Get Personal Liability With Your Pet Insurance
Your pet dog could accidentally cause damage or injury which you could be liable for, you should therefore have pet insurance to protect yourself financially against personal liability.
With pet insurance, you may be covered for up to 2,000,000 per incident of personal liability to cover compensation or legal costs. You could face a personal liability claim for a variety of reasons: one main cause of personal liability could be if your dog causes bodily injury, death, illness or passes a disease to any person who is not in your employment or who is not a member of your family or household. You would also be held personally liable if your dog causes loss of or damage to property that does not belong to you.
If your pet is involved in an incident which means you could be liable for a claim, you should take action with your insurance company immediately. You should call your insurance company as soon as possible to give them full details of the incident, so be sure to keep an accurate record and even take photographs if possible. You will also have to send your pet insurance company copies of any court claim form, summons, letters of claim or other document as soon as you receive them.
During the incident, you should be sure not to admit any liability to the other parties. You should also not pay, offer to pay, or negotiate any claim without speaking to your insurance company or obtaining permission in writing. You may find that you are not actually at fault and offering money before the incident is settled could complicate the claims process.
If your dog is particularly boisterous, please ensure your dog is able to be covered by pet insurance in the first place. Some dogs, especially those registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act, may not be insurable under standard dog insurance, as they are deemed to be more at risk of causing injury. Many breeds of dogs can benefit from behavioural training; however, as it will encourage them to temper their enthusiasm and make them more relaxed around humans. You may find that your dog gets nervous around new people or new situations, which could cause them to behave erratically and cause personal injury to someone else.
If you take care of your pet dog with good pet insurance, you should be financially protected against personal liability in the future.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Pet Insurance Cost
Pet Insurance Cost
Pet insurance is one of the most important aspects you should always consider while buying a pet. Similar to human beings, pets also fall ill. And it becomes quite an expensive affair to look after a pet if it falls ill and that too, frequently! To lessen this loss, I would definitely recommend you to get your pet insured. There are several companies that provide pet insurance at a considerably nominal premium. The cost one would incur while treating an uninsured pet is much more than that of the insurance cost. So, what is the best pet insurance?
Cost of pet insurance varies according to the coverage percentage that the insurance company considers, the pet's age and of course, also the breed. Pet insurance plans make it much easier to take proper care of pets, but one should also be careful while choosing plans quoted by different insurance companies. The average insurance cost would be somewhere between $10 to $100 per month, and would not possibly go beyond, unless of course, it's for a horse or some other exotic pet of yours. Illnesses like cancer, fractures, diabetes, pancreatitis, etc. are usually covered under insurance. However, pet insurance for pre-existing conditions can be a complicated issue.
How Much does Pet Insurance Cost
Let's take a look at the list of factors that contribute to the total price of pet insurance.
Type of Animal: The insurance premium varies, based on the category of the species. For instance, a cat's insurance cost is much less as compared to that of a dog's because cats remain indoor most of the time than dogs do.
Animal Breed: There are various breeds of pets one can own. Of these there are some which are more prone to diseases and hence, are differentiated.
Age of Your Pet: Just as humans, the premiums for pets also increase if they are older in age, as they are more vulnerable to diseases and wounds.
Residential Location: The area where you reside also matters and affects your premium cost. There are some places that are not entitled to quote pet insurance.
Number of Years Covered: The policy term period of the company also plays a role in deciding the cost. Term period here means the approximate time duration for which the pet is insured, and would receive the coverage and benefits that are guaranteed.
Insurance Company, Coverage and Deductible: Lastly, there are different companies that offer pet insurance. But the goodwill and service that they provide differs and hence, the premiums of each company is also found to differ. Coverage and deductibles also add to the total cost of the premiums. One should also check if the company is licensed. Pet Insurance Comparison
The benefit, deductible amount and reimbursement value varies from one company to the other. However, typically, the minimum insurance cost for cats range from $15 - $20 per month and that for dog ranges from $20 - $30 per month to anything up to $100. Let us take a look at pet insurance comparison in detail.
