As a pet parent, you’re very much concerned about the health of your fur babies. Besides raising and caring, the veterinary scenario is never easy on the pocket. A regular medical check, including vaccines and physical examination, can cost you anywhere between $50- $250. In case of serious illness, an overnight stay can be around $1000 to $2000.

These veterinary expenses are usually troublesome to manage. That’s why most pet owners shop for reliable pet insurance plans so that these special family members don’t get neglected. 

What is Pet Insurance?

The North American Pet Health Insurance (NAPHIA) has reported a continuous rise in the number of insured pets. From 4.4 million in 2021, the figures had reached 5.36 million in 2022. 

Similar to health insurance, it is a health policy aimed at lessening the expense of veterinary bills. The plan will either entirely or partially cover the cost of your pet’s medical care. Also, the plan may not be eligible for all veterinary procedures. 

The policy owner will have to pay a deductible at the beginning. It is then followed up with monthly or annual premiums. The greater the deductible is, the lesser would be the coverage.

In case of a veterinarian visit, the pet owner will bear full payment and then file a claim to the insurer for a refund. However, some companies also facilitate direct payments.

Remember! The scenario only implies a covered condition.

What Does it Cover?

Usually, these policies are scheduled for dogs and cats. However, some companies also offer plans for reptiles, birds, and even horses. 

The offered perks depend upon the plan you choose. A comprehensive policy may cover the following health-related issues:

1. Common illness

It includes vomiting, diarrhoea, Urinary tract infections, and ear infections.

2. Accidents & Injuries

The insurance company will bear the medical expenses for ACL ruptures, lacerations, fractures, toxic injections, cuts, swollen objects, animal bites, wounds, eye injuries, torn nails, car accidents and poisoning, 

3. Pet Wellness Procedures

You will get coverage for vaccinations, neutering, dental cleaning, regular physical examinations, spraying, and heartworm prevention. 

4. Chronic & Serious Diseases

It encircles chronic diseases like digestive problems, skin diseases, allergies, seizures, cancer, diabetes, kidney diseases, arthritis, and thyroid disorders.

5. Tests & Diagnosis

It sums up the costs of X-rays, blood tests, MRIs, Ultrasounds, and CT scans.

6. Behavioral Therapy

Excessive barking, aggression, and destructive chewing are common problems in dogs. Hence, the company will tolerate the behavioral therapy cost. 

Does Pet Insurance Cover Prescription Food?

Yes! It does. A specific plan will cover the cost of food supplements related to the covered health condition. Besides this, you can also avail of prescription medications for infections, pain, inflammation, and other chronic conditions. 

Does Pet Insurance Cover Cremation?

Usually not! Most policies do not cover cremation, euthanasia, or burial. But you can add up the end-of-life coverage to your existing policy with additional premiums. 

Indeed, we can’t even think about losing our pets, but preparing yourself for this heartbreaking situation would be a wise step. You can choose from communal, partitioned, or private cremation policies according to your budget.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Cataract Surgery?

Imagine your sweethearts while struggling with their vision. It’s heartbreaking! Just like humans, aging in pets usually leads to cataracts. What makes the situation worse is the unbearable surgical expense.

Luckily! Many companies offer partial or full cataract coverage. Make sure to go through the terms and conditions of your policy and hammer out the details of cataract coverage. 

What Does It Not Cover?

Undoubtedly, it is a blessing that makes pet care easier and more manageable. Despite the extensive plans, it comes with some exclusions and limitations. The insurer usually doesn’t take charge of pre-existing conditions. Also, the accident and illness plans mostly exclude pet wellness and routine care. Let’s check out some common exclusions.

1. Cosmetic Elective Procedures

Most plans do not involve elective procedures like tail docking, dewclaw removal, nail trimming, and gland removal.

2. Breeding, Pregnancy, and Birth

The insurer would not be responsible for the events of breeding and complications in the birth and pregnancy of your pet.

3. Preventable Diseases

Make sure to get your pet vaccinated against preventable diseases like parvovirus, influenza, and kennel cough. This is so because the treatment expense of these diseases is mostly excluded from the policy.

4. Older or Younger Pets

Depending on the breed and species, many companies do not insure pets younger than eight months. The same scenario applies to considerably older pets. 

5. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

The insurance company does not offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. If your pet has a medical history before the beginning of the insurance plan, the insurer will not bear its treatment expense.

Final Words

Unquestionably, their insurance is as important as your health insurance. Not only does it prepare you and your pet for unexpected circumstances but it also guarantees a satisfactory upbringing and care. Without further ado, subscribe to the most comprehensive plan that suits your pet because they surely deserve the best from you!