Pet Insurance Options

A good starting point is to ask the experts in your area for the names of reputable insurance companies. A veterinarian, pet trainer, breeder or even a local pet store owner are all good resources for this information. Once you have a list of potential insurers, seek additional information about these companies on the internet. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is one good resource for information including an overall rating and an industry comparison. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) is the oldest pet insurer and has about 71% of the U.S. pet insurance market. Other notable companies include American Kennel Club (AKC) pet insurance and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) pet insurance.

Insurance companies either pay a percentage of your veterinary bill or they pay a fixed amount based on a benefit schedule. The benefit schedule is uniform across the U.S. so it does not take into consideration the cost of living in different areas. An owner in California is probably going to be charged more than someone in Kansas for the same service.

The optimal insurance package covers the conditions or injuries most likely to affect your pet. Your veterinarian will know the types of ailments that pets in your area are most susceptible as well as those common in that breed. Other considerations include the stage in your pet's life (young pets have different health concerns than older pets), whether your pet lives indoors or outdoors (outdoor pets are more susceptible to accidents), and how well you know your pet's history (the previous living circumstances of an adopted pet may be unknown).

Deciding whether to buy insurance can be a challenge. Get off on the right foot and make make choosing pet insurance [http://www.choosepetinsurance.com] an easier decision.

What to Look at When Getting Pet Insurance

Medical advancements in the area of pet health have come ahead in leaps and bounds over the last 10 years. Vets are able to perform life saving surgery today that a number of years ago was just not possible. However, along with the medical advancements, the costs have also raised considerably. When you think of it, vets are required to have expensive equipment to perform the surgery, access expensive drugs for the operations, and cover all the other costs to run the practice.

What to consider when getting Pet Insurance

So you can now get start of the art medical attention for your pet, but due to the high costs, many people are turning to Pet Health Insurance cover, just like personal health insurance, car insurance or house insurance. It is smart to cover your risks.

There are a number of important factors to consider when getting health insurance for your pets.

Payment of Excess to reduce your Premium

It is standard for insurance providers to ask you to select an excess level. The excess level is the amount that you pay toward the vet bill, which helps spread the risk, and also results in you paying a lower premium. The higher the excess you pay if you need to make a claim, the lower your premium payments will be. If you believe you will be making a number of claims, a lower excess will probably be the way to go.

Pet Age Limits

Check that you can cover you pet based on its age. Some policies restrict how early you can get coverage and if your pet is too old, you may not be able to get coverage. The typical restriction is under 8 weeks old and over 9 years old. Also, most policies will guarantee coverage if you have your pet insured with them before a certain age and continue your cover with no breaks after the cut off age.

Pet Insurance Exclusions

With most types of insurance policies, there will be exclusions. Check these out in the policy document. Typical exclusions include pre existing conditions that had clinical signs before you took out the policy, pregnancy and elective procedures.

Waiting period

Check the waiting period before you can make a claim. Most policies will allow you to make a claim the next day after approval for most conditions, except for illness related conditions. Also some policies require a 6 month waiting period for cruciate ligament type conditions.

Pet Insurance Routine Cover

Some pet insurance policies offer routine cover which allows you to claim up to an annual benefit limit for things like prescription diets, worming treatment, de-sexing, tick treatment and a number of preventative medications.

Cooling Off Period

Does the pet insurance cover offer a cooling off period, so if you later realize you have made a mistake you can cancel and get your money back? A majority of policies I have reviewed offer a 14 day cooling off period. Again, check the policy document for conditions.

Conclusion

A lot of people are getting pet health insurance cover to cover both routine health costs and emergency surgery if required. When choosing pet insurance, look at the level of cover you need combined with the amount you want to spend in premiums. Also, compare the different benefits that each offer, as there is so much competition and a huge variety of benefits within each pet health insurance policy on offer.

If you are looking for the best cheap pet health insurance and want to easily review differences in benefits of some of the top policies check out this pet health insurance comparison. Good luck in your search.

