If you have a pet, you may want to consider pet insurance. Without it, you could be faced with a big vet bill or a tough decision. Pet insurance is health insurance for your pet. It is available for dogs, cats, exotic birds, ferrets, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, reptiles and some rodents. As with health insurance for people, you pay a premium in exchange for coverage. You may also have an annual deductible, co-pays and cap.
Are there different types of pet insurance?
There are three basic levels of pet health insurance:
- Basic coverage: This is the cheapest type of pet insurance. It helps cover illness, accidental injury and poisoning, but it provides the lowest reimbursement for procedures. Normally, a basic cover policy comes with an annual excess and caps the compensation for each accident or illness, as well as a cap on the total compensation for the policy period.
- Comprehensive coverage: Although it costs more than basic coverage, comprehensive coverage
provides more benefits. It covers accidental injuries, illnesses, emergencies, office visits, diagnostics, lab fees, x-rays and prescriptions. Annual deductibles are generally lower than with basic cover, but compensation is limited per accident or illness and for the insurance period. - Welfare protection: Djurbrunnskydd reimburses owners for preventive care with no
annual deductible for well maintenance. It covers exams, vaccinations, flea prevention and heartworm prevention. There may be a small deductible for medical services other than well care.
If you choose low deductible pet insurance with a high indemnity level and high annual maximum, you will pay less in medical expenses per incident, but your monthly premiums will be higher. Most plans allow you to buy endorsements to improve your coverage, such as to cover exam fees or checkups, but this will also increase your premiums.
What Affects the Cost of Pet Insurance?
In addition to the level of pet insurance you purchase, various factors can affect your premiums. These may include:
- Species and gender: Dogs are more expensive to insure than cats. Insurance company
generally charge higher premiums for male animals. - Race: Because they have more health problems and shorter lifespans, larger breeds are more numerous
costly to insure. Some insurance companies may not cover certain breeds that are prone to hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia. - Age: In general, older animals cost more to insure than younger animals. Some insurance companies set age limits.
- Place: Pet health insurance premiums can vary depending on where you live. Costs tend to
be higher in more densely populated areas.
What is not covered by pet insurance?
Although standard pet insurance policies cover most accidents and illnesses, there may be some exceptions with both basic and comprehensive coverage, which may include:
- Pre-existing or hereditary conditions
- Dental disease
- Behavioral problems
- Hip dysplasia
- Preventive care
- Routine checks
- Grooming
If you are considering pet insurance, talk to our friendly agent. We can help you find the health insurance you need for your pet at a price you can afford.
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