Is Pet Medical Insurance The Best Option for You?
Pet medical insurance is not the latest trend in pets as it has been around a while but it is gaining in popularity. It is only in recent years that medical insurance for pets has become more affordable because before the costs were so prohibitive for the average family that only breeders and those who had show dogs really had pet medical insurance.
These days, the insurance plans for pets have not only become more affordable but they are no longer a generic one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Now pet medical insurance policies come in a variety of plans so that you can choose the one that will best suit the needs of your family and pet. Of course this greater flexibility means that you will want to garner several quotes from pet medical insurance companies to find the one that is most compatible.
General Information
Pet medical insurance these days models human plans in that there are deductibles or co-pays, annual premiums, clauses for pre-existing conditions and varying plan levels. These insurance plans are often based on the pet's indoor or outdoor lifestyle, age, species and even your pet-proofing measures around the home like a fenced-in yard.
If the pet is known for its unstable genetic disposition or tendency toward disease or physical maladies like hip dysplasia, pet medical insurance companies may deny coverage for it. Some companies will limit coverage to the average age span of the pet while others do not place a limit.
Generally, pet medical insurance will be available to your pet after the weaning stage, typically six to eight weeks for cats and dogs. However, if you adopt the pet from a shelter or rescue organization, there may be a longer waiting period, depending on the company.
Comparing Policies
Decide what is important to you in regards to pet medical insurance for your pet in advance because once you get some quotes, you will discover that some plans vary widely. Some plans are comprehensive and cover everything from vaccinations and prescription medication to heartworm and flea control measures. Others may add riders to their general policies to cover dental care, micro chipping or spay and neutering.
There may be discounts if you decide to purchase pet medical insurance for more than one animal. Some companies will offer discount programs for pet supplies, food and other services as a courtesy. All sorts of factors come into play when it comes to pet medical insurance however, for the most part, the prices for the average policy tends to be anywhere from $10 - $30 depending on what is covered by the plan you choose for your pet.