Cat Pet Insurance: Deciding If It Will Benefit You and Your Cat

As you may know, cats make wonderful pets. They come into our lives and become companions and beloved friends. For most cat owners they become a special part of the family. They're always there sitting on the window ledge, sleeping on the couch or welcoming us home hoping for some playtime and a treat. We love our cats and they love us back in their own special way.

Our cats mean a lot to us and we can't imagine anything happening to them.

We feed them nutritious food and treats, give them fun toys to play with and watch them as they grow from a playful kitten to lovable, curious cat. We spend our days enjoying each other's company without really worrying about anything unexpected happening.

We've always had cats around. We were the happy owners of four cats up to a year ago. We have two cats now. The unexpected happened to us. Unfortunately we weren't prepared since we thought our cats were well taken care of, well loved and would always remain healthy.

When they became sick, it was too late. What they had was untreatable but we tried anyway and in the end we were left with a huge Vet bill and no cats. The loss of two cats was tough enough and the Vet fees only compounded the situation.

If we had Pet Insurance it might have made dealing with everything less stressful by giving us one less thing to worry about. Do you think an Insurance policy for our cats would have been a benefit to us? Most likely.

Owners that dearly love and care for their cats should consider buying a cat health insurance policy. But what are the benefits? Is it something you must have in order to avoid having the same thing that happened to us, happen to you?

We put together some thoughts that helped us decide whether having Pet Insurance would benefit us and our two remaining cats. These ideas may help you make the same decision for you and your cats.

What are the Long Term Benefits of Pet Insurance?

Depending on the plan you select the cost may seem too high to warrant buying Pet Insurance. It might be better to put some money aside for emergencies. It is an additional expense on your part but it can pay for itself later on down the road. You can also look at it as an investment in the safety, protection and health of your cat.

Like all insurance, cat pet insurance is something you need but hope you never have to use. It's a preemptive measure that you should consider taking early on in your cats life to be able to handle any unfortunate situations, which brings us to our next point.

How soon should I buy Health Insurance for my cat?

It's never too late as long as your cat is in good health. As a rule it is best to start looking for a plan when your cat is young and healthy. This way you can take more time to learn about cat Pet insurance and find a plan that works best for your needs.

If you do buy a policy you can be assured that whatever happens, your cat will get the care they need in a timely manner. In the case of sickness, or even an accident, you know that your cat will get the best medical attention. Having pet insurance will also provide peace of mind knowing that your pet is safe.

What benefit does it have to offer cat owners?

cat insurance provides financial protection for many cat owners and health protection for their cats. Everyone can sleep better at night knowing that they won't need to worry as much about sudden surprises that can inevitably lead to large Vet bills.

Money becomes less of an issue with the right policy and you can focus you attention on your cat. You'll also be able to act without any hesitation and get your cat to the Vets quickly for immediate medical attention.

Is pet insurance worth the cost?

Purchasing a pet health care insurance policy is a great idea from a financial standpoint. This may not be too apparent in the beginning but Vet bills can add up and become expensive. By investing in a cat health care insurance plan, you are protecting yourself from the risk taking on any unneeded debt.

Without pet insurance for your cat money can become one of the main deciding factors when choosing the right medical attention for your cat. Unless you have the funds available you may run into trouble if you simply can't afford treatment for your cat?

Buying pet insurance for your cat is your way of expressing your love for your pet by looking out for his or her well being.

Cat pet insurance will effectively reduce most money concerns when it comes to providing care for your cat. Depending on your cat's coverage you may not have to worry about paying a high premium.

There are many cheap pet insurance plans available out there that you can also consider when searching for a policy. Be sure to do you research as best you can and understand all of the features before deciding if pet insurance will benefit everyone concerned.

Read more about Cat Health Insurance for your Cat and become more informed before you buy. For more information on Cat Pet Insurance and Pet Insurance reviews visit us at http://www.bandofcats.com/CatPetInsurance

Choosing Pet Health Insurance

With the escalating costs of health care for pets, pet health insurance is becoming more popular. The most difficult questions that face dog owners are...