Benefit
Most of the companies offer a benefit ranging from $200 to $20000 which is the annual limit. Most of the companies like Trupanion, PetPlan, PurinaCare, etc. offer this benefit plan. On the other hand, some companies like Hartville Group, Inc., Pets Best Insurance, and ASPCA offer benefits for a lifetime ranging from $42,500 to $100,000.
Deductible
The amount deductible is also found to vary. Some companies literally have no deductible amount (i.e., 0% deductible) like Trupanion. The amounts of deductible of other companies range from $50 to $200. The lesser the deductible of the insurance cost, greater is your profit.
Reimbursement
Reimbursement is the amount that you get back when you claim insurance. The reimbursement amount of some company's insurance plan is 100% like PetFirst Healthcare, PetPlan, QuickCare; whereas, some other companies offer 70-90% reimbursement like Hartville Group, Inc, Pets Best Insurance, PurinaCare, PetPlan, ASPCA, etc. On the other hand, the reimbursement value of a few other companies is incident based.
So, now after knowing in detail about the pet insurance cost, the deciding parameters, the value for it, etc., I guess you won't step back to get your pet insured. Be well prepared before you get yourself spending a huge sum. It will definitely be worth it. Think about it!
Pet insurance is one of the most important aspects you should always consider while buying a pet. Similar to human beings, pets also fall ill. And it becomes quite an expensive affair to look after a pet if it falls ill and that too, frequently! To lessen this loss, I would definitely recommend you to get your pet insured. There are several companies that provide pet insurance at a considerably nominal premium. The cost one would incur while treating an uninsured pet is much more than that of the insurance cost. So, what is the best pet insurance?
Cost of pet insurance varies according to the coverage percentage that the insurance company considers, the pet's age and of course, also the breed. Pet insurance plans make it much easier to take proper care of pets, but one should also be careful while choosing plans quoted by different insurance companies. The average insurance cost would be somewhere between $10 to $100 per month, and would not possibly go beyond, unless of course, it's for a horse or some other exotic pet of yours. Illnesses like cancer, fractures, diabetes, pancreatitis, etc. are usually covered under insurance. However, pet insurance for pre-existing conditions can be a complicated issue.
How Much does Pet Insurance Cost
Let's take a look at the list of factors that contribute to the total price of pet insurance.
Type of Animal: The insurance premium varies, based on the category of the species. For instance, a cat's insurance cost is much less as compared to that of a dog's because cats remain indoor most of the time than dogs do.
Animal Breed: There are various breeds of pets one can own. Of these there are some which are more prone to diseases and hence, are differentiated.
Age of Your Pet: Just as humans, the premiums for pets also increase if they are older in age, as they are more vulnerable to diseases and wounds.
Residential Location: The area where you reside also matters and affects your premium cost. There are some places that are not entitled to quote pet insurance.
Number of Years Covered: The policy term period of the company also plays a role in deciding the cost. Term period here means the approximate time duration for which the pet is insured, and would receive the coverage and benefits that are guaranteed.
Insurance Company, Coverage and Deductible: Lastly, there are different companies that offer pet insurance. But the goodwill and service that they provide differs and hence, the premiums of each company is also found to differ. Coverage and deductibles also add to the total cost of the premiums. One should also check if the company is licensed. Pet Insurance Comparison
The benefit, deductible amount and reimbursement value varies from one company to the other. However, typically, the minimum insurance cost for cats range from $15 - $20 per month and that for dog ranges from $20 - $30 per month to anything up to $100. Let us take a look at pet insurance comparison in detail.
Benefit
Most of the companies offer a benefit ranging from $200 to $20000 which is the annual limit. Most of the companies like Trupanion, PetPlan, PurinaCare, etc. offer this benefit plan. On the other hand, some companies like Hartville Group, Inc., Pets Best Insurance, and ASPCA offer benefits for a lifetime ranging from $42,500 to $100,000.
Deductible
The amount deductible is also found to vary. Some companies literally have no deductible amount (i.e., 0% deductible) like Trupanion. The amounts of deductible of other companies range from $50 to $200. The lesser the deductible of the insurance cost, greater is your profit.
