As an owner of a pet, you would want the best for your pet, especially when there are unexpected health issues. Pet insurance can help pay for the veterinary bill, but you should be aware of what is typically covered and what is not.
What does pet insurance cover?
The majority of pet insurance policies are designed to protect against unforeseen accidents and illnesses. Below is what they typically cover:
- Accidents: Policies typically pay for accident-related injuries like broken bones, cuts, or ingestion.
- Illnesses: Plans typically pay for a range of sicknesses, including infections, gastrointestinal conditions, and serious illnesses like cancer.
- Hereditary and congenital conditions: Most plans pay for genetic conditions your pet is born with, as long as these problems weren’t apparent prior to your policy’s effective date.
- Chronic conditions: Chronic diseases such as diabetes or arthritis are typically covered, which saves on treatment over the long term.
- Diagnostic tests: X-rays, blood work, and MRIs required to diagnose a condition that’s covered are typically included.
- Medications: Prescriptions your veterinarian prescribes for covered conditions are typically reimbursable.
- Alternative therapies: A few policies pay for such therapies as acupuncture or chiropractic care if prescribed by a veterinarian.
What doesn’t pet insurance cover?
Understanding the exclusions in pet insurance policies is crucial to avoid surprises. Common exclusions include:
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any illness or injury your pet had before the policy start date is usually not covered.
- Routine and Preventive Care: Standard policies often exclude regular check-ups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings unless you opt for additional wellness coverage.
- Elective and Cosmetic Procedures: Surgeries like tail docking, ear cropping, or declawing, which are not medically necessary, are typically not covered.
- Breeding and Pregnancy: Expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, or whelping are often excluded from coverage.
- Behavioral Treatments: Therapies for issues like anxiety or aggression may not be covered, though some insurers offer this as an add-on.
- Dietary Expenses: Costs for special diets or pet foods, even if prescribed by a vet, are generally not covered.
- Grooming: Routine grooming and related supplies are typically excluded from coverage.
Factors to consider when choosing pet insurance
Important factors to consider when selecting a pet insurance plan include:
- Waiting periods: Most plans enforce a waiting period, during which times nothing is covered, before any policy(s) become effective; this may range from several days to several weeks.
- Deductibles and reimbursement levels: Know the amount you will have to pay first before reimbursement will take place and the percent of the charge that the insurer will reimburse.
- Coverage limits: Note if there are any payout caps, whether for an incident, annually, or throughout the life of the animal.
- Exclusions: Read the fine print so that you know exactly what the plan covers and what not-Good will vary in its exclusions from one insurer to another.
