How to Get the Most from Pet Insurance

Many dog and cat owners today are finding it difficult to pay the medical bills for their animals. And with pet care costs continually on the rise, many are turning to pet health insurance to address this need. The challenge is that pet insurance is relatively new and many are confused about what kind of policy they need for their family pets.

Here are some basic guidelines to choosing the right pet health policy and getting the most from your insurance coverage:

Consider Your Budget:

The first thing to consider when choosing pet insurance is what you are able to afford. Think about what would happen if your pet were to become ill or suffer an injury. How much money do you have set aside for treatment? If you have some savings set aside for this purpose, then a higher deductible plan may be sufficient.

However, if you think you could only come up with a couple hundred dollars at the most then a lower deductible plan may be your best option. Of course, you will also need to consider how much premium you can afford to pay for your policy.

Consider the Age of Your Pet: Clearly, medical care needs for a kitten or puppy will be quite different from an aging pet. For a younger animal, hopefully you will only need vaccinations and regular check-ups, while older dogs and cats will have illnesses that need to be treated. In some cases, older animals may need surgery. Talk to your agent and choose a plan that is right for today and hopefully one that can evolve as your pets enter their golden years.

Consider Pet Liability Insurance: If you own a house, your homeowner policy should offer sufficient liability coverage for damage your pets may do to another person or their property. However, if you are a renter, it may be a good idea to consider adding liability insurance to your pet health policy. Again, speak with your local agent to determine if this added coverage will be needed.