Pet Insurance

Animals Covered by Insurance

Pet insurance companies make it easy for people to get coverage for all of their animals, including:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rats
• Guinea Pigs
• Snakes
• Lizards
• Birds

The insurance companies also offer discounts for multiple pets. An individual with two cats and a dog will find himself saving a bundle through the group rates offered by most pet insurance companies.

Analyzing Veterinary Bills

Routine veterinary visits for a cat will cost the average pet owner $200 per year. Vaccinations, heartworm tests, hookworm tests, and the veterinarian’s time all add up. It is not unusual for a veterinary visit to cost $30 just to walk into the office. With fees steadily climbing, a pet owner must think ahead. How can someone save money while ensuring the pet receives quality health care?

The Cost of Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is growing in popularity in the United States, and rates are becoming more competitive. For a monthly premium, a fully licensed insurance company covers an animal’s health care. Rates vary, but a quick quote provided by a top company offered two plans:

• Comprehensive coverage -- The premium is a little more than $25 a month and includes a $50 deductible per visit. After that initial $50, a pet owner is covered for vaccinations, check-ups, follow-up care, X-rays, CAT Scans, MRIs, medications, prescriptions (including heartworm), IVs, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery costs, anesthesia, spaying/neutering, and other veterinary hospital-related fees.
• Basic coverage -- The basic plan costs a little under $17 per month and also includes the $50 deductible per visit. After that, all surgery costs, X-rays, CAT Scans, MRIs, veterinary hospital fees, and medications are covered.

The exact details will vary depending on the company and coverage. Therefore, it is best to call around to get quotes from a number of companies before selecting one.

Using Pet Health Insurance

Pet health insurance is easy to use. With most policies, a pet owner can visit any licensed veterinarian. This means the pet does not need to switch to a new vet in order to take advantage of the insurance.

Usually, the veterinary bill must be paid in full at the time of the visit. Once at home, the pet owner can fill out a simple form, provide a copy of the bill, and mail them both to the pet insurance company. The claim is processed at the insurance company’s office. The company adds up the covered items on the bill, subtracts the deductible, and mails a check to the pet owner.

Pet Insurance Concerns

As with most health care coverage, a pet insurance plan does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, the company will never refuse an animal due to age. They also will not cancel a policy on an animal because of old age. Once a pet is accepted for coverage, the coverage is in effect until the pet dies or the owner cancels the policy. A person’s pet is sure to get the best of health care for the rest of that animal’s life.