Reimbursement
Reimbursement is the amount that you get back when you claim insurance. The reimbursement amount of some company's insurance plan is 100% like PetFirst Healthcare, PetPlan, QuickCare; whereas, some other companies offer 70-90% reimbursement like Hartville Group, Inc, Pets Best Insurance, PurinaCare, PetPlan, ASPCA, etc. On the other hand, the reimbursement value of a few other companies is incident based.
So, now after knowing in detail about the pet insurance cost, the deciding parameters, the value for it, etc., I guess you won't step back to get your pet insured. Be well prepared before you get yourself spending a huge sum. It will definitely be worth it. Think about it!
Pet Insurance - Pre-Existing Conditions
Pet Insurance - Pre-Existing Conditions
Pre-existing conditions are not covered by pet insurance companies. Pre-existing conditions are problems or diseases that your pet may have shown symptoms of or been diagnosed with before the effective date of the policy. Most insurance companies will use the date you first noticed the problem, not necessarily the day it was diagnosed by a veterinarian. Some companies may cover a problem that occurred previously if it was "cured" and not considered a chronic condition (no symptoms or treatment within the last 6 months).
From reading reviews that policyholders write on the various companies, this is a reason that is frequently given when a claim is rejected. How can you avoid this? Buy a policy when you first acquire a puppy or kitten and/or before your pet manifests any signs of illness. There will be a waiting period for illnesses - usually 2 weeks or 1 month (varies depending on the company) and 24 to 72 hours for accidents. If your pet gets sick or injured before you purchase a policy or during this waiting period, it is unlikely the condition will be covered. Clients suddenly become interested in pet health insurance when they are in my office and their pet has a serious problem. Unfortunately, that's not the best time to inquire about it.
During the application process, you will usually have to answer several questions about any previous problems your pet may have had. You should be completely honest when answering these questions. Knowingly misleading the insurance company about your pet's previous problems is called fraud and is grounds for the policy to be cancelled. Depending on your answers to these questions, the insurance company may issue a policy on your pet with no exclusions or they may request further information from you and/or request your pet's past 12 - 24 months medical records. Even if you aren't required to send in medical records during the application process, you will likely be required to send in medical records when you file the first claim. If you have forgotten to mention something during the application process, it may become evident when the company reviews the medical record and a condition could be considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage.
Therefore, you should ask the insurance company if they will do a medical record review, preferably during the underwriting process (when applying for the insurance), so you'll know in writing if there are any conditions that will be excluded from coverage and for how long because they are considered pre-existing. Most of the insurance companies will do this if you make this request, and it is worth asking about so that there aren't any surprises down the road. The last thing you want to do is pay several months/years of premiums only to find out that a claim is denied because the insurance company considers a condition pre-existing before you bought the policy. The goal is transparency on your part to reveal any known-about prior medical problems to the insurance company and transparency from the insurance company to reveal (when the policy is initially written) what, if any, pre-existing medical problems are excluded from coverage. If one or more conditions are excluded from coverage and you elect not to insure your pet, most companies have a 30 day - money back guarantee (ask about this) so you can usually cancel the policy for a refund of premium as long as you haven't filed a claim.
If your pet is older when you apply for a policy, the insurance company may request your pet's medical records to review and/or require a physical exam and/or lab testing to make sure your pet doesn't have a chronic condition that would preclude coverage for illnesses.
Pre-existing conditions are not covered by pet insurance companies. Pre-existing conditions are problems or diseases that your pet may have shown symptoms of or been diagnosed with before the effective date of the policy. Most insurance companies will use the date you first noticed the problem, not necessarily the day it was diagnosed by a veterinarian. Some companies may cover a problem that occurred previously if it was "cured" and not considered a chronic condition (no symptoms or treatment within the last 6 months).
From reading reviews that policyholders write on the various companies, this is a reason that is frequently given when a claim is rejected. How can you avoid this? Buy a policy when you first acquire a puppy or kitten and/or before your pet manifests any signs of illness. There will be a waiting period for illnesses - usually 2 weeks or 1 month (varies depending on the company) and 24 to 72 hours for accidents. If your pet gets sick or injured before you purchase a policy or during this waiting period, it is unlikely the condition will be covered. Clients suddenly become interested in pet health insurance when they are in my office and their pet has a serious problem. Unfortunately, that's not the best time to inquire about it.
