Why Take Out A Pet Insurance Policy

It's obvious that you need insurance on your home and car, your health and even your life. But what about another important aspect of your life - your pet?

Pet insurance has grown in popularity as people have realized that health care costs for animals are often as exorbitant as hospital bills for people. Whether you're worried about a chronic health condition like hip dysplasia (common in large dogs) or a random accident, it's important to plan ahead for unforeseen medical costs for all types of pets.

You may be able to get pet insurance through your homeowners' or car insurance; many companies offer pet insurance as an 'add on'. It might be cheaper to go through your existing insurance company, as people with multiple policies through the same organization often receive discounts. If your provider does not have pet insurance, many specialty companies can help - ask your veterinarian to recommend a responsible company.

Whomever you purchase pet insurance from, you will need to make some basic decisions about what type of policy best suits your needs. Usually, there are two basic options: a base plan, which covers your pet in times of extreme illness or injury, and a routine care option, which helps pay for regular vet check-ups as well as major care costs. Some plans will pay for treatments like pet acupuncture and dermatology, while others only cover basic vet visits and common tests. Be sure to ask if your plan covers dental care.

As far as pricing, different plans carry different premiums and give varying amounts of coverage per injury. Some plans have a maximum yearly or lifetime coverage limit, a point at which they will stop paying for any treatment. Be sure you know the specific financial details of whichever plan you select - the last thing you want during a time of a pet crisis is an unpleasant surprise on your bill.

Keep in mind, just like human health insurance, pet insurance almost never covers pre-existing conditions. Some providers also have a maximum age for eligibility. Because of this, it's important to get your pet covered as early as possible, so that any illness they may develop as they age will be fully covered. Also note that most pet insurance policies don't go into effect right away; it may be anywhere from three days to a full month from application before your dog or cat is covered.

Whatever policy you choose, you will rest easier knowing you're prepared for the worst.

Common Questions About Vpi Pet Insurance

Q: Why buy VPI pet insurance now? My pet has always been perfectly healthy!

A: If you wait until after your pet gets sick or injured, it is too late to buy the best pet insurance for that event - especially if you have a breed that is predisposed to certain diseases.

If your pet shows symptoms or is diagnosed prior to enrolling with a pet insurer, it can be considered a preexisting condition and may not be covered.

Keep in mind that a pet can be enrolled as early as 8 weeks of age.

Also, just like a human hospital bill, vet fees can add up even for the simplest of procedures. Many cheap pet insurance plans cover tests, treatment of qualified accidents and illnesses, veterinary visits, X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, hospitalization, prescription food and medications.

Sometimes, a pet's accident isn't the only thing that could be costly, as Rose from Philadelphia learned...

After doing some research, Rose chose the pet health insurance company and policy that made the most sense for her. A short time after enrolling, she found some "lumps and bumps" on her dog, Hugo. There was blood work, operating room expenses, lab fees and surgical fees - all of which she was reimbursed for. But that wasn't the surprising part. A few months after Hugo's hospital visit, Rose had a hospital visit herself when she tore a hamstring muscle. Since Rose was temporarily incapacitated, Hugo had to be taken to a pet care facility for three weeks, resulting in a bill of several hundreds of dollars.

Luckily, Rose's pet insurance policy covered this, thus saving Rose a bundle!

Q: What if I can't afford VPI pet insurance?

A: Many companies have flexible plans just for this concern.

You can pick and choose the level of coverage and payments that make sense for you and your pet. Companies also offer special discounts for qualified candidates. (discounts vary from company to company)

Q: What if I don't get enough pet insurance coverage?

A: Check with your provider, many companies will upgrade your policy at your request.

Q: I already have a vet that I am happy with; what if my pet insurance company doesn't cover his/her services?

A: Most companies have policies that place no restriction on which vet you use, as long as the vet is licensed. This includes traditional veterinarians, alternative therapists or specialists. To make sure, ask your vet what pet insurance policies he/she accepts.

Q: What if I don't want full coverage?

A: That's fine - there is also Emergency Care (only) insurance for pets. Also, some companies provide up to $3,000 of coverage for only $19.95 a year.

Q: I'm more worried about my pet ruining the walls of my rented apartment/condo, is there coverage for renters?

A: Yes, there are programs especially designed for tenants that cover certain accidents and illnesses as well as an approved amount set aside to reimburse a third party for any pet-related damage.

As you can see, there are very few reasons not to protect your pet with pet insurance.

For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day, you can have the peace of mind that your pet is well taken care of.

You will also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you are able to pay those unexpectedly high vet bills as they happen, with no effect on your pocketbook.