Getty Images/iStockphoto
If your pet is sick or injured in an accident, Pet insurance Can help cover or pay for vet bills. But did you know the benefits of coverage can go much further? From a 24/7 vet hotline to coverage for wellness visits, below we take a closer look at seven lesser-known pet insurance benefits.
If you’re in the market for pet insurance, start by getting a customized price quote so you know exactly what to expect.
7 Pet Insurance Benefits to Know
1. You may be eligible for a discount
First, many pet insurance providers offer a variety discount Which can provide meaningful savings ranging from 5% to 25%. For example, MetLife Pet Insurance CEO Brian Jorgensen says, “MetLife Pet Insurance offers discounts for vets and shelter workers (which may vary by state), as well as military, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers and more.
Not sure what pet insurance will cost you? You can now get a free price quote from Spot Pet Insurance.
2. You can see any vet
If you already have one veterinarian You like, know and believe, chances are you will still be able to see them. “Unlike human health insurance HMOs, very few pet insurance plans limit their coverage to a ‘network’ of health care providers,” explains Christy Ross, Customer Care Manager at Pumpkin Pet Insurance.
You will often have the freedom to see the vet of your choice as long as they are licensed. Also, some insurers allow you to see vets outside of US borders (eg Trupanion allows vets in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico).
3. Deductibles may be reduced
Most come with pet insurance plans deductibles – The amount you must pay for an approved claim before your insurer pays a portion of the costs. With a reduced deductible, however, the amount you pay decreases each year that you don’t have a claim. For example, Met Life automatically reduces your deductible by $25 to $50 for each policy year that goes without a claim reimbursement.
4. Some plans cover preventive care
Typically, costs to help pets stay healthy, such as annual wellness visits, annual dental cleanings and vaccines to prevent disease, come out of pocket. That said, many insurers, such as ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Pets are bestAnd Progressive is now offering preventive care add-on packages so you can get reimbursed for those costs, too.
You can get a free price quote from Pets Best now or you can use the table below to explore some of the top pet insurance providers on the market.
5. Curable pre-existing conditions may qualify
Pet insurers are often up front about what they don’t cover Predefined conditions. What is less known is that some insurers will cover curable pre-existing conditions if a pet does not show signs or symptoms for a certain period of time.
For example, Embrace pet insurance Covers certain previously diagnosed conditions in dogs and cats if the animals have had no signs or symptoms for 12 months. Some conditions that seem curable are respiratory infections, urinary tract/bladder infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. On the other hand, allergies, cancer, diabetes, lipomas and hyperthyroidism are considered incurable.
6. There is no upper age limit for pets
As pets age, they often face more health problems and require more insurance. If your pet is elderly, you may worry that it will not qualify for coverage. “While it’s true that some pet insurance providers don’t allow new enrollments for dogs or cats ages 10 to 12+, others have no upper age limit for coverage or new enrollments,” says Ross.
7. Coverage may be available for miscellaneous pet expenses
It’s also worth noting that some insurers offer coverage for a variety of additional pet-related expenses. For example, with Figo Pet InsuranceYou can add a package called “Extra Care Pack” to your standard plan which covers:
- Boarding fee
- Vacation canceled due to pet emergency
- Pet theft or damage
- Cremation or burial
- Lost pet ads/rewards
Additionally, Jorgensen says, “Beyond the traditional financial benefits, consumers may not be aware that pet insurance can be a great tool to support the well-being of both pets and pet parents.” Depending on the insurance provider, things like grief counseling and a 24/7 veterinary helpline may also be available.
Bottom line
Nothing quite matches the joy a pet can bring you, but caring for one does cost something. Fortunately, pet insurance providers are offering more and more convenienceMakes it easy to keep your pet healthy without breaking the bank.
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel