Ten Things to Ask Before Buying Pet Insurance

1. Does the company have stability and proven success?

VPI Pet Insurance is the nation’s oldest and largest provider and has served more than one million pet owners since 1982. Be sure to find out how long the other companies you’re researching have been in business. Have they been around long enough to have insured the lifetime health of even one pet?

2. Does the company employ certified and trained veterinary professionals?

VPI employs 10 veterinarians and more than 60 veterinary technicians. We also have the largest and most professional sales and service staff in the industry. As a customer, you should expect that your pet health insurance provider has enough trained and qualified people to back their promises.

3. Does the company receive veterinary recognition?

In a study conducted by ACI Custom Research, nine out of 10 veterinarians who recommended pet insurance recommended VPI. We have an established relationship with the veterinary community and do not pay veterinarians for recommending our policies. Does your veterinarian trust other pet health insurance providers?

4. Are you offered annual policies with clear renewal terms?

VPI policies have a one-year term, so your rate is guaranteed for one full year. Our premium increases are based on your pet’s age, not the number of claims filed. Are other companies going to increase your premium on a quarterly basis or due to submitted claims?

5. Will you receive renewable benefits?

When you renew your policy, VPI will not exclude covered conditions that were treated during your policy term. Also, VPI policies have benefit allowances that renew with each new incident. Make sure that the company you choose protects your pet with the same coverage year to year.

6. Do you understand how reimbursements are determined?

Other pet insurance providers enforce “reasonable and customary fees,” which aren’t disclosed to policyholders in advance and can change based on the insurer’s discretion. VPI’s benefit schedule clearly lists how much is available for reimbursement per incident.

7. Does the company specify coverage exclusion?

VPI generally agrees to cover pre-existing conditions, as long as the condition is temporary and has been proven to be cured for at least six months. Certain breed-specific hereditary conditions are not covered by a VPI medical policy. As a customer, you should know how your policy works.

8. Does the company provide broad coverage?

Unlike other providers, VPI does not impose a lifetime cap on policyholder benefits. Instead, VPI policies include benefit allowances for each term, which refresh every year upon policy renewal. Be aware of “extra” coverage that other pet health insurance providers may require you to buy. Do other companies offer coverage this broad?

9. Does the company believe in routine care for your pet?

VPI offers Pet WellCare Protection^SM coverage that provides reimbursements for common procedures including wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm protection, spay/neuter and much more. Make sure your pet insurance provider helps you extend the lifetime of your pet by supporting routine preventive care.

10. Are you limited to a veterinary network or required to pre-certify?

VPI does not require pre-certification prior to your pet’s veterinary treatment, no matter what the cost, and you have the freedom to use the veterinarian of your choice. Rest assured that with VPI, your pet health insurance does not limit your access to veterinary care. Do other companies try to limit your choices and options?