How does pet insurance work?
Pet insurance works a little differently from human insurance in that it is mostly reimbursement-based. Typically, a client will pay us upfront and then submit their bill to the insurance company for reimbursement. I think for the average pet, it definitely ends up being worth it.
The hope is that you don't use your insurance very much. But we most often see it needed in two scenarios: major accidents or injuries, such as a dog getting hit by a car or a cat eating ribbon and needing surgery, and towards the end of life. For pets with a cancer diagnosis or chronic illnesses requiring many visits, costs will definitely add up.
What options do pet insurers offer?
Most pet insurers offer a variety of options. You have a monthly deductible that you'll be paying, and then you can set a limit. I would say most of our clients spend anywhere from $25 to $75 a month for coverage. This is where you need to read the fine print and really understand what you're signing up for. Some plans include both wellness and accident or illness coverage, paying for vaccines, monthly heartworm preventative, spaying, and neutering.
However, they tend to be more expensive monthly. Most of our clients get just accident and injury coverage, paying for routine visits out of pocket and saving their insurance for the big, important stuff.
Are there any exclusions in pet insurance?
There can definitely be exclusions. Pets with pre-existing conditions, like a history of ear infections prior to applying for insurance, likely won't have visits for ear infections covered. Certain breeds sometimes have restrictions due to common conditions associated with their breed. It depends on the company and the coverage. Some congenital or breed-related issues may not be covered.
Is pet insurance reimbursement based?
Pet health insurance is reimbursement-based. I think many people honestly don't even think about their own health insurance because it just comes out of their paycheck, so they don't realize they're paying it. It takes a little more effort to sign up and get enrolled for pet insurance.
It's all reimbursement-based. You need at least a small emergency fund to pay for the visit and then submit your bills to insurance for reimbursement.
How do I choose the right pet insurance?
It really depends on your pet and their needs. We work with several companies. Since it's reimbursement-based, we don't have a preference or one that we specifically recommend. Usually, if someone is looking into pet insurance and brings all their information, I will read through the fine print with them and figure out which company works best for their needs.
As vets, we're always happy to help if people have questions, such as whether to choose one plan over another for their individual pet. There are some websites that will compare policies. There's one called Pawlicy Advisor, where you can input the information you're seeking, and they'll compare several companies to each other.
How does pet insurance help in emergency situations?
The main way it helps is by reducing the importance of finances when making decisions for your pet. If your dog gets hit by a car and you're unsure of the extent of their injuries, it can be hard to determine in the first one to two hours what exactly you're dealing with. Do you just need to monitor, or do they need surgery or ICU-level care? Having insurance means that for something like an accident or injury, they'll be covered, allowing you to feel more confident moving forward with treatment.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by pet insurance?
Pre-existing conditions used to be an issue with human insurance, but now they're not. Unfortunately, they still exist for pet insurance. If you get a puppy, the best time to get pet insurance is when they're young and don't have any listed pre-existing conditions.
The challenge arises if you've had your pet for, say, three years and they've had documentation of limping on one of their back legs multiple times, and then you find out they need surgery on that leg. If you didn't already have the insurance, it's probably not going to be covered. It can still be useful for other medical issues. If your pet has chronic issues, you need to discuss that thoroughly with insurance to see if it can be covered or not.
Are there differences in insurance for dogs and cats?
There aren't too many differences between dogs and cats. Cats tend to be a little cheaper to insure as they're usually indoors and not getting into as much trouble as dogs. However, the same concept applies. Most plans will cover accidents, injuries, and chronic illnesses as long as they're not pre-existing. I usually like to choose a plan that covers the basic needs of your specific breed.
For example, small breed dogs are more prone to periodontal disease and need more dental care and dental work than a Labrador would need. If someone is getting a little Maltese, I might recommend a plan covering more dental work. Conversely, a Labrador or German Shepherd may have more orthopedic issues, so you want to ensure orthopedic surgeries are covered in their plan.
Are there free pet insurance plans?
Unfortunately, there are no free pet insurance plans that I am aware of. Some can be very reasonable, especially if you choose a higher deductible, allowing for a lower monthly payment. No free plans that I'm aware of.
If you’re searching for veterinary care you can rely on, we’re here to help. Call (848) 217-5000 or email [email protected] to schedule your pet’s appointment. Our team is committed to keeping your pet happy and healthy.