Pet Insurance is fast becoming a necessary part of owing a pet. Here are some tips that may help you select a Pet Insurance Plan for your Pet

• Check to see if your insurer excludes or charges a higher premium for your breed.
• Review any age limits for coverage. Some insurers require the pet to be 8 weeks old, some don’t cover pets over a certain age and some have no age limit.
• If you have more than one pet, ask your insurer if they offer a multiple-pet discount.
• Make sure you understand what you are buying. Some policies cover only accidents, most cover accidents & illness, and a few offer comprehensive coverage, including preventive care (checkups, vaccinations, neutering, etc.) along with accident and illness coverage.
• Review the deductibles, co-pays and caps on coverage. For example, some insureres will pay 80% of the costs for treating your pet’s illness, others will pay 100%. Make sure you select an insurer that provides the coverage you need.
• Check to see if the insurer excludes any genetic or hereditary conditions for your pet.
• Review any optional extra coverage that may be available. Some insurers cover items such as wellness, drug, dental, cancer treatment, etc. only if you pay extra.

Making a Claim

If the unfortunate happens, you will need to make a claim on your policy. Tips to help you through the process:

• Don’t panic.
• Pay your vet bill. Unlike human health insurance, you must pay your veterinarian out of your pocket, then file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement.
• Check your policy to see if the incident is covered. Some pet polices exclude coverage for genetic or hereditary conditions.
• Save any invoices from your veterinarian.
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Usually you must make a claim within a set time period.
• Obtain a claim form. You can find these on this website or on your insurer’s website.
• Follow the instructions on the claim form. Typically, your veterinarian can assist you with this step.
• If you need to send in vet invoices with the claim form, be sure to make copies for your own records.
• Document your interactions with your insurer during the claims process.
  Important: The information above is non-specific to any particular pet insurance policy and should be regarded as a basic overview of the type of procedures involved upon making a claim. Always refer to your insurer for specific, accurate information on the procedures and processes involved in making a claim.

We’ve posted some links on our site to help you get started on selecting an insurance provider that meets your needs.