As a pet owner, you want to make sure that you have done everything in your power to provide your furry friend with the best life possible. That is why, of all the many things you should be doing to prepare to welcome them into your home, signing them up for pet insurance as soon as you can is a top priority.
Figuring out how pet insurance works can feel a bit overwhelming to those who are new to the pet world. There are so many options, despite the basic goal being essentially the same. So, if you are like the rest of us, you are probably wondering how pet insurance works and how to choose the right one.
In general, you know you have found the best pet insurance option when you feel it will provide you with the most peace of mind and the best value for coverage inclusions. But how do you actually know for sure you have picked the right one?
This is where we come in to help. We understand just how important this decision is. There is nothing more stressful than having to make a difficult decision between your pet’s medical needs and maxing out a credit card or going into debt.
So, we have put together this step-by-step guide on how to find the best pet insurance and confidently sign up for a policy that has you and your pets’ backs in times of need.
Defining Pet Insurance
First things first: what even is pet insurance? Let’s talk about the basics first so you understand why you and your pet need it. In the most simplistic of terms, pet insurance is similar to medical insurance for people. The policies are designed to be there and provide support when the unexpected happens, so when it comes time to have to pay the medical bills, you won’t be overwhelmed by financial burdens and can get all the medical support needed for the health situation.
Also similar to human medical insurance is the fact that there are numerous levels of coverage to choose from. Some pet insurance policies only cover unexpected accidents and illnesses. Others include proactive wellness treatments, but come with a higher premium to pay each month as a result.
Considerations for Your Pet
When searching for pet insurance, you want to make the decision based on your own pet’s individual needs and current state of well-being. The best policies welcome pets of all ages and breeds. You will also want to understand the coverage rules regarding preexisting conditions, should your pet have any.
Also, if you have more than one pet, you want to find a pet insurance plan that lets you bundle all the furry friend coverage into one straightforward package — ensuring your pets all get the same love, support, and access to medical care.
Considerations for Pet Insurance Providers
Next, it is important to do your due diligence when searching for the best pet insurance plans. After you assess whether they will support your pet’s individual needs and circumstances, you’ll want to compare your options with as many competing providers as possible. This will help you really understand the value from a financial perspective as well.
You will also want to clarify what the waiting periods are so that you do not get any nasty surprises once your policy kicks in. In general, the waiting periods for pet insurance policies should never exceed two weeks when it comes to illnesses.
Finally, you will want to evaluate the reimbursement portion of the policy. The best pet insurance plans will offer 90 percent reimbursement of veterinary bills, regardless of the clinic you took your pet to throughout North America.
Do They Offer Wellness Treatment Support
Another factor that can be a real make-or-break scenario with your pet insurance plans is whether or not the policy will allow for wellness treatments. As we mentioned earlier, this is a super critical component for the long-term well-being of your pet.
While there will likely be more of an upfront cost in your policy, you will be able to take a more proactive approach to your pet’s health care. This means they will likely need less medical attention as they age, which in turn will save you money in the long run.
The more add-ons and additional services your pet insurance plan offers, the better. Plus, the bigger companies are often better, because they can offer you around the clock customer care to support you for any questions or emergency situations.
Finding pet insurance is much easier once you understand how it works. Keeping the above in mind, you can sign up for a pet insurance policy knowing your pet will be in good care.