Looking for cheap pet insurance can be a big job if you don’t know what to look for. There are several options, and finding the best pet insurance is easy if you know the right questions to ask. Without pet health insurance, you won’t be protected if something unforeseen happens to your precious pet.
Key questions to help you find the best pet insurance for your pet
Why do I need pet insurance when my pet is healthy?
Insurance is one of those things you need but hope you never have to use. Your pet may be fine today, but there’s no way of knowing what might happen in the future. Purchasing pet insurance after your pet becomes ill or develops a condition will limit the coverage you can receive. Many other unexpected things can happen that you wouldn’t expect and being insured will ensure that your pet receives the best possible care without the need to make heart-wrenching decisions based on what you can afford.
When can my pet register?
Most pet insurance programs are available for any healthy pet that is 8 weeks or older. Make sure you know how old newborn pets must be before they are covered for any accident or illness.
Is there a discount if I insure more than one pet?
Some policies will offer a discount for each additional pet you insure. If you have many pets, most pet insurance companies will give you a discount for multiple pets.
Is this a full insurance program or a discount program?
It is important to know the difference between the two. An insurance program would be similar to personal insurance programs. A discount program works on an annual fee and offers discounts for veterinary services and other pet-related costs. Make sure you get all the details about the plan you’re interested in.
Is my pet covered if he travels with us?
Some policies will cover your pet while you travel with it. Check the type of program and see if your pet has travel coverage and in which areas of the world they are covered.
When does the plan go into effect?
Some plans (especially sickness coverage) will have a 1 day to 2 week waiting period from the time you enroll until the plan takes effect. You may need to have a veterinary exam before your pet will be accepted. Other programs will start as soon as your payment and registration have been received. Let you know when your plan starts and ends.
How is a claim processed?
Most pet insurance companies will have a claim form available online or a phone number you can call to file a claim. Typically, you would pay your vets and then your pet insurance company would reimburse you. Check your policy to make sure you know what options are available to you.
Is there a deductible on the services?
The deductible is what you pay before the insurance kicks in and pays off the balance. It works the same way as car insurance, the lower the deductible, the higher the premium. Each program has a different deductible, so look for a program that is affordable.
How do I cancel my policy?
If you change your mind, most programs will allow you to cancel within the first 2 weeks, as long as you haven’t filed a claim. Make sure you know the details of canceling for whatever reason you may have later so you are aware of possible refunds etc.
Does the company have good customer service?
This is not really a question to ask. It is something you should keep in mind. Using a company that is helpful and answers your questions to your satisfaction will make dealing with them much more pleasant over the life of your policy.
Asking the right questions helped us narrow down our search for the best pet insurance company for us and our pets. Be sure to check with your state insurance commissioner to review the performance history of the company you are considering.
Make sure you understand all the details of your pet insurance policy and ask any questions you need to before completing the application and going through the required checks. You’ll be glad you did.