All About Pet Insurance: Update Dec. 15 - 2009 All About "Pet Insurance" Information By Insurance Experts

Pet Insurance is defined as one type of insurance which pays the veterinary costs if one's pet becomes ill or is injured in an accident. Some policies will also pay out when the pet dies, or if it's lost or stolen.

How to Compare Pet Insurance

By Alice Flowers

For my friend Heidi Schmidt, the idea of putting her cat to sleep was something that she couldn't reckon with. Her cat Bumble was gravely sick and her veterinarian bills were mounting. Luckily, Heidi had gotten pet insurance three years ago and she was able to afford it all. Minus the usual deductible, and her co-payment, the pet insurance company was able to reimburse her for most of the cost of Bumble's treatments. Another pet parent may have not been so lucky.

If you own pets, the idea of not being able to pay for their health care could make you sick.

This is why so many people are turning to pet health insurance and what this article will attempt to do is answer most of the questions posed by pet owners seeking information.

What does pet insurance do exactly?

Health insurance for pets may help you pay your veterinary bills if your pet has an accident, gets sick, or needs routine preventive care. Most plans cover dogs and cats, and some plans cover other types of animals.

If you are considering getting health insurance for your dog or cat, here are some things to consider when doing your research:

First, shop around and compare pet insurance companies. This is one of the most important things to do since not all companies are "created equal"

Be aware that policies and premiums vary widely. Compare monthly or annual costs, and the differences in deductibles, co-pays and coverage limits. These may limit payouts by incident, annually, or your animal's lifetime.

Second, read carefully the clauses on deductibles, co-pays, coverage limits, and exclusions before you buy. Pre-existing problems and hereditary conditions like dysphasia in certain dog breeds, such as retrievers and German shepherds, are normally not accepted in most policies.

Third, figure out your finances. - Make sure you add up the total costs of the policy for the anticipated life expectancy of your pet. You also need to be aware that the age of your pet affects the premium. The older your pet gets, the higher the premium.

Questions to ask when you compare pet insurance companies:

Can I choose my vet? - Does your insurance plan allows you to get the vet of your choice or do you have to choose from a "network" or designated care giver?
Is there a waiting period? - Most policies have a waiting period and it might be different for accident or illnesses
Do you cover routine wellness exams? - Most plans will not cover wellness or routine care though some policies give you an option if you pay extra
Does it cover neutering or spaying?
Does the plan include prescription drug coverage? - Some plans include prescription drugs others won't
Do you cover claims annually or by incident? - Find out the maximum coverage. Some plans will have a maximum per incident others will have a maximum per year.
If the coverage is by incident, is there a time limit?
Is there a dollar limit for vet office fees? - Some companies will only reimburse " allowable" veterinary expenses. In other words, they set the price.
If my pet has a pre-existing or hereditary condition, will this plan cover it?
Does this plan cover chronic or recurring conditions?
How long do you take to pay claims?
Do you give discounts for insuring multiple pets?
Does this plan cover advertising costs and rewards if my pet is lost or stolen?
Does this plan make payouts if my pet is being treated and dies?

Do not hesitate to go online and get several quotes. The premiums will vary depending on the age and breed of your pet. You will be surprised at the differences in prices. Above all, don't rush to sign up unless the company has a money back guarantee. Some companies will refund your first premium within 30 days provided you do not place any claims.

Visit SmartPetInsurance.com for more information on pet insurance. Compare plans, get quotes, or download the complementary Pet Insurance Buyers Guide.

Alice Flowers is a free lance writer and has a love for animals. Visit her website at: http://www.smartpetinsurance.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Flowers

Pet Insurance Plan - What You Should Avoid When Choosing an Insurance Plan For Your Pets

By Josh LaForet

There's no denying that pets have become one of the most treasured parts of our families. When we're down, they always seem to know how to cheer us up. And when they need our help, we're willing to do whatever it takes to give them the best. One of the best things you can do for your pet is to get them a pet insurance plan to protect them in case of injury and illness.

But the process of choosing the proper plan for you and your pet can be tricky. Here are three things you'll want to avoid the process:

1. Making Price Your #1 Priority

Lots of insurance companies know the mentality that all they have to do is lower the price and they can get you to spend, even if it's the wrong purchase for you. Don't fall into this trap. The deeper questions you ask, such as if the plan will cover your pet for a lifetime, the more you'll see how limiting the cheapest insurance plans.

On the plus side, premium plans can be found for less than you probably pay for coffee each month.

2. Plans That Exclude Your Current Veterinarian

No insurance plan for your pets should exclude you from seeing the veterinarian that you've built up a relationship with over time. Make sure to do your due diligence when working with the company to see if they will accept bills from your vet and if your vet will cooperate with that company. Often times a veterinarian can tell you the reputation of the company you're thinking of buying insurance from.

3. Not Researching What's Excluded

One of the most common mistakes when choosing pet insurance is getting enticed by everything that's available in the plan. However, the smarter approach is to find out exactly what's excluded. You'll often find out that the expenses you were most scared of taking on are the ones that aren't covered. Just researching this part of the insurance plan could save you thousands of dollars.

If you're looking for more information on choosing a pet insurance plan and how to make sure you get the right coverage for the pets you love so dearly, I invite you to click here and find out how other pet owners are responding to their insurance coverage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_LaForet

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