A Vet’s Perspective on Pet Insurance

You might be looking for pet insurance in Connecticut but still not 100% sure of how worthy pet insurance is, or you might be someone who wants to know what vets have to say about pet insurance. Whichever one you may be, you have landed at the right place!

You might have one question on top of your mind right now, ‘Is pet insurance worth it?’. You might have heard people telling you how important pet insurance is, but a reliable source should answer that question. In this article, you’d know everything that vets have to say about pet insurance; the benefits, cost, finding the right plan—everything! 

Some people pay out of pocket for their pets’ medical expenses. However, more than one in five Americans don’t save any of their annual income. Around 2.16 million pets were insured in the US in 2018. You might think that the number is extremely high, but it is not.

There are many facts that would help you understand the picture better and simplify things for you, but first, let’s talk about the benefits of pet insurance.

Benefits of Getting Your Pet Insured – It’s Not Just About the Money

Pet insurance covers expensive treatments and surgeries, but it also allows you to focus on your pet’s health more. Here are the benefits of getting pet insurance:

 

1. You Get to Pick the Vet

 

Getting your pet insured will allow you to pick the vet. Unlike human healthcare insurance, where you need to ask your current healthcare provider if they participate in the plan you are currently considering, pet insurance lets you choose a veterinarian on your own.  

In simple words, vets are not even a part of the whole process; it all comes down to what you decide.

 

2. The Priority Will Be Your Pet’s Health – No Need to Choose Between Money and Your Pet

 

Seeing your furry friend suffer is the second worst feeling. The first is feeling helpless for not being able to help them. Many pet owners have to put their pet down because of the hefty medical expenses they can’t afford. 3 in 10 pets needs emergency medical treatment every year; you never know when your pet might require emergency treatment. 

By investing in an insurance plan, you wouldn’t have to choose between your pet’s health and money. A good insurance plan will cover thousands of dollars that you will have to cover independently without the insurance.

 

3. You Will Have a Number of Treatment Options to Choose From 

 

When you are paying out of your own pocket, you have limited treatment options to choose from; you have to constantly check whether you can afford a specific treatment or not. 

Life-saving surgeries and chemotherapy cost a lot, and you might not be able to pay for them on your own. Getting insurance will provide you with more options because money wouldn’t be the number one concern then.

 

4. Your Pet Will Be Your Number One Focus

 

There’s no denying that your pet’s safety will always come first for you. However, when you are responsible for managing the finances, you end up focusing more on the cost of veterinary care and less on your pet’s health. Getting insurance will make sure that your pet’s health is prioritized, and nothing makes your focus shift away.

 

Type of Pet Insurance 

Lifetime	Accident Only	Maximum Benefit	Time Limit Policies
It covers the treatment cost for a lifetime. You are responsible for paying yearly premiums.	It only covers treatment that is required due to a sudden injury or accident.	You are provided with a fixed amount for each illness/condition.	It covers medical conditions up to the financial limit of 12 months.

 

Lifetime

 

As the name suggests, lifetime insurance covers your pet for life. Lifetime insurance offers the most comprehensive coverage for your pet. You basically pay a premium every year. For older pets, the policy access and premium are likely to go up.

 

Accident Only

 

This is the most basic level of pet insurance coverage available. Accident Only covers treatment that is required as a result of sudden incidents and injuries. Let’s say your cat got hit by a car and suffered injuries. In this situation, the cost of the treatment will be covered. 

Note that this insurance has nothing to do with illness. Keep in mind that around 70% of pet insurance claims are for illnesses.

Maximum Benefit

 

By investing in maximum benefit, you are provided with a fixed amount of money for every illness or injury. In simpler words, it covers medical conditions up to a financial limit for as long as the money lasts. 

There’s no time limit, and you are not restricted to avail it only once for a certain condition. When you have spent the amount, the treatment for the illness will not be covered again. 

Note: Say your pet had a rash on the leg, you got it treated, but then it appeared on the ear—most of the medical benefit policies will see it as the same condition. This type of condition will be seen as recurring conditions, and the amount of money will not be available every time your pet suffers from the illness.

Time Limited Policies

 

Time limited policies allow you to claim for an eligible medical condition up to a specified period. In simpler words, each eligible medical condition is covered up to the financial limit of one year. 

If the amount is reached in 12 months, or after the 12 month period is over, the policy will no longer cover the treatment, and you will be responsible for paying for the rest of the treatment.

 

Knowing This Will Help You Compare Policies and Quotes

While on your lookout for pet insurance in Connecticut, you must know the factors that will help you find the right plan.

 

Your Residence	Species of Your Pet	Which Breed You Own	Your Pet’s Age	Annual or Per Incident Deductible	Annual Limits
In some countries the cost of pet insurance is higher than in others.	Generally, dogs cost more to get insured.	Some breeds have higher medical costs while some insurance plans don’t cover aggressive breeds.  Pet Insurance in Connecticut for Golden Retrievers has a premium of around $35 to $45 monthly.	Getting pet insurance for an older pet will cost you more. It’s always better to get insurance while your pet is young.	Annual deductible might cost lower than per incident deductible.	Higher annual limit is equal to higher premiums.

