As kids get back to school and the fall season begins to roll in, MainStreetVet.net would like to make you aware of the importance of pet insurance and your options as a pet owner.
September is National Pet Insurance month, and there is no better time to think about minimizing the potential expenses and financial burden from an emergency, injury, or unexplained illness your pet may experience. Having an insurance policy in place will ensure your pet receives the timely care they deserve and avoid unexpected costs that may add to an already stressful situation.
As emotionally challenging as sudden injuries and illnesses may be for you and your furry family member, the costs can be equally worrisome. The average emergency veterinary visit costs $1500. If it would be a hardship for you to receive this bill, then pet insurance is the perfect solution. Imagine giving your pets the best possible care without worrying about how to pay for it.
There are many reputable pet insurance companies you can research, but most of them have a few things in common, as outlined below.
Pet Insurance – How Does It Work?
The process for using a pet insurance policy typically follows this process:
You visit your veterinarian or animal hospital and pay for services, as you normally would.
Depending on your carrier, you submit a medical claim through the provider’s website, phone application or form by mail.
You will be reimbursed for the services that are covered by your pet’s particular insurance plan.
Unlike traditional human insurance plans, pet insurance usually has the client pay upfront for services and then gets reimbursed after the fact. Since all insurance companies and their plans and policies are unique, it is important to review and understand these details before you sign up. Each provider will vary on what services they cover and the reimbursement amount. There is a wide array of options available, and since there currently are not any standardized plans throughout the pet insurance industry, comparing options and associated costs is extremely important to avoid any financial surprises down the road.
Important Terms:
Deductible: This is the amount of money you are responsible for paying before the insurance provider will reimburse you. It may be per incident or per policy year. Some companies will lower the deductible over time if you have not filed many claims.
Reimbursement Percentage/Amount: The percentage of the vet bill the insurance policy will pay, once your deductible is met, up to the maximum annual amount allowed in the program.
Maximum Annual Payout: Total amount the policy will pay for all claims submitted in a policy year.
Unlike traditional human insurance programs, there aren’t any out-of-network or in-network veterinarians, so you can visit whichever facility you choose. Typical pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions and have limits, deductibles, and other provisions. If you are considering adding pet insurance, make sure you look at these other variables that could affect your insurance rates, including:
Species
Breed
Age
Gender
Is the pet spayed or neutered already?
Type of coverage: accident only, emergency care only, boarding fees, examination fees, vaccinations, etc.
Limits
Deductibles
Co-pay / Coinsurance
Prior claims history
Where you reside
Although MainStreetVet.net does not endorse any insurance provider over another, we do strongly recommend that you find a plan that works for you and enroll your pets before something happens. If you wait until after an illness or injury occurs, it is too late and will not be covered. Here are a few reputable companies that our clients are using:
Don’t let the differences or numerous insurance options available to you and your pet overwhelm you. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please contact us at either of our MainStreetVet.net locations and we will be happy to help you:
PERKIOMENVILLE 1335 N. Gravel Pike, Perkiomenville, PA 18074 Telephone: 610-287-5100
SOUDERTON 201 North Main Street, Souderton, PA 18964 Telephone: 215-660-3699
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