Which insurance provider should I choose.
Which plan offers the best coverage for my dog?
Will having pet health insurance save me money?

Let's take a closer look at these questions. I'll try to provide you with some insight as well as answers.

Choosing A Pet Insurance Provider

A search online will yield dozens of companies and organizations that offer health care for your pets. Many offer very similar coverage options and monthly premiums. Not all are reliable when it comes time to pay the bill. You will have to really do your homework before deciding on a provider.

The first thing you need to know is exactly how pet health insurance works. It is not the same as health insurance for people. With pet insurance you'll need to pay the medical bill yourself at the time of service. Only then can you submit the bill to the insurance provider for reimbursement. The amount you are reimbursed by the insurance company varies. It is usually between 80 and 90 percent of the total bill.

When it comes to health insurance for your pet, every individuals circumstances are unique. This makes it impossible for me to say exactly which provider is best for you. As I said, you'll need to do a little research on your own.

I can recommend the pet health care insurer that I use myself. I carry the pet insurance offered by the ASPCA. They offer several affordable plans and your dog is covered anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. The annual deductible for all of their plans is only $100 and they reimburse 80% of the total bill.

Their level 1 plan covers only accidents and in my opinion offers the least value.

The level 2 plan covers;

Accidents
Hospitalizations
X-Rays
Surgery
IllnessesThe level three plan adds additional coverage for;

Spaying and Neutering
Standard Vaccines
Annual Physical ExamThe level 4 plan, which I have, also includes coverage for;

Heartworm Prevention
Annual Dental Cleaning
Advanced VaccinesThere is also optional coverage available to cover ongoing illnesses, like diabetes treatment and other long-term illnesses.

In the end the choice of insurance provider is up to you. Just do some research to find the one right for you and your dog. The main thing is having the peace of mind knowing your dog is always covered.

As to the question of whether or not pet insurance will save you money, the only answer I can give is "Maybe". The whole reason for having pet health insurance, as I said, is for peace of mind. If, heaven forbid, your dog is seriously injured or falls ill, it could save you thousands of dollars.

Hopefully your dog will live a happy injury and illness free life. In that case having pet health insurance will save you nothing. The one thing to keep in mind when deciding to have it or not, is "what if?".

Dogs are my passion. I couldn't imagine life without my best friends, that's why I became a DogTek Distributor. If you would like to learn how DogTek products can improve the life of your dog I invite you to visit the safedogcontrol website [http://www.safedogcontrol.com].

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Pet Health Insurance Policy - Don't Make a Costly Mistake

What to check before you but a Pet Health Insurance Policy.

Yes the policy will be wordy and everyone knows that trawling through it for small details is a pain. But consider the downside: if you happen to rely on something you thought was in it it could cost you thousands. Then perhaps you'll spare that half an hour going through it to ensure it exactly meets, or surpasses, your needs.

If you were sure that it covered existing ailments and when you came to claim for a course of treatment, found out that it didn't, what can you do about it. The answer is nothing.

So go through the following list and make sure that if you require the item that the policy you're investigating actually covers it.

Ensure they cover genetic or pre-existing illnesses. Many insurance companies will not cover illnesses that your pet had before the policy was taken out. In addition they may not cover associated illnesses. If your breed of pet is susceptible to a certain condition then that could also be excluded from any claims.
Apart from the excess on the policy (which is the amount you have to pay before the insurance kicks in) some policies will only pay a certain percentage of the bill. While this may not be a bad thing as it keeps premiums down, make sure the percentage is one you are happy with.
Make sure that you are happy with the amount of insurance that will be paid out in any one year or for any one illness. There is often a cap on the amount paid out by the pet policy.
Does the policy cover dental problems.
Will you be reimbursed for prescription drugs.
Lab work can be expensive, blood tests, scans etc. is this included.
Some policies will only offer reimbursement of expenses for so long into an illness. For example they may stop paying after 6 weeks of treatment. If you think you'll need more then ask for it before signing up.
Does the plan cover conditions that reoccur.
Make sure your policy does not cover anything that you do not want. Some people may have no interest in the "lost and Found" element of a policy. If you don't want it and it's included then you are paying too high a premium.
How long does the company take to pay a claim.
WIll premiums rise if you do make a claim.

