How to Buy Pet Insurance

Many families treat their pets as pampered children and strive to provide the same benefits for the animals as they would an actual human. This includes getting pet insurance to ensure the furry loved one stays in good health. Pets have medical issues just like people do, and treatment can be expensive, especially if a condition is chronic or requires surgery or expensive medication. Pet insurance can help keep the costs manageable.

Steps

1. Start looking for pet insurance companies.
   
   • Ask veterinarians for recommendations of pet insurance carriers.
   • Talk with pet owners for recommendations or referrals to the companies they use.
   • Check with local humane societies for recommendations.
2. Research pet insurance companies. You'll want to ask specific questions to help you narrow your choices.
   
   • Start by asking about basic pet wellness expenses. Find out what the company covers. Does it cover the basics, such as annual vaccinations and examines?
   • You'll want to ask what the deductible options are and the variance in the premium price for the different options. Other questions can help you learn more about the insurance company. What is the co-pay? How do you file claims? How long does it take the company to process claims?
   • Ask whether the company will cover specific types of tests. Does the pet insurance carrier cover emergency medical expenses? What about blood tests, urine tests, MRIs or X-rays?
   • Determine whether the insurance will cover surgeries and animal hospital stays, as well as expenses for follow-up care.
   • Some companies may cover cosmetic treatments that help a pet stay healthy, such as nail trimming and dental procedures.
   • See whether the pet insurance carrier bases premiums on pet age or restricts certain breeds.
   • Make a point to ask about medical prescriptions and prescription pet foods.
   • Touch on delicate issues, as well, such as coverage for end-of-life pet care and cremation services.
3. Request a written quote from each pet insurance carrier under consideration. The quote should include information about deductibles, co-pays and maximum coverage amounts.
   
   • Look for a level rating assigned to pets. A puppy may be a level 1, while a 7-year-old dog receives a level 3. There'll be a price difference in the premiums because of the age difference in the pets.
4. Pay for the pet insurance annual premiums in one lump sum or installments, as available through the pet insurance company.
   
   • Check the website of the pet insurance carrier to set up an account to pay the annual, quarterly or monthly premiums online.
   • Select payment methods for pet insurance by personal convenience, such as credit card, check or automatic deduction.
5. Be sure to get an insurance card, claim forms and info on how to file a claim with the pet insurance carrier.
6. Review the pet insurance policy yearly before you renew it. Medical issues and age level of pets may increase the premium.

Tips

• Ask for discounts when covering more than one pet with insurance.
• Check for discounts on pet insurance when adopting from local humane societies.

Warnings

• Be aware most pet insurance carriers will not cover pets with serious pre-existing medical conditions.

Sources and Citations

• http://www.gopetplan.com/Dog-Insurance-Policies/Pet-Insurance-Discounts.html
• http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/learn-about-pet-insurance/how-it-works/what-happens-at-renewal.aspx
• http://petinsurancereview.com/
• http://www.petinsurancereview.com/dog.asp

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