The Truth About Pet Insurance

Most Americans today have health insurance, but how about our most loved ones? Why is it that our furry children our not covered by our family health insurance? Do pet owners need pet insurance or is it just hype?

Various types of pet insurance companies are out there such as Pet's Best Insurance, VPI Pet Insurance and so on however is not a new concept. Beginning a few years ago, with the increase in posh pet handlers, pet insurance has become more popular in connection to the increasing veterinary practice rates. Each health plan contains much of the same options as human health insurance which usually requires a deductible and annual premium. In addition, a pet owner can usually chose between different benefit packages to meet the needs of the pet. Depending on the size and breed of canine, the rates are determined. Some plans get very specific on pricing which is determined by pre-existing conditions, age and whether the lifestyle of the pet. Reductions are sometimes also given for more than one pet in the household; this depends on the pet insurance company though.

Coverage, for most companies usually starts around the age of six to eight weeks of the pet. Then around eight years old, if not already on health insurance, most companies will not allow insurance coverage of that elderly pet. Most claims can begin to be covered after thirty days however double check before applying for coverage. Although most companies will only cover emergency or major surgical procedures, some will now also cover annual checkups, routine care, vaccinations and other preventive medications(such as heartworm and flee medications). Most recently some health insurance companies will allow coverage for minor illnesses and spay/neutering of the pet covered.

If a pet already has an illness or terminal disease, most companies will not allow coverage of that pet. Seeing the rise in healthy insurance carriers though, some companies have allowed access to the services if the pet has been stable for more than six months. It is important, if a pet is already sick, to double check before signing up for insurance if the illness will be covered. This is very important since some companies will cover the ill pet however will not cover the costs of the illness that already persists.

Please keep in the back of your mind though that a pet's age more than doubles the rate of humans. Along with the rise in veterinary rates, it is increasingly more beneficial to get health insurance for all pets in the house. Before purchasing pet insurance read over all the requirements and clauses that are included in the plan that has been chosen.

If pet insurance is not an option at the moment, there are other options available to those pet owners looking for a little assistance through the money hard times. For instance, talk to the veterinarian that you are currently visiting. Some veterinary hospitals have a "pet help fund" that will assist those good pet owners that just need a little assistance at the moment. In addition to the veterinary hospital fund, there may be local humane organizations such as the "animal rescue" that will pay 50% to 100% of some surgeries for lower income families. Some "animal rescue" organizations will also pay for surgeries and other medications for rescue pets. If there is a need for a little assistance, just double check with the veterinary technician or the veterinarian for more details available in your area.

Although pet insurance is not for all pet owners, it is something that should be considered. With the rise in veterinary practice rates increasing with the economy, for some it is only wise to get this added assistance. In addition, it is a comfort to know that you are covered if something serious happens. Let's face it, pets are like children, something always goes wrong either little things here and there or something large. It is better to be covered than not be, our pets are worth it!