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In this article, we provide you with the answers to the top 10 most asked questions about pet insurance.
Let’s jump in.
What exactly is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a type of cover that pet owners purchase to help cover the cost of any unexpected vet bills that may arise from accidents, illnesses, or emergencies. These bills can be quite costly, so having pet insurance can help pet owners manage the financial burden that comes with unexpected pet care. Pet insurance typically covers the cost of medical treatments, such as surgery, medications, and other necessary procedures. It may also cover things like diagnostic tests, X-rays, lab tests, hospitalization, and more. Additionally, some policies provide coverage for holistic treatments, such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. Pet insurance can also cover the cost of treatments for chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, as well as those for hereditary conditions. Pet owners can choose the coverage that best meets their needs, depending on the type of pet they have and the conditions they are most likely to encounter.
Are pet policies easy to understand?
We know this new industry may seem a little daunting – especially as it deals exclusively with pets. All of a sudden, you’re thrown new terminology and expected to use them as a lifeline.
The thing is that pet insurance is fairly easy to understand, especially if you already have human insurance. That being said, only sign up with an insurer that is willing to slowly walk you through your entire policy in a way that is easily understood.
Can I go to any veterinarian of my choosing?
Having pet insurance gives pet owners the freedom to choose any registered veterinarian they prefer. This means that they don’t have to be limited to a list of network-associated vets that may not be the best choice for their pet’s care. With pet insurance, pet owners can have the assurance that their pet will receive the best possible care from the veterinarian of their choice, as long as the vet is registered and certified. Additionally, pet insurance helps to cover the cost of veterinary services, meaning pet owners don’t have to worry about footing the entire bill for their pet’s care.
What kind of coverage is available?
Naturally, every pet insurer will offer their own exclusive pet policy packages based on your budget and needs, however, most insurers will offer a more affordable package that generally only covers accidents and illness, and the more expensive option is their comprehensive package which includes all the bells and whistles. In between these two offerings are several policies with varying perks and prices.
Do you offer coverage for wellness, preventative, or routine care for my pet?
Unfortunately, not all pet policies provide the same level of coverage. Those that do not offer comprehensive coverage may not include additional pet care elements such as vaccinations, spaying and neutering, routine checkups, and preventive treatments. These offerings are typically only available through more comprehensive pet policies, which often come with a higher price tag. However, we should stress that if you can afford it, opting for a more comprehensive pet policy is a wise choice, as it can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to the care of your pet. You will not regret it. They are the best form of holistic care!
Do all pet insurers have a waiting period?
When taking out pet insurance the last thing you want to hear is that you have to abide by a waiting period, which means that you will not be able to access your benefits until the waiting period is over.
As a general rule of thumb in the insurance industry, all insurers have to enforce a waiting period. This has been created with both the insurer and insured in mind.
How do I file a claim?
Every insurance company has their own exclusive claiming process. However, they all essentially follow similar steps. They usually go as follows:
- To claim, you must submit a fully completed claim form and attach a copy of the detailed account, medical evidence, and/or any other information as we may reasonably request.
- Submit the information to their claims division for assessment and processing.
Are discounts offered?
It is important to remember that the very nature of pet insurance is to keep pet care affordable, which is why you will notice how several of the biggest pet insurers have significantly low premiums.
For that reason, many of these companies do not offer a long-winded list of discounts. However, you can breathe a sigh of relief if you have more than one pet as that will make you eligible for a multiple pet discount rate.
Can you choose your deductible?
When taking out an insurance policy, you will be offered a range of deductibles that you can choose from. Deductibles are the amount of money you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance policy kicks in and covers the remaining costs. The higher your premium (the amount you pay for your policy each month or year), the lower your deductible will be, and vice versa. It is important to carefully consider your options and select a deductible that is right for your budget and needs.
Is there a maximum pet age, where your pet is no longer covered?
For most pet policies, an age limit will apply. Generally, the maximum age limit for you to enrol your pet for pet insurance is 9 years old (unless you purchase an accident-only plan).
But, if your pet is signed up with a policy with us before he or she reaches the tender age of 9, then your pet is covered with pet care for life on your chosen plan!
Before you commit to any kind of pet policy, you should take the time to fully understand pet insurance. After all, knowledge is power, right?
Until next time,
The petinsurance.co.za Team
