Ways to Find the Right Pet Health Insurance Company

Shopping may be a breeze for most people.

But it really depends on what you are buying.

For pet owners who want to find the suitable pet health insurance company, there are a lot of factors to consider.

You will be surprised at how the policies for pets are similar to what humans have.

Such policies have annual premiums. The deductibles depend on age and condition of the animals. And there are coverage plans that you can choose for the benefit of your pet.

With so many factors that you must zero into, this kind of shopping will prove harder as it seems to be.

Your goal is to give your pet the best plan. Here are some suggestions on how you must go about your policy hunting venture.

1.  Ask the vets. 

You can solicit advices and recommendations from your trusted veterinarians.

They can explain to you complicated things better so that you may feel enlightened.

And you will also feel more secure when you know that your choice is being used by many people and that there is someone who is professional who can guarantee for the policy’s effectiveness.

2. Choose a stable company.

The business of pet insurance has been around in the United States for over 25 years.

The strength of the company will also depend on their length of stay in the industry they belong to.

As you ask about the available policies, you can also do a simple background check about the company’s stability. You need to make sure that your money will be handed onto the right hands.

3. Look deep into the coverage of the plan.

The broader it is, the better. Choose the one that offers coverage for some chronic conditions like diabetes and other forms of allergies, dental situations and prescription drugs.

4. The company must know what they are talking about.

If they are to insure your pets, they must have veterinary professionals on board their staff. This way, they will understand your concerns and needs regarding your pet. You wouldn’t want to entrust them to people who don’t know what they’ll be going through as they grow old.

5. The insurance provider must give you leeway in terms of your choice for veterinary professionals.

The policy must not limit your choices of hospitals or veterinarians where you can turn your pets into when certain situation happens.

6. You must be sure that the insurance will be ready for use upon the effective date from its approval and issuance.

Do not choose insurance providers that will make you wait a certain time before you can start using the policy that you have already paid for.

7. All transactions must be transparent.

Make sure that the company provides you with the important information about every transaction that you have to deal with them. Ask them about everything that you want to know, the coverage, the benefits, the payment schedules and other things that you want to be clear about.

8. Choose the company that will reimburse your payments in cases when you have to cancel the policy.

All your unearned premium must be given back to you in any instances wherein you have to cancel the insurance.

And these are only some of the concerns that you must take into consideration when you are in search for the pet health insurance company.

Do not be shy to raise other issues as you go about the process.

The Right Questions to Ask in Order to Find the Best Pet Health Insurance

People are becoming more curious about the best pet health insurance.

This is more true for those who treat their pets as family.

And as you go about pet ownership, you will realize how expensive it can be to have you furry companions go through a periodic medical check up to ensure that they are at the top of their health all the time.

Once you start searching for the insurance companies, you will notice that you have so many to choose from.

But do not take anything just because it seems to offer the best plans. You must do further research to be sure that you are getting into the real deal. Think about your pets. What do you think will be best for them?

And do not forget the most important rule when you are on the process of finding the right policy for your pet, ask questions.

The process is similar to the steps you take when you avail insurance policies for yourself. You must choose the one that will be all worth it in the end.

You must feel secure that your policy will take care of you if anything happens all of a sudden like an accident or certain illnesses.

Your role in determining what insurance will work best for your pets is to ask the right questions. If you have no idea on how to go about it, you can start with these selections.

1. Can I avail the service of my chosen vet? 

Different companies will have different answers to this one depending on their rules and the policy that you will be getting.

It is important to know at first hand that when an accident happen, you can bring your pet to the nearest vet and not worry about if they are affiliated with the insurance company or not.

But if it is okay with you that the company has a list of service providers, then you must get a copy of that list. This way, you will know where to run once an unexpected incident happen to you pet.

2. Do I need to get a comprehensive plan or a discount insurance plan? 

This will very much depend on your budget. The comprehensive insurance plan works more like the health insurance of humans.

Whereas a discount plan will require you to pay annual fees and you will only avail of discount services with regards to pets and other related examinations.