Keep the list above in mind when picking your pet health insurance policy and avoid costly omissions.

Try to get the policy while your pet is healthy and then any decisions to do with treatment can be made on the basis of what is right and not what you can afford.

More advice on Pet Health Insurance Policies [http://essentialcatlinks.com/pet_insurance/pet-health-insurance.html] can be found here [http://essentialcatlinks.com/pet_insurance/pet-health-insurance.html].

Note that we are not attached to any insurance provider and do not sell insurance, we just want to see healthy pets.

Pet Health Insurance

To many people, their pets are members of their families. They want to be able to care for their health in the same way they would any other family member.

Pet health insurance can help you afford the very best wellness care for your cat or dog, as well as to be prepared for the unexpected emergency visit. Pet health insurance plans can take care of your pet's needs from accident and illness only, to complete wellness care such as annual checkups, vaccinations, and flea and heartworm preventative medication.

The idea of health care insurance coverage for household pets has been around for awhile now. As technological advances in the world of veterinary medicine increase the availability of human level diagnostics and health care to animals, many pet owners find themselves in the heartbreaking position of not being able to afford the care their pet needs. Unlike the world of human health care, there is no government health care plan ready to step in and provide that care.

Just like human health care insurance, pet health care insurance pays for veterinary care and often for prescription medication as well. The cost of pet insurance will vary based on what is covered by the health care policy. Some pet insurance policies will include coverage for annual vaccinations for your dog or cat. Other policies do not cover these routine medical expenses and are there in case your pet suffers a catastrophic illness or injury.

As with human health care insurance, pet insurance pays the health care provider, in this case the veterinarian, according to a schedule worked out by the insurance company. Before you sign up for pet insurance, it is a good idea to make sure your veterinarian accepts the insurance you are considering. You may want to ask your vet for a recommendation. Pet insurance is becoming more and more common, so there is a good chance the staff at your veterinary hospital has at least a passing familiarity with the various pet insurance programs offered in your area.

Also consider the deductible you are required to pay before the pet insurance kicks in. Of course, the higher the deductible, the lower the cost of the insurance policy.

Charlene Mattel is founder of [http://www.insurance-insurance.info] and has worked in the insurance industry for almost 30 years. She understands how confusing all of the different insurance policies can be so she created a website to explain all types of insurance in plain English, to help you buy the policy and coverage that you really need and at the best price.

[http://www.insurance-insurance.info/health/pet%20insurance.htm]

Factors to Consider Regarding Pet Health Insurance

An examination of factors to keep in mind when considering pet health insurance as an option for your four-legged friend.

When welcoming a new pet into their home, most new pet owners don't spend too much time thinking about the possibility of their new companion being injured or falling seriously ill. Families welcoming a new puppy are more likely to think about all of the exciting times to come (or protecting their shoes!), and not so much about the potential for huge vet bills in down the road. Those excitedly caring for a new kitten are more likely to think about how adorable their new family member is, especially when it falls asleep while sitting up!

Although new pets are adorable and very exciting, the reality is that planning ahead for your pet's future health is as important as carefully selecting the type of pet you want to bring into your home. Pets - especially cats and dogs - are long-term companions, and it's important to ensure that you are able to provide the care that they need, should they fall ill or be injured.

More and more pet owners are looking into the option of pet health insurance as a way to protect their pets - and their bank accounts - in case of illness or injury in the future. Pet health insurance works in the same way other types of insurance; it allows you to put a bit of money aside every month to avoid having to spend large amounts - hundreds or even thousands of dollars - all at once in the future. This helps pet owners avoid the very difficult decision of how much they are willing to spend, should their pet be injured or fall ill.

