In Conclusion
Making the decision to invest in pet insurance requires careful consideration of its pros and cons, evaluation of your personal needs and financial situation, and a keen focus on the well-being of your pet. Pet insurance can be a lifesaver in case of unexpected health issues but it also involves a financial commitment.
It’s equally important to remember the value of everyday preventative care in maintaining your pet’s health. Through a balance of regular vet check-ups, proper diet, exercise, and an insurance policy, you can provide a comprehensive health care plan for your furry friend, ensuring they live a happy and healthy life.
