Pet insurance mistakes to avoid, according to veterinarians

Being a pet parent can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. And taking good care of your furry friend can be expensive, especially if they’re sick or injured. One way to manage this financial risk is to get Pet insurance. Similar to human health insurance, pet insurance can be used compensation You pay for vet bills and sometimes other types of care.

However, there are many nuances to pet insurance, which can make it easy to make wrongStarting from selection A pet insurance policyTo manage claims, renew your pet insurance.

Below, three vets share their top pet insurance tips to help you avoid pet insurance mistakes. If you’re in the market for pet insurance, start by getting a free price quote here so you know what to expect.

Pet insurance mistakes to avoid, according to veterinarians

If you want to get the most out of a potential pet insurance policy, vets recommend avoiding these seven mistakes.

Taking too long to get a policy

And you wait Get pet insuranceThe more it usually costs.

“Probably the biggest mistake we see is pet parents delaying getting insurance or not considering it at all. We recommend it at every dog ​​and kitten’s first visit, but often it’s put on the back burner until something happens,” Dr. Mathew. said McCarthy, a veterinarian at Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in New York

Yet if something happens to your pet, it can create a Preexisting condition It’s not covered when you get pet insurance, she explains.

“What’s more, many insurance companies have waiting periods before you’re eligible to make a claim for your pet, so if you wait to start looking for coverage until after your first vet visit, you could be caught with pre-existing conditions that aren’t. covered,” adds Dr. Katie Nelson, Chew’s senior veterinarian

Get a free pet insurance quote in 30 seconds here.

Just looking at the premium

Another one Pet insurance The mistake is looking only at the monthly or annual cost of pet insurance premiums, without taking into account scope of coverage and other factors. It’s possible you’ll save money on premiums with some plans but spend more out-of-pocket due to coverage limitations.

“There are plans that fit every budget and pet — the choices are many — but don’t make a decision based on price alone because you may find that a low-cost plan may not cover common problems your pet may develop,” says Dr. McCarthy.

Pet parents should compare the details of different policies to see which one works best.

“Each policy has its own coverage limits, exclusions, waiting periods and deductibles. Take the time to understand the specifics of each policy and choose the one that best suits your pet’s needs,” says Dr. Jay Sachu, Bond’s chief veterinary officer. Veterinarians in New York.

I assume everything is covered

You may think pet insurance covers any accidents or illnesses, but that’s not necessarily true. It depends on the plan.

“After the insurance company reviews your pet’s medical history, it’s important to make sure you’re clear about what they can cover and what they can’t in the future,” says Dr. Nelson.

In addition, see if yours Pet insurance policy If there are exclusions or restrictions, such as for hereditary conditions, make sure you are clear about any waiting period Also, where coverage may not start right away, adds Dr Sachu.

Non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions

Honesty is the best policy. By being upfront about any pre-existing conditions, you can avoid more challenges down the road, even if it doesn’t feel helpful at the time.

“Providing accurate information about your pet’s health history while applying for insurance is crucial. Failure to disclose pre-existing conditions can lead to claim denial or even policy cancellation,” says Dr Sachu.

not asking questions

Don’t be shy when it comes to pet insurance. Ask your insurer and veterinarians Any questions you may have to make sure you’re looking out for the health of both your wallet and your pet.

“Failure to ask questions will lead to frustration and confusion. It’s important to ask any and all questions you have about your pet insurance coverage, especially if you have pets that may be predisposed to a breed-specific illness or if a pet was already insured. A chronic illness before buying,” says Dr. Nelson.

Check pet insurance rates and policies here now to see what your pet is eligible for

Avoiding appeals

Not only do you want to ask questions about the terms of your policy, but you also want to dig up any issues with the claim Sometimes, claims are denied, but you may be able to successfully file an appeal that gets you a refund.

“When a submitted claim is denied, don’t assume it’s correct,” says Dr. McCarthy “Every insurance company has an appeals process you can use; ask your veterinary team to review and advocate on your behalf as well.”

Zoning out on renewal

Once you have a pet insurance policy, don’t assume that you have to stay with that same plan forever, or necessarily.