Much like home, auto, life and health insurance for people, pet health insurance coverage and premiums vary widely. It is important that you do your research to ensure that the decision you make is the most suitable for your pet and your family. When investigating pet insurance options, there are several important factors you need to consider; two of these are discussed below:

Is pet insurance right for you?

How deeply attached are you to your pet? Would you be willing to spend a small fortune if it meant keeping your pet healthy for a longer period of time? Pet insurance is ideal for pet owners who are willing to go to great lengths - and great expenses - to care for their pets. For such people, pet insurance can provide protection and peace of mind.

Where does your pet spend most of his or her time? Is your cat strictly an indoor cat, or does she roam outside as well? Regardless of whether your pet lives indoors, outdoors or both, they are very likely to encounter hazards such as poisons, foreign objects and possibly also other animals. Although indoor pets can pick up diseases and infections, those who spend time outdoors are even more likely to get hurt or sick.

Can you afford to pay insurance premiums for your pet? Many pet owners decide against pet insurance because they do not want to pay premiums - which can cost anywhere from $20 per month to $70 or more per month. In this case it is important to consider whether you would be able to afford - or want to pay - expensive vet bills should something happen in the future where your pet needs medical attention.

What kind of insurance should you get?

So you've decided that pet insurance is the right choice for you. Now you need to consider where to get the insurance from and what kind of coverage you want to get. As the industry grows, more companies are offering a variety of insurance plans for your pet. You can opt for a basic insurance plan, which carries lower premiums (usually starting around $20/month), lower coverage and higher deductibles and co-payments. For example, the Ontario SPCA offers a basic "Level Intro" plan which costs as little as $17.95 - $24.95 per month and includes up to $1,000 in accident and illness coverage per year. This plan as an increasing deductible and co-payment depending on the age of your pet at the time of the incident.

In contrast, if you want more peace of mind you can choose to shell out more per month for more comprehensive coverage. For example, the highest level of coverage available through the Ontario SPCA is their "Unlimited" plan. Depending on the type of animal you are insuring (cat or dog), this plan can cost anywhere from $69.95 to $119.95 per month. This plan includes unlimited accident and illness coverage, $500 per year in preventative care (e.g. vaccinations, spay or neuter), and has the same increasing deductible and co-payment levels as the lesser plan.

Regardless of whether you choose to purchase insurance for your pet, it is important to remember that most pets will need veterinary attention at some time. For this reason, it is important to plan ahead and make sure that you can provide your pet with the care it needs, when it needs it.

Candice Reich is an avid pet lover and the mother of a happy, healthy Tortiseshell cat. She provides valuable pet health [http://pet-health-insider.com] related information at Pet-Health-Insider.com.

Help to keep your dog or cat healthy by grabbing your FREE pet health insider's report at: [http://pet-health-insider.com/free-report]

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Many pet owners often wonder if it's worth it to purchase pet insurance. The way I see it, there are two main considerations, your opinion when it comes to risk-taking and the expected health of your pet.

Are you a risk-taker or are you conservative? If you are a risk-taker when it comes to insurance and would be okay covering any health-related costs yourself, you shouldn't bother getting pet insurance. Right or wrong, this is what most pet owners do. However, if you are conservative, and want the peace of mind knowing that most major health costs you incur for your pet would be covered, pet insurance might be right for you!

The second consideration is the expected health of your pet. Of course, it's impossible to predict with any level of precision how healthy your pet will be, but if you have carefully researched the lineage of your puppy, kitten or foal, and have sound information about the health of the lines, then that's valuable information for you to use when making this decision.

