Sunday, July 3, 2011

What To Look For In Pet Insurance

By Tish Kline


Everything that goes on with dogs and cats is observed by their owners. This means they frequently eat better than their owners and sometimes even wear nicer clothes. These pets become members of the family and just like the other members of the family should be covered for routine checkups, serious sicknesses and in case of an emergency. Many pet lovers pay out of pocket for bills like shots and other routine veterinary services. To protect your pocketbook, it's a good idea to conduct a review of pet insurance options and get medical coverage for animals in the home.

Pet medical insurance covers medical charges for animals when they go to a licensed in your state veterinarian. Unlike insurance for people, you need not select a veterinarian who falls under your insurance plan. Meaning no matter where you take your pet, if they require treatment and the veterinarian is licensed it will qualify under whichever plan you chose.

It's expensive to go the the veterinarian's office, whether for regular checkups or treatment for injuries or illness. Dogs and cats, and other animals for that matter, sometimes get into trouble. They may sneak out and get hit by a car, they might eat something that they shouldn't, and all too often they contract illnesses from minor bacterial infections to various types of cancer. With the right health insurance it is possible to get all or part of a visit paid for.

Hereditary illnesses are excluded by many pet health insurance policies, so if your pet's breed is disposed to any conditions of this type, it would be a good idea to look for a policy that covers hereditary problems. Hereditary illnesses and preexisting conditions are not the same thing. Many times a preexisting condition would not be considered a covered expense.

When researching medical insurance do not just look at the monthly premium. This may not address what one is looking for in long-term coverage. Many companies offer a discount for more than one family pet covered under one policy. Don't just buy a policy from the first company you find, even if the premium and coverage look good. You will learn a lot about what's available in the process of getting quotes. In order to get a good price on a policy that will meet your pet's needs, you should get at least three quotes from reputable companies.

If something should happen and your pet needs to go to the veterinarian, there is usually a deductible that you will need to pay. Making sure that your family friend is taken care of is well worth the deductible, but if you're concerned about it, make sure to compare deductibles on different pet insurance quotes.

Pet medical insurance policies differ widely. Many policies only apply to injuries or illnesses, and routine care isn't covered. So you would still have to pay for spaying or neutering and immunizations, but insurance would kick in if your pet had to be hospitalized. Some procedures do not seem like they would cost much, but when disaster strikes money may become an issue. For some it can mean the difference between choosing to fight the good fight or having an animal put to sleep.

In addition to illnesses, plenty of policies will cover annual physicals and dental cleanings. Preventative care, such as vaccines and heart worm medication, are included in some policies as well. This is a great way to maintain the overall health of a four legged friend. Policies that cover more often come with higher premiums, but they're well worth it.

Before putting money down for any policy, insure a thorough pet insurance comparison has taken place. When the unexpected happens, you want to make sure that you're ready for it.




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