Pet Insurance Finder

Is pet insurance right for me?

Most vets recommend that owners buy pet insurance because they’ve seen treatable animals have to be put down because their owners can’t afford the vet bills. But pet insurance isn’t always right for every pet owner.

What pet insurance coverage can I get?

Pet insurance is divided into three types of coverage.

Wellness coverage

• Wellness checkup
• Dental cleanings
• Medications & deworming
• Vaccines
• Spay & neuter

Accident coverage

• Broken bones from accidents or falls
• Injuries from fighting
• Removal of swallowed objects
• Accidental burn or other injuries
• Removal of foxtails and burrs

Comprehensive coverage

• Tick and flea bites
• Cancer
• Infectious diseases
• Hereditary & pre-existing conditions
• Skin conditions

What extra coverage should I consider?

Like other insurance, pet insurance policies will often let you choose your own extras. Consider each carefully and look for the ones you’ll use most frequently that will benefit your pet the most.

• Overseas pet travel insurance
• Essential euthanasia
• Emergency boarding
• Routine care
• Dental illness

Who is pet insurance for?

Dogs

Cats

Horses

What should I compare when shopping for pet insurance?

• Your annual benefit limit. Most pet insurance policies have a limit on the amount they’ll pay out annually. Since most people never reach their annual limit, it’s important to be aware of how much you can claim if the need arises.
• Vet bill costs. Make sure you’re aware of how much of your eligible vet bills are covered by your insurer. Some insurance policies can cover up to 90% of your veterinary bills.
• Deductible. Ensure you understand how much you will be paying in the event of a claim. Typically if you have a lower deductible you will have a higher premium.
• Age limits. Unfortunately, finding insurance for your pet after they hit their 13th birthday is difficult.
• Pre-existing conditions. Some insurers will automatically limit the level of coverage available if your pet has a pre-existing condition.
• Guaranteed renewability. Having a policy that is renewable is especially important for older pets. Check that your insurer offers this or your pet could be uninsured as it enters its senior years.
• Waiting periods. Be aware of what waiting periods apply. This will help you understand how long your pet could potentially be without insurance.

What exclusions should I be aware of?

Can my pet get covered for pre-existing conditions?

Pre-existing conditions are those which were present in some form prior to taking out a policy or during the waiting period immediately afterward. Typically, the following are considered pre-existing conditions:

• Any conditions previously diagnosed
• Any conditions that showed symptoms before you took out a policy
• Any conditions previously treated or in remission

Getting pet insurance early means you’re more likely to be able to claim costs for conditions that develop early in the pet’s life. However, insurers are within their rights to adjust the cost or terms of your policy afterward to reflect the increased cost.

To maintain continuous coverage for your pet, look for a lifetime pet insurance policy, or one that comes with guaranteed insurability.

Pet insurance traps to avoid

Pet insurance policies generally provide a good value, but you need to pay attention to some details:

• Don’t underestimate your reimbursement percentage and deductibles. Reimbursement limits, combined with deductibles, can considerably reduce the reimbursement percentage of pet insurance. For example, if your vet bill is $2,000 and your plan pays 80% of your vet bill after a $500 deductible, you’ll be reimbursed $1,100.
• Don’t pay premiums following a pet’s death. Premium payments should end in the event of the pet’s death. Some policies reportedly continued to charge premiums for a full year following the pet’s death.
• Ask if you’re confused by policy information. Make sure you know exactly what you will and won’t be covered for. Also, understand when a claim will and won’t be paid before signing up for insurance.
• Understand senior and chronic care coverage. You will need to check whether your pet’s chronic and recurring care is covered during older years.

Common questions about pet insurance

• Can I use my usual vet?

  Most policies will let you use any vet that is licensed to legally practice, but always check that your vet is included as a provider for the insurance company you’re considering.

  Many insurance providers can even pay your vet directly. You should check with your vet first as they will need to complete the necessary paperwork.

• Do I have to provide a copy of my pet’s medical history?

  You generally won’t need to provide a full medical history, but you will need to disclose any illnesses or injuries your pet has suffered prior to taking out the policy.

  If your pet was adopted, ask the shelter for a copy of your pet’s medical documentation. Most companies will let you provide an estimate of your pet’s age when applying. Some insurers might ask you to consult a vet for a more precise estimate

• Can I get coverage for multiple pets at once?

  Yes. Most companies will let you get insurance for multiple pets, with some offering multi-policy discounts when you do.

• How do I renew my coverage?

  Most pet insurance policies will require your pet to be under 14 years old when starting the policy. The policy is then renewed automatically each year provided there are no gaps in coverage.

• Will my pet insurance premiums increase?

  Your pet insurance premiums are likely to increase each year to keep pace with advances in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures, and the increased chance and cost of claims as your pets get older.