Yes! Well, we recommend that every family at least consider it. And while pet insurance may not be right for every family, it’s always best to make informed choices especially when it comes to the health of your pet. To see a family’s anxiety and pain over their pet’s unexpected illness or injury is heart breaking and only made worse when they also have to worry about how to financially support their pet through their trauma.
Pre-existing conditions are very important to consider. These are generally any illness, disease or injury that happens before coverage begins or during a waiting period. Certain pet insurance companies may cover pre-existing conditions if the pet has been symptom-free for a certain amount of time. A special note regarding brachycephalic breeds (Frenchies, Pugs, Bulldogs, any smash-faced cutie pie): these guys are often predisposed to specific health conditions. Respiratory, skin/bowel allergies and orthopedic disease can be very common in these breeds. We recommend that owners of these breeds seriously consider purchasing pet insurance at the same time the they adopt the pet.
There is a certain amount of financial responsibility that pet owners must be ready to assume. Many of even the most respected plans do not offer (much) coverage for wellness services like vaccines and dental cleanings. Some do. Remember that the purpose of insurance is to support the family during the unexpected, not to assume total financial responsibility for your pet.
Most companies work the same: the owner pays for the entire bill up front, then submits the receipt (a claim) to the company. The company then cuts a check back to the owner for a certain pre-determined percentage of that visit (claim). Sometimes a certain claim is denied. If that happens you may generally appeal that denial. As a smart consumer, you might consider asking each company how many claims they deny each year.
Most companies have an annual deductible and request medical records before the policy begins or at the start of the policy. Some companies will cover prescription diets and examination fees. And there are many other considerations like levels of coverage and customer service.
Going through a true emergency with your pet can be made so much more stressful when there are limited financial means of providing him/her with all the treatments recommended by your veterinary team. While many families purchase an insurance policy for their pets, some families do not and instead choose to open a savings account for the pet. Setting aside a small amount of money each month can be a huge relief during an unexpected pet emergency. Other families do both, purchasing an insurance policy as well as opening a saving account.
DTLAvets is not affiliated with, nor do we receive any compensation from any pet insurance company. But we believe that pet insurance can help owners and veterinarians to provide the best care for the pet. The attached link is a helpful resource comparing several popular pet insurance plans side by side: http://files.dvm360.com/alfresco_images/DVM360//2018/07/11/61604098-4a07-4025-b0bc-5a7259b62598/veterinary-pet-insurance-comparison-chart-printable.pdf