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No Surprises
Just as you would choose the best healthcare provider for yourself, make sure you do the same for your pet. How much do you know about pet health insurance providers?
This in-depth article answers important questions all pet owners should ask before enrolling a pet in health insurance, such as what’s covered, benefit limitations and provider history.
Switching health insurance providers throughout your pet’s lifetime can create unwanted pre-existing conditions that will not be covered, so make an educated decision before you commit.
How do you pick a provider you can trust?
Pet health insurance isn’t a fad, it’s a legitimate business regulated by the Department of Insurance. Find out if the insurance provider has a proven track record.
First, ask how long the provider has been in business and how many policyholders are enrolled. How many employees are on staff? Stability can be determined by the provider’s longevity and strength in numbers, both of which indicate the ability to handle the growing demands of business.
Second, financial strength can be established by the provider’s underwriter: who provides their financial backing? Insurance providers are rated on their financial solvency to make sure they can pay out submitted claims. Ask what rating they received; those with an A+ or A++ rating are considered superior.
Is the provider familiar with current veterinary practices?
Make it your business to know if the provider employs veterinary professionals. In addition, learn what affiliations they have with animal associations, organizations, societies or specialty boards of professionals.
The more in touch the provider is with veterinary practices and pet healthcare, the more they will understand and serve your needs as a pet owner.
The more in touch the provider is with veterinary practices and pet healthcare, the more they will understand and serve your needs as a pet owner.
Is your veterinarian familiar with the provider?
During a clinic visit, ask your veterinarian if he would recommend pet health insurance and if so, if he has heard of the provider you’re interested enrolling your pet in. The best recommendations are free—and based on personal experience.
Does the provider allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian?
 Do you take your pet with you on vacation? Is it possible that in the future you may relocate for a job? Note whether the provider limits policyholders to a network of veterinarians and requires preauthorization, or if you have the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian anytime, anywhere.
Does the policy offer wellness coverage?
Your pet can’t tell you when something is wrong. Did you know preventive care can benefit your pet’s long-term health by diagnosing conditions in the early stages and maintain his overall health?
Ask if the provider offers coverage for routine care. How many wellness exams are covered under the plan? What types of treatments do they provide benefits for? How much does the optional coverage cost and is there a deductible?
How long is the policy term?
A pet health insurance provider guarantees your premium rate, coverage and benefits for the duration of your policy’s term. That’s why it’s important to verify how long the provider’s policy term is. Is it three months? Six months? Or one year?
A short-term policy will require frequent renewals, which could exclude treated conditions during the previous term as well as increase your premium significantly. Make sure the provider does not consider conditions treated during your term to be “pre-existing” upon renewal, otherwise you will no longer receive those benefits for the lifetime of your pet.
How are benefits determined?
 Benefits are reimbursed veterinary expenses which the provider covers under their policies. How does the provider identify benefits for policyholders? Do they supply a list outlining available reimbursements for specific conditions and treatments that are easy to understand?
Are the benefits filed with the Department of Insurance, therefore protecting policyholders from benefit changes? Understand what benefits you will receive per-incident so there aren’t any surprises when your reimbursement check arrives in the mail.
What isn’t covered under a policy?
One other important factor to be aware of: benefit exclusions. In order to keep policy premiums affordable for all pets small and large, providers typically will not cover pre-existing, congenital or hereditary conditions.
Some providers may offer exceptions to pre-existing conditions proven to be cured, others may sell additional coverage for hereditary conditions. Consider the amount of benefits available for hereditary conditions before you pay the added expense. Will it benefit you?
Asking the right questions before enrolling your pet with a health insurance provider will ensure your expectations as a pet owner. Make a smart choice for your pet’s healthcare provider.
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Products available through this site are only available for residents of the United States.
In Canada, please contact Petsecure at www.petsecure.com.