3. Is there any exclusion to the plan? 

The answer to this will depend on the insurance company.

But the most common exclusions include pre-existing health conditions as well as hereditary defects of your pets. So you have to tell them the exact situation of your furry friend.

This way, they will be able to present to you what they deem will suit your pet the best way possible.

4. Are there any deductibles that I have to pay? 

This will depend on the plan that you will be getting.

The deductible is the first payment that you have to give before you can utilize the policy.

The smaller this is, the higher your premium will be. But this must be decided according to what you can afford. So look at your budget closely and allocate for such fund wisely.

By asking around the right questions, in time, you will be able to find the best pet health insurance that will perfectly fit on your pet's needs and on your budget.

Reasons to Purchase Pet Health Insurance for Your Cat

Cats are funny creatures.

One minute they want to be petted and stroked, the next they are taking a swipe at your hand and acting like you are public enemy number one. Some people love the conundrum of pet cats and other people hate them.

Love them or hate them they are a still a common pet and have a whole host of potential health issues that will require veterinary care and might have their owners considering the pros and cons of pet health insurance.

When cat owners first bring their brand new kitten to the vet they should have the kitten vaccinated for distemper.

Cat owners who have a cat that is entering into the golden years of its life should know that kidney failure is the most common problem senior cats have to deal with.

Hairballs are often the very first thing cat owners think about when they stop to consider possible threats to their cat’s health.

Hairballs are clumps of hair that can be found in the cat’s digestive system. Cat owners can purchase food additives that will help eliminate hairball.

In extreme cases the cat will have to undergo surgery to have a hairball removed.

Just like their owners cats can develop urinary tract infections.

Cats who have a urinary tract infection generally cry when they are using their litter box. If a cat is suddenly “missing” the litter box and having accidents around the house it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection.

Treating the urinary tract infection generally depends on the type of infection. After doing tests to determine the origin of the infection vets will normally put the cat on a round of antibiotics.

If the infection has spread to the kidneys or caused a blockage immediate veterinary action is needed.

Cats kept indoors do not usually develop upper respiratory problems.

Cats that have a respiratory illness often cough, sneeze, have runny noses, discharge from the eyes, and are listless. Some cats will run a fever.

Just like humans cats that have an upper respiratory illness are contagious and should be kept separate from other cats. 

Cats with upper respiratory problems should be encouraged to drink lots of fluids. If your cat develops a fever take him to the veterinarian for a round of antibiotics. High fevers, if left untreated, can lead to brain damage and death.

Some cats are prone to getting abscesses.

Abscesses are wounds, sometimes small, that heal over, trapping infection under the skin. As the pus gathers a bump will appear on the cat’s skin. Cats with abscesses could be taken to the veterinarian’s office to have the abscess lanced (cut open), drained, and an antibiotic cream applied.

Depending on the abscess veterinarians might attach a tube to the animal to let the pus drain.

When the abscess has been drained, cleaned, and dressed the veterinarian will probably prescribe a round of antibiotics. Some cats that have abscesses will run a fever.

Lots of pet cats develop diabetes. Many pet health insurance plans will help offset the cost of vet bills.

Myths and Misconceptions on Pet Health Insurance

Pet health insurance is very important for pet owners because this will somehow ensure that they will have somebody to back them up once the pet becomes ill or got into an accident.

Although there are many advantages of pet health insurance, there are some instances that these can be disadvantageous for the owner because of the hidden charges and inappropriate plans many health insurance offers.

To help you choose the best pet health insurance there is, here are some myths and misconceptions that you should keep in mind.

Myth # 1: "Your pet does not need health insurance."

Like people you will never know when you pet would get sick or get hurt.

The main reason why there is a pet insurance policy is because there are times when your pet would need health care and you are not prepared for it. Vet care costs a whole lot of money and your pet also need routine vet care.

If you have a pet health insurance policy you don't need to choose between your pet's health and your money when you have a little problem with financial status.

You may think you don't need it today but the truth is everybody needs to make sure that they are covered.

Myth # 2: "There are a limited number of vets that are accredited by pet health insurance policies."

