Are you thinking about enrolling in a pet insurance plan to help cover the cost of veterinary treatment for your fur baby? Wise move! But what does pet insurance cover, exactly? Well, that all depends on the type of policy that you sign up for. It’s a lot like shopping for health insurance for humans, as different plans will provide different levels of coverage for different types of care.
It might seem like a lot at first, but don’t worry, it’s not all that complicated after all. Below is a basic breakdown of what to look for as you shop for the right pet insurance for your needs and budget.
Pet Insurance Coverage: What to Expect
You shouldn’t anticipate that a pet insurance policy will automatically cover every form of veterinary care that your furbaby will require. Instead, it’s wise to read through the fine print while comparing various plans and providers so you can find the one that will be just right for you and your companion.
- Generally, pet insurance plans will start by covering most illnesses and accidents. The coverage will be there for those unexpected vet visits that can cost a lot of money.
- When it comes to pre-existing conditions, they might be excluded altogether, or there might be restrictions in terms of what’s covered. For example, some plans will cover only those conditions that are curable, while other plans might not cover pre-existing conditions at all.
- Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and cancer, are usually covered. Just be sure to read the fine print to see if there are any restrictions.
- The costs of rehabilitation might be covered by pet insurance, but there may be restrictions on the amount of coverage that’s provided for this type of treatment. Purchasing a policy rider might be necessary to get what you need.
- Routine care and wellness visits might only be covered if you purchase an add-on, such as a wellness rider. Usually, plans will not offer coverage for this category of care, which would include things like checkups, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, etc. So, if this type of coverage is important to you, go with an insurer that offers it as an option.
- Alternative therapies, such as chiropractic care and acupuncture sessions, might be covered as long as they are done by a licensed vet. However, some insurers might require that you purchase an add-on to your standard policy if you want this type of coverage.
- Office visit and exam fees are those that your veterinarian charges just to see your pet. These might not be covered by insurance, so again, if you want this coverage, be sure to read the fine print. For example, you might notice that a plan with a payout limit covers these types of fees, while plans without payout limits won’t, or a plan might only cover exam fees for non-routine visits.
- If your vet needs to order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, and scans, they’ll likely be covered by insurance, but there might be restrictions if those tests are ordered as part of a wellness or preventive checkup.
- When your pet needs a prescription medication, insurance might help cover the cost. However, when it comes to medications, such as flea and tick treatments, that are available over-the-counter, you’ll probably have to pay for those on your own.
What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover?
Again, every pet insurance provider is different. Generally, however, there will be exclusions, and they might include things like the following:
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Dental disease
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Behavior problems
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Hip dysplasia
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Hereditary or breed-specific conditions
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Grooming
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Bilateral conditions
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Cosmetic and elective procedures, unless they’re medically necessary
Remember, there are exceptions, with some pet insurance providers offering more than others. So, for example, you might be able to find a plan in your area that covers conditions like hip dysplasia even though other providers will not. It’s so important to do your research!
Interested in Shopping for Pet Insurance?
If you think that pet insurance is just what you and your furry friend need, you’re probably wondering if there’s an easy way to find the appropriate policy for your budget. Yes, there is! By checking out a resource like the Direct Benefits Marketplace, you can browse options and see if they match your expectations.
Remember, pet insurance costs are based on various factors, such as your pet’s species, breed, age, and gender, as well as where you’re located. Once you’re able to compare various plans to one another, you can determine which one will give you the best value for your money, and you won’t have to worry so much about covering the cost of important veterinary care.
Pet insurance covers quite a bit, which is why it’s growing in popularity among owners of cats, dogs, and exotics. Whether you want a little bit of coverage or a lot, there’s a plan to suit your needs and give you peace of mind.
Sources:
https://www.valuepenguin.com/pet-insurance/what-is-pet-insurance
https://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/what-does-pet-insurance-cover
https://www.policygenius.com/pet-insurance/learn/what-doesnt-pet-insurance-cover/
https://365petinsurance.com/faq/does-pet-insurance-cover-hip-dysplasia/