Next, you might be wondering how pet insurance works. It's pretty simple. You'd pay a monthly insurance premium for your pet, which could be as low as $10 per month (but usually higher). Some plans cover routine care as well as accidents and illnesses, while others only cover accidents and illnesses (the later would be cheaper). When your pet receives veterinary care, you'd submit the bill to the insurance company for reimbursement. Based on the plan you purchase, you'd be reimbursed a percentage of the total cost minus any deductible. Not every procedure is covered, so check out your policy carefully.

With the rising costs of pet healthcare and with the extremes that many of us would go to for our pets, pet insurance is becoming very popular with pet owners.

http://www.thepetman.com

Reliable Pet Insurance Coverage For All

Due to this inflation in pet health care many families have been forced into what is known as "economic euthanasia." This is when a person has to put down their pet that needs emergency surgery because they can't afford to pay the vet bill for the procedure.

Many people reading this are probably wondering how they can avoid falling into this very unfortunate situation and safe guard their pet and ensure he or she will receive the health care they need when they need it. There are a lot of unexpected accidents in life, and these accidents can end up sending you spiraling down into the pits of debt. Fortunately, there are options available to you that can help you afford proper health care for your family pet. What you need is to purchase a pet health care insurance plan.

This may sound like something that is brand new as many people have never heard of health insurance for pets. In reality pet health insurance has been around for over 20 years. It's just now starting to come to the forefront of people's attention due to the rising prices of pet health care. A health care plan for your pet will differ from company to company, and there are now many more companies that are catering to pet owners than ever before.

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility and should be given proper consideration before just diving into being a pet owner. As a pet owner you are responsible for the complete care of your pet. This means your pet is totally dependent on you to take care of him or her and to make sure they have all their needs met. For example, it is up to you to feed your pet every day, to make sure they have water, that you spend time with them and make them feel wanted, and so on and so on. This responsibility also includes making sure your pet has proper health care. If you aren't sure you can afford to purchase a pet health care plan, perhaps you should hold off on getting a pet of your own until you can afford it.

There are a lot of different ways you can go about finding a solid health insurance plan for your pet. One of the best and almost unlimited resources you have available to help you find the right pet insurance plan is the Internet. The Internet is pretty much full of information on just about any topic you can think of. All you have to do is go to your favorite search engine and type in "pet health insurance plans." You'll see tons of results and it's up to you to do all the proper research to see which plans best fits your budget and your pet's needs. If you can afford the best, then get the best. If not, anything is better than nothing.

You may also want to contact your current health insurance company as they may also feature insurance plans for your pets as well.

Remember it is important to make sure that your pet has all the health care he or she needs in order to live a happy, healthy life. Just remember that your pet is not just simply an animal, but is a member of your family.

The Author is the happy owner of a pet health and insurance site called Pet Insurance Pro where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on VIP Pet Insurance.

Protecting the Smallest Member of Your Family: A Step-by-step Guide to Pet Insurance

Let's face it - Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your family. Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if they become sick or injured?

That may well be the case if you don't have pet health insurance. Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds - and even thousands - of dollars for their pets' health problems. As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must determine how much they are willing to spend on their animal friend. It can be a heartbreaking decision to make.

Much like insurance for health, cars and homes, pet insurance helps people put a little money away now to avoid a major payout later. Coverage and cost vary, so it's important to thoroughly research the options if you decide to insure your pet.

Step one: Determine if Pet Insurance is Right for You

When people decide to get a pet, they often don't consider how they will deal with the inevitable unexpected illnesses or accidents. Keeping a pet indoors by no means eliminates all the hazards. They can still swallow foreign objects, ingest a poison or injure themselves. As well, living indoors does not make a pet immune to disease and infection - particularly those that are common to their breed. Pets with access to the outdoors have even more opportunities to pick up a disease or get hurt.

Don't have a dog or cat? Insurance companies are starting to offer plans that meet the needs of a variety of pet owners. Some now offer coverage for birds and exotic animals.

Not all owners are good candidates for pet insurance, however. Pet insurance is ideal for owners who deeply love their pets and are willing to spend a significant amount of money to keep them healthy and extend their life. They buy their cherished companions the best food and care they can afford, sometimes even putting their pets' needs before their own. For this type of owner, pet insurance can be a smart investment that can prevent considerable costs and bring peace of mind.

