Pet Insurance can be full of confusing questions and uncertainties when you first look into it. That is why it's important that, as a pet owner and prospective insurance buyer, you get as much information as possible before you commit to a policy.
These are some of the issues you need to be aware of:
The cost of the insurance will be determine by a number of factors
With dogs and cats, the breed and age of the animal will largely determine the cost. Pedigree dogs and cats are usually more expensive to insure. There are different types of policies with different prices available (more on that below).
Apart from cats and dogs, you can get insurance for smaller mammals like gerbils, rabbits and hamsters. But these tend to have a short life, and it’s debatable whether insuring them is worthwhile. Exotic pets, like lizards, snakes and parrots, are harder to insure and not many companies offer this service. And if your taste runs to venomous animals, you wouldn't be able to insure them. However, you may think about buying liability insurance.
With Pet Insurance you have a choice between vets and treatments
When your pet gets sick or need medical treatment, you can choose the vet or clinic where he will be treated. That means you can look around and compare the treatment and the cost. This is important when it’s not an emergency or when you live in a large metropolitan area that has a number of vets or clinics.
You pets’ age and breed will play a role in the premium and availability of Insurance
The age and breed of your pet will determine the policies available and the cost thereof. A young animal is cheaper to insure than an old one, and some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. Remember that although the cost of insurance for some pets is high, their vet treatments are usually very costly. And if you own a breed that is prone to health issues, an uninsured pet can cost hundreds or thousands when she needs to be treated.
You have a choice between different insurance policies
There are different policies to consider when you buy Pet Insurance.
A Lifetime policy offers comprehensive insurance and your pet is insured for as long as he lives - and you keep paying the premiums. Subject to certain conditions, the policy will cover the animal regardless of age and existing conditions. The premiums will usually increase as the animal gets older.
If you take out an Annual policy, you pay for 12 month’s cover, and have the option to switch to another policy at the end of the period. This policy may be cheaper, but doesn’t offer comprehensive cover or cover for pre-existing conditions. It may also not cover an older pet.
An Accident only policy is the cheapest and offers basic cover. This policy will cover your pet when he is in an accident, but doesn't cover illness.
Read the fine print!
To get the optimal benefits from your policy it’s imperative that you read the fine print. Be aware of any hidden costs, exclusions and restrictions. For instance, be sure you know what the maximum vet fees are (they differ between companies) and what the claims basis is (do you pay and then get reimbursed, or does the insurer pay the vet directly).
You also need to know what the policy covers as far as pre existing conditions are concerned, and what the excess payments are, as these can be high in some cases.
It’s you prerogative to compare companies and what they offer. Shop around to find the best deal for you and you pet’s specific situation.
If you want real peace of mind about your pet’s health, you need to know all about the Pet Insurance you buy. When you make the effort and expense of buying adds. You don’t want a nasty surprise when your pet needs medical care.
These are some of the issues you need to be aware of:
The cost of the insurance will be determine by a number of factors
With dogs and cats, the breed and age of the animal will largely determine the cost. Pedigree dogs and cats are usually more expensive to insure. There are different types of policies with different prices available (more on that below).
Apart from cats and dogs, you can get insurance for smaller mammals like gerbils, rabbits and hamsters. But these tend to have a short life, and it’s debatable whether insuring them is worthwhile. Exotic pets, like lizards, snakes and parrots, are harder to insure and not many companies offer this service. And if your taste runs to venomous animals, you wouldn't be able to insure them. However, you may think about buying liability insurance.
With Pet Insurance you have a choice between vets and treatments
When your pet gets sick or need medical treatment, you can choose the vet or clinic where he will be treated. That means you can look around and compare the treatment and the cost. This is important when it’s not an emergency or when you live in a large metropolitan area that has a number of vets or clinics.
You pets’ age and breed will play a role in the premium and availability of Insurance
The age and breed of your pet will determine the policies available and the cost thereof. A young animal is cheaper to insure than an old one, and some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. Remember that although the cost of insurance for some pets is high, their vet treatments are usually very costly. And if you own a breed that is prone to health issues, an uninsured pet can cost hundreds or thousands when she needs to be treated.
You have a choice between different insurance policies
There are different policies to consider when you buy Pet Insurance.
A Lifetime policy offers comprehensive insurance and your pet is insured for as long as he lives - and you keep paying the premiums. Subject to certain conditions, the policy will cover the animal regardless of age and existing conditions. The premiums will usually increase as the animal gets older.
If you take out an Annual policy, you pay for 12 month’s cover, and have the option to switch to another policy at the end of the period. This policy may be cheaper, but doesn’t offer comprehensive cover or cover for pre-existing conditions. It may also not cover an older pet.
An Accident only policy is the cheapest and offers basic cover. This policy will cover your pet when he is in an accident, but doesn't cover illness.
Read the fine print!
To get the optimal benefits from your policy it’s imperative that you read the fine print. Be aware of any hidden costs, exclusions and restrictions. For instance, be sure you know what the maximum vet fees are (they differ between companies) and what the claims basis is (do you pay and then get reimbursed, or does the insurer pay the vet directly).
You also need to know what the policy covers as far as pre existing conditions are concerned, and what the excess payments are, as these can be high in some cases.
It’s you prerogative to compare companies and what they offer. Shop around to find the best deal for you and you pet’s specific situation.
If you want real peace of mind about your pet’s health, you need to know all about the Pet Insurance you buy. When you make the effort and expense of buying adds. You don’t want a nasty surprise when your pet needs medical care.