During the application process, you will usually have to answer several questions about any previous problems your pet may have had. You should be completely honest when answering these questions. Knowingly misleading the insurance company about your pet's previous problems is called fraud and is grounds for the policy to be cancelled. Depending on your answers to these questions, the insurance company may issue a policy on your pet with no exclusions or they may request further information from you and/or request your pet's past 12 - 24 months medical records. Even if you aren't required to send in medical records during the application process, you will likely be required to send in medical records when you file the first claim. If you have forgotten to mention something during the application process, it may become evident when the company reviews the medical record and a condition could be considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage.
Therefore, you should ask the insurance company if they will do a medical record review, preferably during the underwriting process (when applying for the insurance), so you'll know in writing if there are any conditions that will be excluded from coverage and for how long because they are considered pre-existing. Most of the insurance companies will do this if you make this request, and it is worth asking about so that there aren't any surprises down the road. The last thing you want to do is pay several months/years of premiums only to find out that a claim is denied because the insurance company considers a condition pre-existing before you bought the policy. The goal is transparency on your part to reveal any known-about prior medical problems to the insurance company and transparency from the insurance company to reveal (when the policy is initially written) what, if any, pre-existing medical problems are excluded from coverage. If one or more conditions are excluded from coverage and you elect not to insure your pet, most companies have a 30 day - money back guarantee (ask about this) so you can usually cancel the policy for a refund of premium as long as you haven't filed a claim.
If your pet is older when you apply for a policy, the insurance company may request your pet's medical records to review and/or require a physical exam and/or lab testing to make sure your pet doesn't have a chronic condition that would preclude coverage for illnesses.
Pet Insurance - Covering the Cost of Malignant Melanomas
If your dog develops a malignant melanoma, your pet insurance should cover the insured costs of treatment. Some pet insurance policies will also reimburse insurable travel expenses if you need to visit a specialist.
UK pet insurance offers different levels of cover, so if you compare pet insurance online, it's worth taking an in-depth look at the policy documents. The cheapest insurance does not always offer the most extensive cover and if your pet becomes seriously ill you could find that your pet insurance is limited.
Malignant melanomas are one reason to take out pet insurance, as some dogs are more likely to develop malignant melanomas than others. The condition seems to be most prevalent in male dogs and dogs with black coats. Middle aged and older dogs (usually between the ages of nine and twelve) are also more at risk.
Some breeds also seem to have a genetic predisposition to malignant melanomas. Poodles, dachshunds, and golden retrievers are more likely to develop melanomas in the mouth whilst Scottish terriers, Boston terriers, Airedale's, cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, Irish setters, Irish terriers, chow chows, Chihuahuas and Doberman's are most often affected by this condition on their skin and toes.
It is worth being especially vigilant if your dog fits into one or more of these categories, especially as oral malignant melanomas are quite common; in fact they account for 30-40% of all malignant tumours in dogs.[1] Dog's suffering from this condition can present a variety of symptoms including bad breath, facial swelling and loss of appetite. They often drool excessively and occasionally bleed from the mouth.
If your dog shows clinical signs of an illness, it is best to arrange for a vet to examine and treat your pet as soon as possible. If you delay a veterinary examination you can jeopardise the terms of your pet insurance policy.
If your vet is able to confirm the presence of a malignant melanoma they may refer you to a national specialist. Your pet insurance may be able to cover your travel as well as your healthcare expenses. In fact, some pet insurance policies pay up to 150 in any period of insurance for travel and accommodation expenses if your usual vet recommends another vet to treat your pet, and you have to make a long journey.
Reputable pet insurance should be able to protect you financially if your pet develops a malignant melanoma, allowing you to focus on your dog's wellbeing. With early treatment and a bit of good luck your pet should make a full recovery to good health.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Visiting Your Vet without Pet Insurance Could Drain your Finances
Visiting Your Vet without Pet Insurance Could Drain your Finances
The Chinese year of the dog started last January. And according to Chinese tradition, anyone born in the following year, will be honest and loyal. They also aren't much concerned about wealth. This could help to explain why there are 5.2 million homes owning dogs without pet insurance cover. As many will have discovered to their cost, they're leaving themselves exposed to enormous veterinary bills.