Pet insurance is not a good investment for owners who don't have a strong emotional tie to their pet. Owners who would rather have their pets euthanized than spend money on vet bills are not good candidates for pet insurance.

Step two: Decide What Type of Coverage You Want

Most pet owners will weigh two main considerations when shopping for pet insurance: budget and coverage. Peace of mind can also be an important factor, but far more difficult to quantify.

Pet health insurance is still relatively new in the United States and Canada, so the options available are fewer than for other forms of insurance. That said, North American pet owners can choose from a variety of coverage choices, ranging from injury/accident-only to all-inclusive.

As with all insurance products, the cost of pet insurance increases as the coverage improves. As a pet owner, you must decide what is the right balance between affordability and the care you want for your pet.

- Coverage

When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies? Perhaps you prefer a flexible plan that offers discounts on a wide range of services, from veterinary care to training. This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice.

Some issues to consider:

* Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia for large dogs. Some plans refuse to cover these conditions.

* Some plans place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs.

* How old is your pet? Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but some plans won't cover pets over a certain age (usually between six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and other factors).

- Cost

Payment options for pet insurance include flat fees or deductibles and/or co-payments. Not surprisingly, plans with lower monthly premiums come with higher deductibles and/or larger co-payments.

Some issues to consider:

* Insurance premiums are affected by the age, health and breed of your pet, as well as the type of animal.

* Some plans offers discounts for multiple pets.

* Plans generally require customers to pay the vet bill first and then submit receipts for reimbursement.

* Find out if the insurance premiums will increase as your pet ages.

* Depending on the plan you choose, the monthly premiums can range from less than $10 to about $40.

Step three: Choose an Insurer

You've determined what you can afford to spend and the amount of pet insurance coverage you want.

Before selecting an insurer, here are some final considerations:

* Make a list of your questions and priorities in advance. Make sure to answer or check off each item when reviewing plan options.

* Research the insurer thoroughly. Review its website and sales materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and look for on-line reviews. How long has the company been in business? Are its customers satisfied? Make sure you feel comfortable about everything you hear or read.

* Compare the plan's benefit schedule with your vet's fees to determine to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment costs.

* Find out how quickly the insurance company reimburses customers' claim payments and if it has claim deadlines.

* Read the fine print. Make sure you completely understand the plan's benefits and, more importantly, the limitations. If something isn't clear, ask - and get the answer in writing. Otherwise, you might find you don't have the coverage you need if an accident occurs.

* Start a file for your pet. Use it for all receipts and insurance paperwork so you can keep on top of your claims and make sure you are maximizing your insurance investment.

Your responsibility as a pet owner doesn't end with food, shelter and affection. Pet health insurance can give the smallest member of your family a longer and healthier life - and provide you with more time to enjoy the unconditional love it so willingly offers to you.

Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to Pet Health Depot [http://www.pet-health-depot.com].

Pet Health Care Insurance For Your Dog Explained - Here is What You Need to Know!

Are you thinking of getting pet health care insurance for your dog?

We all want to give our pets the best care possible. After all, they are members of our families too. And we all know that pet health care costs are rising dramatically - just like ours are.

But does it really make sense to purchase pet health care insurance?

Let's take a look....

What Are the Types of Insurance Available?

There are essentially four types of pet health care insurance coverage for dogs. These are:

1. Routine and wellness coverage. Coverage typically includes things such as annual checkups, flea and heartworm control, spaying and neutering, dental scaling and polishing, and vaccinations.

2. Illness and chronic condition coverage. This type of policy covers illnesses and common chronic conditions such as allergies, osteoarthritis, diabetes, thyroid problems, and Addison's disease. Continuing treatment of chronic conditions or long-term illnesses, such as cancer, beyond the first policy year when it occurred may have a reduced payout or may require a rider. Be sure to understand the coverage for chronic and long-term illnesses before signing up.