 

A Vet’s Guide to Choosing Pet Insurance – Everything You Should Know Before Enrolling

Veterinary care and research have made it possible for pets to enjoy a longer lifespan. The cost of owning a pet has increased, and so has the cost of veterinary care and medical treatments. Buying pet insurance will help you pay for various treatment and diagnostics costs. However, choosing the right plan and insurers is not easy. Here’s what you should consider before purchasing an insurance plan for your furry companion:

 

1. Pet Insurance Policy Type

 

You need to know what you are exactly looking for. There are four main types of pet insurance that you can choose from:

• Lifetime Pet Insurance: the lifetime policy will cover diagnostics and treatment costs for as long as your pet lives. 
• Accident Only: Accident-only policy will not cover your pet for veterinary treatment that is needed due to an illness. You will only be covered for treatment needed as a result of a sudden injury. 
• Maximum Benefit: There’s an amount set for each condition until the condition limit is reached. 
• Time-Limited: It covers treatment required for injuries and illnesses but has a financial limit of 12 months.

2. Thoroughly Read and Review the Policy

 

Go through the policy, and be sure to look at:

• Deductibles
• Premiums 
• Copays
• Coverage Limit
• Exclusions 

When you know what you need to check, comparing insurance providers will become easier.

 

3. Compare the Different Insurance Providers

 

Go toward comparing the insurance providers. If you have decided what kind of policy you are looking for, run a side-by-side comparison to compare the plans, premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Identify all the restrictions and add-ons. Don’t forget to identify breed restrictions. 

 

4. Check the Exclusions

 

Pet exclusions vary depending on the pet insurance policy. Pre-existing conditions and hereditary defects are the most common exclusions. Based on your pet’s medical history, insurers will provide you with a medical review that will include a list of exclusions as well. In most cases, if you are not okay with the exclusions, you will be able to cancel the plan before the money-back guarantee period ends.

 

5. Don’t End Up Only Considering the Premium Cost

 

If you choose an insurance plan by only considering the cost of the premium, there’s a high chance you might end up getting the wrong medical and monetary coverage. 

For example, the premium for Accident Only Plan is comparatively lower than the other plans. However, 70% of pet insurance claims are for illnesses, which means the insurance will only cover treatment needed due to an accident—you will end up paying for the treatment cost needed for any medical condition that your pet suffers from. 

Make sure you review the policy, and don’t pick an insurance policy solely based on the cost of the premium.

 

6. Payout Limitations

 

Most pet insurance plans have a maximum amount that they pay out every year. When the limit is reached, the policy is terminated, and you become liable for paying for further treatment if required. Check the payout limitation for the most common illnesses and make a decision accordingly.

 

Vet’s Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions Related to Pet Insurance 

 

Do Vets Recommend Getting Pet Insurance?

 

They do. The reason behind the strong recommendation is because getting insurance will ensure that your pet won’t be abandoned or put down for financial reasons. Getting your pet insured will ensure that your pet receives the care they need.

 

Will Pet Insurance Allow Me to Choose the Vet of My Choice?

 

Yes. Unlike human health insurance policies where there’s always a chance that the doctor you want to continue with might not participate in the plan you have chosen, pet insurance lets you pick the vet of your choice. With pet insurance, you are also not required a referral from a doctor to see a specialist.

 

Does Pet Insurance Cover for Veterinarian Visits as well?

 

You do pay a consultation fee to your vet. The insurance will cover the treatment your pet will be receiving. You will submit a claim, and then the pet insurance will repay you for the covered cost. Routine veterinary visits, such as preventative care and tests, can typically be covered by a wellness plan.

 

What Is the Average Monthly Premium Cost of Pet Insurance?

 

The premium cost of your pet insurance policy will vary, depending on the type of policy you choose. However, the average premium of accident and illness coverage for a dog is around $48, while for a cat, it is around $29.

 

Does Pet Insurance Cover Exam Fee?

 

An exam fee is the standard cost charged by the vet to examine your pet. It is not necessarily expensive; it can go as low as $30 but can reach over $300 if your pet is taken to an emergency animal hospital. The exam fee is usually not covered by many plans; they usually just cover the cost involved in the treatment and diagnosis. It would be best if you had a word with your agent about it.

Why Should One Get Pet Insurance at All?

 

There are many financial benefits to getting pet insurance. However, not everything comes down to finances. With pet insurance, you get to provide the best care to your pet; your focus shifts away from finances to your pet’s health, and you get to do what’s best for them rather than what you can afford.

Does Pet Insurance Cover All Dog Breeds?

 

Pet insurance covers all types of pets including, cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, pigs, rabbits, and various others. However, some insurers don’t cover aggressive dogs such as Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. It is very important to identify breed restrictions before investing in a plan.

 

Final Thoughts

Pet insurance does not only benefit you financially but helps prioritize your pet’s health. Many people end up putting their pets down because of financial pressure—that doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve to own a pet. A vet’s priority is to ensure that your pet receives the best care possible, and pet insurance aligns with that goal.