Pet Health Insurance and Pet health plans can take the worry out of caring for your pet.
Veterinarian costs are rising just as rapidly as our own doctors and operation costs, so it is only natural to seek out pet health plans. Pet health plans help you cover the rising costs of veterinary care. With a pet health plan, you can rest easy, knowing that your furry family members will be able to receive the care they need whenever they need it, regardless of the state of your family finances.
Nobody would want to have to make the decision between providing care for a loved pet or having to save money and put them down before their time. That would be unthinkable! But that is how things were before the arrival of pet health insurance. Pet health plans are becoming very popular these days, but they are relatively new in the insurance industry. The first pet health plans began appearing on the market about twenty five years ago.
When choosing a pet health plan there are many factors to consider. Very few pet health plans providers have much longevity in the field, so the first thing to consider is how long the insurance company has been in the market, and if it is financially stable Also research the underwriter rating and length of contract with the underwriter. Be wary of franchise operations originating outside the United States.
Ascertain if the pet health plans provider has trained veterinary professionals on its staff. Is the company recommended by your veterinarian?
If you find a policy that requires a provider network, has a delay in coverage, has no wellness coverage, has a lifetime maximum benefit, has a pre-existing conditions clause, or does not provide coverage away from home, then look elsewhere.
The company you choose should provide broad coverage for illnesses. Policies should have coverage for prescription drugs, dental conditions, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or allergies.
Quality pet health plan providers will be transparent in the areas of reimbursement and coverage. Ask to see the payment program in use. Investigate as to whether there are any lifetime maximum benefit amounts tied to specific conditions, especially chronic or hereditary ones.
You might also want to inquire about frequency of physical examinations necessary to maintain coverage. Quality companies will limit these to annually.
Quality providers of pet health plans do not require pre-authorization in order for a condition or treatment to be reimbursed.
Quality pet health plans have a flexible claims submission procedure that allows the family to fax or mail claims. There should be a reasonable time limit on disbursement of funds. There should be a review process in place to dispute denied claims.
Some pet health insurance companies will not cover breeds of pets that are prone to develop disease common to the breed. For example, many German Shepherds develop hip dysplasia, and some companies state in their literature that this condition is an exclusion. Read all the literature very carefully before purchasing pet health plans.
Pet health plans which claim to provide protection coverage should offer reimbursements for common procedures including wellness exams, vaccinations, heart worm protection, spay/neuter and much more.
Make sure your pets health plan provider has as a goal, the intent to extend the lifetime of your pet by supporting routine preventive care.
If premium increases are based on anything besides your pet’s age, look elsewhere. And all unearned premiums should be reimbursed to the family.
Things have been improving for families seeking quality pet health plans. Until very recently, availability has been limited and the policies have been very restrictive. The pet health plans industry has undergone rapid changes in the last few years. Pet owners with pet health plans can now provide advanced levels of care that were previously beyond the family budget. Your pets health is important and there are options to provide your furry loved one affordable health insurance.
