This type of policy typically covers vet bills for accidents (like an ACL rupture) and illnesses, including common illnesses, hereditary conditions and serious illness (like cancer). Sometimes called a “nose-to-tail” policy, this typically provides coverage for accidents and injuries, including serious or chronic illness, hereditary conditions, diagnostic tests, surgeries, treatments, and wellness, such as routine veterinary checkups and vaccinations. Pet insurance can generally be broken down into these plan types: Choose the Best Pet Insurance Plan Typeĭo you want a pet insurance that goes the extra mile every time, or do you want to hold down costs with an accident-only plan that won’t pay anything for pet illnesses? Or something in between?Ĭomprehensive pet insurance plans that cover a wide range of health-related problems plus wellness are typically the most expensive, but it might be worth considering if you want complete coverage. Here’s how to find the best pet insurance for you. Coverage, exclusions and pricing variations make it hard to calculate the potential value of each plan. Pet insurance plans can be hard to compare in an apples-to-apples way. government control (such as a military base in a foreign country). For example, we analyzed a Trupanion pet insurance policy that covers licensed veterinarians in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Puerto Rico and any other region under Australian, Canadian or U.S. Generally, pet insurance does not have network restrictions, and most insurers will cover any licensed vet.Ĭheck to see if your policy has any geographic restrictions or if your coverage is extended to other regions. For example, your policy might have a 14-day waiting period before it covers accident-related veterinarian costs. Your coverage won’t kick in until the waiting period is over. Waiting PeriodsĪll pet insurance plans have waiting periods. Common exclusions include grooming, breeding costs, certain pre-existing conditions and expenses not related to veterinary care (such as taxes or your vet’s administrative fees). Your policy will have a list of exclusions. Some plans offer unlimited payout maximums.Ĭheck the plan documents for any limitations to what’s covered, such as: Exclusions The insurance company will send you reimbursement until it has paid the maximum your plan allows in a year, such as $5,000. After that, you’ll still pay your vet directly and then submit your bills to the pet insurer for reimbursement. If you have a pet insurance plan, you’ll generally have a deductible amount that you pay for veterinarian bills before coverage starts. For example, if your vet recommends a dental cleaning due to dental issues for your pet and you fail to do so, you might not be covered for subsequent vet expenses related to dental illness. Your policy might also require you to maintain the level of recommended care from your veterinarian. But you can often add a wellness plan to your pet insurance policy if you want coverage for vaccines. A standard pet insurance plan typically does not cover vaccines and booster shots. Pet insurance won’t cover procedures such as declawing, ear cropping and tail docking. Conditions that recur after 180 days are treated as a new problem and are covered. For example, ASPCA pet insurance will cover curable conditions if your pet is free of symptoms and treatment for 180 days. However, some insurers extend coverage to “curable” pet pre-existing conditions, like an ear infection. Injuries and illness that occur before your pet insurance coverage begins are not covered. Most plans won’t cover lost or stolen pets, but some insurers will pay for the cost of advertising and rewards as an optional coverage, such as the Extra Care Pack from Figo pet insurance. Expenses such as grooming, nail trims and shampooing are not covered. Your pet’s regular food and supplements, such as vitamins, are not covered by pet insurance, but some plans cover prescription pet food. Costs such as taxes or administrative fees charged by your vet are typically not covered. Expenses not related to veterinarian care.And most insurers won’t cover your pet’s annual wellness exam unless you purchase a wellness plan. Some insurers won’t cover your vet exam fees, even if it’s related to an accident or illness. Costs associated with breeding aren’t covered. For example, the Pet Owner Assistance Package from Trupanion covers these expenses. Most plans won’t cover the cost of boarding and kenneling, but some insurers will cover this expense if you’re hospitalized. Here are some common exclusions typically found in a pet insurance policy: Reimbursement and deductible choices may vary by state.
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