Are Your Pets Covered? The Best In Pet Insurance
Thinking of purchasing insurance for your pet? Check out why it could save you money in the long run.
If you have pets, chances are they are an important part of your family. They are there for all of your life’s biggest moments and everyday adventures. So, making sure they are taken care of in the event of an emergency is also probably a high priority. While you may not think you need it, pet insurance can help cover big expenses that can arise when you must make an unexpected visit to the vet’s office. Your pet and your wallet will thank you.
Why Do You Need Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance has gained in popularity over the last several years for both dogs and cats. The main point behind pet insurance is to have financial protection against unexpected accidents and emergencies. There are several reasons to consider purchasing pet insurance to cover your furry friend.
Pets Can Get Sick Too
Whether it be a minor illness or something more significant, your pet can get sick at any time. Say your new puppy decided to chew up something they should not have, and now they need x-rays or even surgery and a stay at the vet’s office. Or maybe your cat has come down with a urinary tract disease and has to be treated. These are all instances where having pet insurance can help ensure that your best friend can get the best care without having to drain your savings account.
Unexpected Budget Busters
While you can often budget for your pet's needs, such as food and routine vet visits, it is harder to plan for when an unexpected disaster occurs. Accidents happen, especially with curious cats and dogs running around your home. Just like humans, pets can need MRIs, bloodwork testing, and medication. Are you prepared to pay out of pocket for such things?
Medical costs can add up quickly and may even reach the thousands. By insuring your pet, you can rest easy knowing you are able to give them the medical care they need when life decides to throw you a curveball.
You Can Extend Your Pet’s Life Expectancy
Often, pet owners will shy away from taking their pet to the vet as often as they should due to the high fees that can add up quickly. Unlike human insurance, pet parents can expect to pay the total amount of the medical bill once treatment is received. Diagnostic testing, hospital stays, and unexpected surgeries can drain your bank account, but with the assistance of a medical pet policy, these fees will not rest solely on your shoulders. Pet insurance allows you to see your trusted veterinarian as often as your pet needs to without breaking the bank.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance coverage can vary greatly depending on the provider and the plan that you choose. Deciding on the right coverage for your pet involves understanding the general types of policies and what they cover. It should be noted that standard coverage typically does not include checkups, vaccinations, and other routine care.
Generally, most pet insurance plans will cover unexpected injuries and accidents, unexpected illnesses, surgery, medication, test and diagnostics, and emergency care and fees. However, not every expense in every category is customarily eligible for reimbursement.
There are two primary coverage options when it comes to pet insurance, and each offers specific benefits and restrictions. A wellness option is also available and can be added to either policy.
Accident and Illness Coverage
Accident and illness coverage are also known as a “comprehensive policy” and covers an array of ailments. With this coverage, problems such as vomiting and diarrhea all the way up to cancer should be covered. These policies will also cover veterinary examination, hospitalization, treatments, medication, and surgery costs. However, if your pet has a “pre-existing” condition, that will not be covered.
Accident-Only Coverage
Accident-only coverage covers just that- injuries or illnesses caused by mishaps, whether they are self-inflicted by the animal or by the owner. Such accidents can include motor vehicle accidents, ingesting foreign bodies, sprains and lacerations, broken bones, and MRIs and x-rays for diagnostics.
Wellness Coverage
Wellness coverage is often referred to as “preventative care” and is available as an add-on to a broader policy or as a separate stand-alone policy with some insurers. Many routine veterinary care procedures are typically included, such as vaccinations, flea/tick and heartworm prevention, microchipping, broken bones, and spaying and neutering.
Best Insurance Providers for Pets
Here are some of the best pet insurance companies and plans to get you started.
Embrace
Embrace’s pet insurance plan earned the highest score based on its wide variety of options for coverage, reimbursement, and deductible options to help you stay within your budget. Embrace pet insurance is best for superior benefits and has a maximum annual coverage ranging from $5,000 all the way up to $30,000. They offer 70%, 80%, and 90% reimbursement choices. The deductible options range anywhere from $200-$1,000.
Pets Best
Pets Best insurance is great for a broad range of deductible options that vary from $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, and $1,000. The maximum annual coverage is either $5,000 or unlimited, and reimbursement options range from 70%-90%. Pets Best offers excellent coverage at a great price point.
ManyPets
ManyPets is new in the pet insurance market and offers valuable coverage and some unique features. The maximum annual coverage is unlimited, and reimbursement options range from 80% all the way up to 100%. ManyPets offers deductible options such as $100, $250, and $500. ManyPets has competitive pricing and would be worth considering if it is available in your state.
Trupanion
Unlike many other insurers, Trupanion pays claims directly to your vet and offers comprehensive dog and cat insurance. The maximum coverage is unlimited, and the only reimbursement option is 90%. Trupanion's deductible options range from $0 up to $1,000 making it affordable for almost any budget.
Lemonade
Lemonade has some of the best deals when it comes to pet insurance. Like many of the above options, they have various deductible levels, and reimbursement options. You can also get a quote for your pets easily on their website. In addition to their quality service and plan options, they offer many special deals, such as 5% off for 2 or more pets, 5% off for paying annually, and a whopping 10% off for bundling your insurance. Their pet insurance is for cats and dogs, so your companion, canine, feline, or both, will find great coverage, and you peace of mind.
