For Pet Lovers Only: Pet Health Insurance
By Teresa Ambord
You probably have health insurance for yourself and your family. But what about that all-important pet? You may not know that health insurance for pets is available as well.
Pet insurance has been around for more than 20 years, though as people become more and more attached to their pets, pet insurance is only now becoming popular. In the United States alone, there are more than 61 million dogs and 69 million cats. More than 30 different species of birds are kept as pets. The pet industry in America exceeds $30 billion each and very year, mostly for veterinary care. That's because 91 percent of pet owners provide their pets with veterinary care in the form of vaccinations and prevention.
Anyone who has been hit with unexpected vet bills knows how they can escalate quickly. And sometimes, when the beloved pet is too sick and requires extended hospitalization, or treatments such as chemotherapy, people are forced to choose "economic euthanasia." With good health insurance for the pet, that option may be more avoidable.
Before you buy any policy, check with your veterinarian to make sure he or she accepts it, although if the plan is one that requires you to pay upfront and be reimbursed, it shouldn't matter. But it doesn't hurt to check with your vet to find out if they are familiar with the insurer. The cost of pet insurance will depend not only on the age of your pet, but also the species, and probably, where you live. You may also get a discount if you insure more than one pet.
Just like any type of insurance, pet health insurance is subject to restrictions, such as:
- Many pet insurers will only write new policies for very young pets, though some will begin coverage on pets younger than eight years old, provided the animal is in good health.
- Pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage, as well as genetic ailments that are common to certain breeds.
- The policy may have a maximum lifetime payout.
- There could be a time limit, such as, until your pet turns eight years old.
- Some insurers may only be willing to cover cats and dogs. Or, they may exclude certain breeds that are known to have many health problems.
In some ways, pet health insurance works much the same way as health insurance for your family (though there are exceptions, depending on the insurer).
- Insurance premiums may rise as the pet grows older.
- There may be deductibles and co-payments, or the insurer may pay a flat amount on a doctor visit or specific ailment.
Here is one insurance company you may want to check out:
Petinsurance.com was a pioneer of the industry. It functions somewhat differently than other pet insurers since it allows you to visit any vet, provided you pay for the services and then submit a claim.
Petshealthplan.com has a variety of insurance policies from economy to comprehensive. You can learn more and get a quick quote by clicking here:
Another option for those who are seeking coverage is pre-paid veterinary insurance. These are wellness plans, which spell out in advance what medical attention is necessary. such as vaccinations and preventatives like heartworm medicine. in order to keep your pet healthy. By purchasing preventive services as a package, the pet owner can save a great deal. PrePaid Vet is a company that began by insuring pets in parts of Texas only, but is working its way through the country. You can find out more by contacting general partner Jay Van Zandt at 817-483-4422 or jay@prepaidvet.com to find out if there is a participating vet near you.
Finally, here is one pet insurance company that comes highly recommended by veterinarians: USA Pets. Call them for information at 1-800-USAPETS