Coverage typically includes hospitalization, lab tests, diagnostic tests (x-ray, ultrasound, etc.), prescription drugs, non-elective surgery, dental services, and follow-up veterinary care related to the illness. Some policies also include euthanasia in case the dog does not survive.

3. Major medical coverage. This is the coverage used to protect against catastrophic events such as accidents and emergencies. Major medical usually has low monthly premiums and high deductibles.

The coverage includes essentially the same items as listed above for illness and chronic conditions, but would be limited to only those conditions resulting from the accident or emergency. Also, any conditions from the accident or emergency that carry into subsequent policy years may have a reduced payout or may require a rider.

4. Genetic condition coverage. This is one of the most expensive types of coverage and only a few companies offer it. However, some companies offer riders for specific conditions. The cost and coverage depend largely on the breed of dog.

There are hundreds of genetic conditions that affect dogs and some breeds are much more prone to them than others. If you are still searching for your pet, genetic conditions are something you should take into consideration when making your selection. It could save you a lot of heartache and a lot of money down the road.

Can I Customize My Coverage?

Most insurance companies can customize policies, combining elements from two or more of the general types of insurance. Riders are also usually available for specific elements of coverage not contained in the general policies.

When Should I Purchase Insurance For My Dog?

If you are planning to get health insurance for your dog, it is best to start when the dog is young. The premiums are lower then and you shouldn't have trouble getting coverage. Many companies won't issue new policies for older dogs because of their greater medical needs and if a dog already has an illness or genetic problem, it often will not be covered.

Can I Keep My Current Vet?

Most companies will allow you to choose any licensed vet in your area, so you normally don't have to worry about changing vets. However, this is something to verify before committing to a policy.

How Are Claims Processed?

You are responsible for paying the vet bill in full. You then mail a claims form and a copy of your receipt to the insurance company. Reimbursement is usually received in 2 - 3 weeks.

Typically, you are reimbursed for 80% of the cost, after meeting the deductable. However, there may also be per claim, annual, or total-policy reimbursement limits. Be sure to understand these, as they differ considerably from policy to policy.

What Does Insurance Cost?

The premiums are based on multiple factors, but the biggest ones are the age and breed of your dog. Premiums can start as low as $10 per month, but will typically run $20 - $40 per month. These latter rates equate to $240 - $480 per year and $2,880 - $5,760 over the life of a dog, assuming a nominal 12-year life span.

Most companies offer discounts if you insure more than one pet.

Where Do You Get Insurance?

Some of the most popular and best rated plans are offered by:


Pet Plan US (GoPetPlan.com)
Embrace Pet Insurance (EmbracePetInsurance.com)
PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance (PurinaCare.com)
Trupanion (TrupanionPetInsurance.com)
For independent reviews of the different companies and their plans, along with customer comments, go to PetInsuranceReviews.com.

The Bottom Line:

The decision to purchase pet health care insurance for your dog is one only you can make.

If you have an expensive dog, such as one used for breeding, a guide dog, a search and rescue dog, or a certified guard dog, then the choice is easy - get the very best insurance you can find.

On the other hand, for your typical family pet, the choice is a little more difficult. Here, the most important thing is to make an informed decision.

First, get more information. Learn as much as you can about your breed of dog and the medical conditions they are prone to, especially the genetic ones. Decide exactly what you want included in your coverage and then shop around and get quotes from a number of the top-ranked companies.

Only make a decision after you have detailed information for your specific dog and for the specific coverage that you want. And then, make the decision that is best for you, your family, and your pet.

I hope you have found the information in this article helpful. In this age of rising costs, pet health care insurance can often make a lot of sense. However, always remember that prevention is the best cure. All natural pet health care products and supplements are a great way to keep your pets happy and healthy in all stages of their lives. To learn more about these great products, visit our site at http://www.PetHealthEtcetera.com.