Unlike some human health insurance policies where there are just some places and doctors that accept patients because of the limited accreditation, pet health insurance policies have more coverage when it comes to the vet of the owner's choice.

Myth # 3: "You can't include vaccinations, dental cleanings and check ups."

There are some comprehensive policies that include wellness care and preventive care in their coverage so it is best that you choose those types.

Misconception # 1: "It cost a fortune to get you pet a policy."

Basic accident policies are very affordable and the most affordable health care policies cost fewer than 10 dollars a month.

You would want to take the risk with any of your investments right? And like it or not your pets are an investment, the money that we spend on their food, the shelter that they have, the toys and the other things that we buy for them is part of our investment.

Throwing it all away because our pets are not insured is a sure waste. Other policies may cost a little more but as the policies become more expensive because of their comprehensiveness.

Think over what policy best fits your pet and remember than peace of mind can't be bought.

Misconception # 3. "It's a drag to apply for one." There are a lot of online reference pertaining to pet health insurance and how to apply for it. If a pet owner wants to apply their pet for a policy they can get all the help they can get from a lot of sources and people.

If you are a pet owner and you need first hand information you can always ask your vet.

Misconception # 2: "Pet health insurance policies are complicated."

If there is a health policy in the world that is easy to understand that's a pet policy.

Unlike a human policy where there is a sub clause for dependents legal claimers etc, pet health policies are simplified for the owner's better understanding.

Compare Pet Health Insurance in the USA

In Europe over twenty-five percent of all pet owners carry a pet health insurance policy on their pets. Approximately half of Sweden’s pet owners carry insurance.

A recent poll of pet owners in the United States predicted that only three percent had purchased a pet health care plan.

Many veterinarians feel that three percent is a very generous estimate. 

One of the big reasons veterinarians believe so many Europeans carry pet health insurance is because of a bill passed in 1971 that stated if a dog was considered at fault for an accident, like a car wreck, then the pet's owner would be held responsible.

This prompted many dog owners to purchase something called Third Party Liability Insurance which would pay for any damages caused by the policy holder's pet dog.

Chances are good that if you were to ask ten of your neighbors how they felt about pet health insurance you would probably get ten very different answers.

Some pet owners are fanatical about their pets. They will except nothing but the best for their family pet, the best food, the best water, the best doggie bed, and of course the best medical treatments available.

Every time it even looks like their cat or dog is about to cough or sneeze they rush the pet to the veterinarians clinic and start a fresh round of antibiotics.

Because maintaining the absolute best health care available is quite expensive this type of owner is quick to purchase animal health insurance that promotes good pet medicine.

At the slightest hint you are even considering purchasing pet health insurance for your pet and this over the top pet owner is shoving all sorts of flyers and brochures and applications in your hand, sometimes they even offer to call their pet health insurance rep. for you. This is fine and dandy but generally (not always) their monthly pet insurance bills are higher then you can afford.

Another owner might love their family pet just as much as the over the top owner.

They might wish they could provide their pet with the very best but it simply isn't economically possible.

This pet owner’s advice about pet health insurance would be your own pet health insurance.

Put the money you might have spent on a monthly insurance premium aside and use that to cover your pets medical needs.

After all if you put aside thirty dollars a month then you'll have enough money to cover the routine visits to the vet’s office plus have a little extra set aside if an emergency happens down the road.

This type of insurance is called self insurance. While it sounds like a good idea there are a couple of problems.

One if a medical emergency happens right away you might not have enough money on hand to cover the treatment and be forced to accept economic euthanasia for your pet.

A second problem with self insurance is that its money that’s just laying around, its way to easy to see it as spare cash and use it on the family vacation or as a down payment on that laptop you've always wanted. 

If as a pet owner you decide that pet health insurance simply isn’t for you or your pet you will want to check and see if your homeowners insurance covers any potential accidents caused by your pet.

If a dog or cat bites somebody the bitten person can sue you and in some cases demand that the pet be euthanized. If your homeowners insurance does not cover pet mishaps you should probably give a lot of thought to purchasing pet liability insurance.