The average cost of treating a dog following a road accident is 379 and the cost of just a scan could exceed 1,000. And as Veterinary science becomes more advanced with breakthroughs in medicine and surgery, the cost of owning an dog can potentially increase.
There is no National Health Service pets and if your dog is ill, detailed diagnostic tests, surgery, medication and care can mean an unexpected shock to your pocket. Studies have shown that on average, an insured pet owner makes a claim every three years.
But do take care. Pet insurance policies vary widely in terms of their cover, the excess you have to pay, the maximum costs that can be reclaimed each year and various exclusions.
So when you're on the net shopping for pet insurance, it's important to swot up on the small print. Don't automatically fall for the cheapest. Cheap premiums customarily reflect limited cover. For example, not all insurers will cover your pet for life. This means that if your dog's problem requires ongoing treatment, then cover ceases at the twelve-month stage.
Take Sheila Follows' spaniel, Bonny. Seven years ago Sheila wisely took out insurance cover for Bonny as soon as Bonny joined the family as a pup. All was well until the first spring. Then, Bonny developed a skin allergy and later that year a hip problem. Treatment has been ongoing ever since requiring regular visits to the local vet.
Sheila says," Bonny has to have a special diet and regular injections to control her allergies. The bill from my vet is usually between 375 and 450 per month so my decision seven years ago to take out insurance, proved to be one of my best investments. My insurance premium is just 15 per month and I'm not sure what we'd do if we weren't insured!"
Sheila's policy is a Budget policy issued by Pet Plan and covers lifetime conditions for up to 4,000 each year. Pet Plan also have two other pet schemes - their Standard Policy will pay out up to 6,000 per year and their Supreme Plan provides unlimited cover. So you can see that even within the same insurance provider, you can be faced with several policies to choose from.
So there's lots of choice. Some policies even provide protection for kennel fees, or boarding fees if you become ill or even pay your cancellation fee for your holiday if your pet becomes ill before you travel.
Our advice is to look at several pet insurance web sites. Better still, print off their schedule of benefits and terms and conditions. Then spend forty minutes comparing their premiums and look closely at what you'll get for your money. We know it'll be a bore but a little extra effort now will be rewarded with a great deal and your peace of mind.
And if your dog could talk, he'd say thanks too. But perhaps a big lick will do!
Postscript
If you receive either Council Tax benefit or Housing Benefit, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) will provide veterinary treatment free of charge.
At the moment there are some 5.8 million households that fulfil these eligibility conditions with just over 7 out of ten of homes served by either a PDSA PetAid practice or a PetAid Hospital.
There are 328 PetAid practices and 4 PetAid branches plus 43 PetAid Hospitals.
Learn about somekeyword and somekeyword at the somekeyword site.
The Chinese year of the dog started last January. And according to Chinese tradition, anyone born in the following year, will be honest and loyal. They also aren't much concerned about wealth. This could help to explain why there are 5.2 million homes owning dogs without pet insurance cover. As many will have discovered to their cost, they're leaving themselves exposed to enormous veterinary bills.
The average cost of treating a dog following a road accident is 379 and the cost of just a scan could exceed 1,000. And as Veterinary science becomes more advanced with breakthroughs in medicine and surgery, the cost of owning an dog can potentially increase.
There is no National Health Service pets and if your dog is ill, detailed diagnostic tests, surgery, medication and care can mean an unexpected shock to your pocket. Studies have shown that on average, an insured pet owner makes a claim every three years.
But do take care. Pet insurance policies vary widely in terms of their cover, the excess you have to pay, the maximum costs that can be reclaimed each year and various exclusions.
So when you're on the net shopping for pet insurance, it's important to swot up on the small print. Don't automatically fall for the cheapest. Cheap premiums customarily reflect limited cover. For example, not all insurers will cover your pet for life. This means that if your dog's problem requires ongoing treatment, then cover ceases at the twelve-month stage.
Take Sheila Follows' spaniel, Bonny. Seven years ago Sheila wisely took out insurance cover for Bonny as soon as Bonny joined the family as a pup. All was well until the first spring. Then, Bonny developed a skin allergy and later that year a hip problem. Treatment has been ongoing ever since requiring regular visits to the local vet.
