You’d do just about anything for your pets. You don’t want to admit it, but it’s all too true. As pet parents, we splurge on food, toys, and all other accommodations for our four-legged friends, but what about pet insurance? The truth is it’s a great safety net to have if your dogs or cats become susceptible to illness or injury, making sure that protecting your furry little pal isn’t costing you an arm and a leg.
What does pet insurance cover?
Finding the best pet insurance for your furry friend starts with typing “pet insurance Australia” into a search engine and learning how you can afford some peace of mind for your four-legged pal. Pet insurance is similar to your health insurance policy. It can help cover the costs of treating an injured or sick pet by reimbursing eligible out-of-pocket expenses. You can evaluate the available accidental injury and illness policies, with all brands compared offering at least three levels of insurance coverage.
You can opt for accident-only coverage, which is a basic level of pet insurance that accounts for emergency situations and the medical expenses that pet owners are left to deal with. You can go the next level up with accident & illness insurance, which also affords routine care for your dog or cat. The highest level of pet insurance coverage is comprehensive coverage, accounting for a great deal of the expenses that pet owners may have to handle, especially with particular dog breeds or even older pets. Depending on the insurer and level of cover you choose, your policy might include microchipping, annual vaccinations, and even hospitalization.
What impacts your insurance premium?
The cost of pet insurance varies based not only on the type of insurance coverage but also on a litany of other factors which can include the breed and age of your pet. Depending on your insurance company, premiums may increase as your pet gets older to reflect the increased risk associated with the age of your furry family member. Your pet health insurance policy can also be impacted by the breeds, particularly in dogs. Some breeds have a history of medical issues that raise concerns for insurers, such as hip dysplasia in dachshunds.
It’s best to invest in a pet insurance policy when your four-legged friend is still just a puppy or a kitten. While premiums will increase, you could be afforded discounts from some companies in the pet insurance industry for your long-term relationship. Your insurance plan can take care of many medical expenses and vet bills associated with proper care, but keep in mind, you may not be able to obtain coverage because of a pre-existing condition that your furry companion is dealing with.
Finding the Right Vet
While pet insurance is a great safety net in the event of any outstanding expenses, you want to make sure that your veterinarian of choice accepts your coverage. This will afford you peace of mind in knowing you can stay with a vet that you and your furry little friend can trust while making sure you’re not left in a bad financial situation if they suffer from an illness or injury. The right coverage will make sure you’re reimbursed for diagnostic tests and vaccinations, but it only works to your benefit if your veterinarian is on board.
Bear in mind, there are certain treatments that pet insurance providers may not cover, so be sure to explore insurance quotes and check for any exclusions that could impact your playful dog or cuddly cat now, as well as down the line as they age. Remember, this is just like your own health insurance policy. You’d never let yourself be left footing medical expenses because of a loophole in your insurance coverage. Don’t let that happen for your furry family member either.
