If you're buying a pet insurance plan, it's important to understand what is covered and what is not. The majority of plans cover unexpected illnesses and accidents. They don't cover pre-existing or preventative care. For the best coverage, consider purchasing a policy with wellness benefits.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive pet insurance coverage covers all medical expenses. All prescription medications, eye and/or ear drops, antibiotics and other medical expenses are covered. Pre-existing conditions may also be covered by some policies. It is important that you understand the limits of your policy and what options are available for your pet.
Comprehensive pet insurance covers a range of ailments, including hereditary diseases and illnesses. You also get ongoing care, as well as diagnostic tests and treatments. For example, dental care is covered up until a maximum $1,000/year. It also covers treatment for genetic diseases and other illnesses. The coverage is renewed automatically once the pet has been covered by an insurance plan.
Exclusions for pre-existing conditions
It's important that you know the details of pet insurance. Some pre-existing conditions might be excluded from coverage. These conditions include degenerative and chronic illnesses. Your dog might be exempted from coverage for twelve months if it has severe diarrhea.
Many pet insurance policies do NOT cover pre-existing condition, but there are exceptions. Certain plans will cover conditions and illnesses that are "pre-existing" but not all. Likewise, many companies cover genetic or hereditary conditions. These policies will vary depending on the insurer.
Co-insurance excess
Depending on your pet's age and health status, you may need to pay an excess as part of your pet insurance policy. Some insurers require this, but others do not. You should carefully read the policy documents to find out if there are any coinsurance clauses. A policy that doesn't require co-insurance is cheaper than one that does.
Compare policies to determine how much excess you will need for each condition. There are varying amounts of excess in policies. Some policies have a fixed amount while others have an adjustable amount. Also, consider your location and the age of your pet.
Annual deductible
Annual deductible pet plans are great for budgeting. They are also flexible, as you only have the deductible to pay once per policy year. This means your pet can go to the vet as often as they need. You don't have pay high vet bills each time your pet goes to the doctor.
You can also choose to have a per-incident policy with pet insurance. This deductible does not apply if you take your pet to the vet. Each incident is considered a separate event. Unlike annual deductibles, per-incident deductibles reset with every new incident. You may need to pay more per year if your pet suffers from multiple ailments or injuries.