Pet Insurance:
Ten Things To Ask Before
Buying Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance quote links are at the bottom of this page, along with a free mini-course on dog training!

Pet Insurance is a relatively new and growing trend for pet health care. Previously, pet owners had to come directly out of pocket for veterinary care. Now, the insurance companies have concluded that a huge market exists that can be profitable.

Make an educated decision about pet health insurance. Get answers to the most important questions you should consider when looking for a pet insurance provider.

1. Does the company have stability and proven success?

Be sure to find out how long the other companies you’re researching have been in business. Have they been around long enough to have insured the lifetime health of even one pet?

2. Does the company employ certified and trained veterinary professionals?

Look for an insurer that is staffed with veterinarians and health care professionals. You don’t want medically untrained underwriters and claims staff making decisions. As a customer, you should expect that your pet health insurance provider has enough trained and qualified people to back their promises.

3. Does the company receive veterinary recognition?

In other words, do veterinarians willingly accept a particular company’s program? There are many companies that sell a pet insurance policy, but if the vets won’t accept their program, what good is it? Also be careful of companies that pay veterinarians for recommending their policies. Which pet insurers does your veterinarian trust and accept?

4. Does the insurer offer annual policies with clear renewal terms?

Look for a one-year term, so your rate is guaranteed for one full year. Premium increases should be based on your pet’s age, not the number of claims filed. Are some companies going to increase your premium on a quarterly basis or due to submitted claims? Steer clear of those companies.

5. Will you receive renewable benefits?

When you renew your policy, some insurers will exclude covered conditions that were treated during your policy term. Also, some policies have benefit allowances that renew with each new incident. Make sure that the company you choose protects your pet with the same coverage year to year.

6. Do you understand how reimbursements are determined?

Some pet insurance providers enforce “reasonable and customary fees,” which aren’t disclosed to policyholders in advance and can change based on the insurer’s discretion. Get a copy of the benefit schedule which should clearly list how much is available for reimbursement per incident.

7. Does the company specify coverage exclusions?

Does the company exclude certain pets, like exotic pets or birds?

Some providers generally agree to cover pre-existing conditions, as long as the condition is temporary and has been proven to be cured for at least six months. For example, if your dog had heartworm, and was treated and cured over six months ago, he would likely be covered. Certain breed-specific hereditary conditions are not covered by some insurer’s medical policy. As a customer, you should know how your policy works.

8. Does the company provide broad coverage?

Many providers impose a lifetime cap on policyholder benefits. Look for policies that include benefit allowances for each term, which refresh every year upon policy renewal. Be aware of “extra” coverage that pet health insurance providers may require you to buy.

9. Does the company believe in routine care for your pet?Look for coverage that provides reimbursements for common procedures including wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm protection, spay/neuter and much more. Make sure your pet insurance provider helps you extend the lifetime of your pet by supporting routine preventive care.

10. Are you limited to a veterinary network or required to pre-certify?

Some providers do not require pre-certification prior to your pet’s veterinary treatment, no matter what the cost, and you have the freedom to use the veterinarian of your choice.

Once you've completed your search and investigation, choose the policy that best suits your budget provides the most benefits for the lowest cost.

Your pet will thank you by giving you love and companionship through a long and healthy life!

Here below are links for leading pet insurance companies. We recommend clicking through to all three to compare benefits and rates.

Below the links is a link to dog training pages, where you can sign up for FREE dog training mini-course. Don't miss it!

1-800-PetMeds is America’s largest pet pharmacy. We deliver prescription and non-prescription pet medications along with health and nutritional supplements at substantial savings, direct to the consumer. Shop our online store and get Free Shipping on all orders over $39.

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