Developments in veterinary care and quality nutritional products have ensured that pets enjoy a longer lifespan. A pet insurance policy can help with your pet’s healthcare while offsetting costs for routine care, unexpected injuries, and illnesses. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best pet insurance policy:
Compare Insurance Providers
Before you choose to enroll your pet in a pet insurance policy, compare providers. A side-by-side comparison should show the difference in plans, deductibles, co-pays, sample reimbursements, premiums, and plan details, including additional features.
Check the Insurer’s Track Record
Look at the provider’s track record for dependability. Choose a pet health insurance provider you can count on by going with the company that proves stability, experience, and recommendations.
Research What’s Covered
Some pet health insurance plans may include exclusions for any conditions that are pre-existing, hereditary, congenital, or related to breeding. Before you enroll, ensure you know what factors may affect coverage, like your pet’s breed and any existing conditions. If you aren’t sure about the policy language, call the insurance provider and ask for it to be explained in a way that you can easily understand.
Coverage That Works for You
Talk about your pet’s health with your vet to get an idea of what common health conditions your pet could face, either breed-related or with health issues in your pet’s family tree.
Insurance Reimbursement That Works for You
Pet insurance providers calculate reimbursement either by a percentage of invoice or an annual benefit schedule of allowances. An invoice is a bill your veterinarian hands you after treating your pet. If you enroll your pet in this plan, you’ll be reimbursed for a percentage of what you paid the vet. A benefit schedule of allowances lists what is covered under your plan with a predetermined amount for reimbursement. The reimbursement amount is renewed annually. There are a few other factors that can affect your reimbursement amount, which could be whether you’ve chosen a per-incident deductible or an annual deductible.
Enroll Healthy Pets
It’s essential to enroll pets when they’re young and healthy to avoid limited coverage. Just like human health insurance, pet insurance premiums can increase as the policyholder ages.
Inquire About Discounts
You might be able to get a discount on your premium with nationwide pet insurance offering a 5% discount to families with 2-3 pets and more to those with 4 or more pets. Those enrolled already in another Nationwide policy are also eligible for an extra 5% discount on select Nationwide pet insurance policies.