Pet health insurance

The quality of Pet Health insurance has improved dramatically over the years, since it was first offered in the 80’s. Getting insurance for one’s pet is just like getting health insurance for own self, it can be confusing with many fine details to read. 

Many pet owners pamper their pest with all of the niceties available in the market today. Therefore it is no surprise that, as one of family members, health insurance is also available for them just as much as it is available for one’s children and spouses.

Advantages of taking a Pet Health Insurance

The logistics of pet insurance 

It is common misconception that pet insurance works very similar to human health insurance. However this is not the case. 

Significant differences in a VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance) versus an HMO include: 

The consumer is free to choose any licensed Veterinary doctor versus a specific doctor, as with an HMO. 

The consumer who is willing to purchase a Pet insurance are able to pay at the time of service versus a Co-Pay. 

The consumer can file a VPI claim for reimbursement versus utilizing a medical card and medical number. 

Policies are similar in that there is no coverage for pre-existing conditions. In addition, there is no coverage for cosmetic or elective procedures.

Policies available for pet health insurance

There are generally two types of pet insurance policies available:  

1. Routine Care Coverage and

1. Pet Major Medical

Routine care coverage takes care of annual physical exams, vaccinations, heart worm detection and treatment, spray and neuter services, teeth cleansing and flea control. 

Pet Major Medical covers surgeries, accidents or injuries, X-rays, MRI or CAT scans, hospitalization, removal of ingested foreign objects and snake bites.

Cost of the pet health insurance

Major medical coverage for a dog can range anywhere between $19 and $29 a month. Whereas a cat owner can expect to spend anywhere between $12 and $25 a month. Add routine coverage for the pet at $10 to $12 per month. 

Coverage for smaller animals and exotic pest such as reptile’s birds and ferrets can start as low as $7 per month.

Factors to consider when choosing insurance

1. The age of the pet: the younger the pet is, the better the time to purchase pet health insurance for them. Young animals, like young children, tend to get more “trouble” due to their natural curiosity. In addition to this, the pet is more likely to develop problems during the last two years of their lives. It is always wise to have coverage already in place from the very beginning.

1. Breed of the Pet: some insurance providers will pace restrictions on the coverage one purchases on certain breeds. for example: A Golden Retriever who is prone to hip dysphasia or a Dalmatian who is prone to congestional deafness because of hereditary, may have aspects of these specific areas of coverage restricted or even eliminated.

1. Outdoor or indoor pet: An animal that spends much of its time outdoors is more prone to injuries or illness than one who is kept inside.

1. State in which the pet and the pet owner lives can also play a vital role in determining the premium of Pet Health Insurance: The laws of the Pet health insurance may differ from state to state. So it is better to learn about the pet health insurance policies prevailing in the state and then approach the insurance provider.