VPI pet insurance. APSCA pet insurance. Embrace pet insurance. Pets Best pet insurance.These are just a few of the companies offering health insurance for pets. Choosing between them can be a daunting task.
Investigating the Pet Health Insurance Company
You'll be relying heavily on the honesty and integrity of the company supplying the pet health plan. Investigate them thoroughly. Basic questions you'll want to consider are:
- How long has the company been in business?
- What is their track record? Are they reliable?
- Are there any complaints on file against them with the Better Business Bureau?
- Are they and their sales representative licensed to sell insurance in your state?
There are several things you can do to investigate further.
- Broaden your search and investigate at least three different pet insurance companies.
- Search the web for sites which review pet insurance and see how the company rated.
- Ask your friends and coworkers who own pets which company they use and whether they are satisfied with the company.
- Contact the company. Talk to their representatives. Request information. If they are difficult to deal with before you purchase, they'll be difficult after the purchase as well. Make sure the information they give you matches the information on their website or in their brochures.
Find out what the companies policies are.
- Some pet health insurance companies work with a network of veterinarians and will expect you to visit one of their network. Others allow you to see the veterinarian of your choice.
- What is the company's claims policy and is it simple?
- Do you have to file a claim within a certain time period?
- In the event that your claim is denied, is there an appeals process you can pursue for re-evaluation?
- How long does it take the pet health insurance company to reimburse you for your claim?
Choose a Policy Appropriate to Your Needs
Once you've decided on a pet health insurance company to provide for your dog or cat, you'll need to choose an individual policy. Make sure you understand the policy and read all the fine print so that you know what you are buying.
- What pet health conditions are covered?
- What pet health conditions are not covered?
- Are congenital, chronic and/or pre-existing conditions covered?
- How does the policy renew?
- When the policy does renew, are health conditions paid for previously now considered pre-existing and therefore no longer covered?
- Is routine health care covered? Is the additional premium justified?
- Can the policy be canceled without penalty?
- What is the fee schedule covered by the policy and how does it compare to what your veterinarian charges?
- What is the premium for the policy? Don't forget to account for deductibles and co-pays if applicable.
Other Considerations Pertaining to Your Pet Health Plan
Many pet health insurance companies offer a high deductible policy with a correspondingly lower premium. This may be an alternative if the premium for lower deductible policies is out of your financial reach. These policies can offer an affordable measure of protection in the event that your pet suffers a catastrophic illness or injury. Having this protection may allow you to pursue treatment which you might otherwise not be able to afford for your pet.
Many veterinary pet insurance companies offer multiple pet discounts as well. These companies may offer a benefit if you own more than one pet.