Sheila says," Bonny has to have a special diet and regular injections to control her allergies. The bill from my vet is usually between 375 and 450 per month so my decision seven years ago to take out insurance, proved to be one of my best investments. My insurance premium is just 15 per month and I'm not sure what we'd do if we weren't insured!"
Sheila's policy is a Budget policy issued by Pet Plan and covers lifetime conditions for up to 4,000 each year. Pet Plan also have two other pet schemes - their Standard Policy will pay out up to 6,000 per year and their Supreme Plan provides unlimited cover. So you can see that even within the same insurance provider, you can be faced with several policies to choose from.
So there's lots of choice. Some policies even provide protection for kennel fees, or boarding fees if you become ill or even pay your cancellation fee for your holiday if your pet becomes ill before you travel.
Our advice is to look at several pet insurance web sites. Better still, print off their schedule of benefits and terms and conditions. Then spend forty minutes comparing their premiums and look closely at what you'll get for your money. We know it'll be a bore but a little extra effort now will be rewarded with a great deal and your peace of mind.
And if your dog could talk, he'd say thanks too. But perhaps a big lick will do!
Postscript
If you receive either Council Tax benefit or Housing Benefit, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) will provide veterinary treatment free of charge.
At the moment there are some 5.8 million households that fulfil these eligibility conditions with just over 7 out of ten of homes served by either a PDSA PetAid practice or a PetAid Hospital.
There are 328 PetAid practices and 4 PetAid branches plus 43 PetAid Hospitals.
Learn about somekeyword and somekeyword at the somekeyword site.
How To Protect Yourself Against Rising Vet Fees
How To Protect Yourself Against Rising Vet Fees
What would you do if a loved pet became ill and the treatment were more than you could afford?
At least one national survey of pet owners asked that question, and the answers say a lot. Only 22% would have their pet put down if they could not afford treatment, the survey showed. The rest would be willing to risk their credit, borrow money and even forego planned holidays in order to ensure that their furry (or feathered) family member got the veterinary treatment needed.
The issue of veterinary costs has become a hot topic over the past couple of years as vet bills have increased substantially. Proper medical care for pets does not come cheaply. British dog owners alone spend over 800 million per year on care for their pets. The average cost of treatment is about 154, but vet fees can run far far higher than that. If your dog has a run-in with car and breaks a hip, for instance, the vet's fees can easily top 1,500. That's only part of the cost, though. Your expenses could be higher if your pet requires emergency treatment. In addition, while your employer might pay you for staying out with a sick family member, pet illnesses and accidents don't receive the same consideration. If you take the day off work to take your cat to the vet, you'll most likely lose a day's pay, and if you schedule an appointment on a weekend, you could pay as much as five times the standard vet's fees.
The answer to dealing with unexpected illness or accidents to your pets is the same as it is for any other family member. Good pet insurance can help ensure that you'll be able to afford the medical treatment your pet needs to get well and to stay well. Despite the rising vet bills, though, 85% of British pet owners do not carry insurance for their pets. If you're one of the 85%, take a look at the benefits you could have if you invest just a few pounds a month into insurance to cover your pet's health needs.
What Pet Insurance Covers
There's more to pet insurance than just cover for your vet's fees. Most pet insurance will also help out with other fees arising from your pet and his or her behavior. That might include repairs for damage caused by your dog or cat to others' property, legal and medical fees resulting from a dog bite and help with the expenses of searching for a lost pet. Some pet insurance cover may pay kennel fees if you are hospitalised overnight too, or reimburse you for a canceled holiday if you return home or stay home because of a pet's illness. It's important to read all the fine print in your insurance policy to know exactly what is covered by your pet insurance policy.
How Pet Insurance Works
In most cases, your pet insurance policy will pay for medical expenses on a "per incident" basis, after you meet a stated voluntary excess and up to a stated amount annually. If, for example, your pet requires treatment after swallowing a foreign object and your policy pays up to 4,000 per incident after a 50 voluntary excess, you'll only be required to pay out 50. Your insurance company will then pay the vet fees up to 4,000 for that incident. Later in the year, your pet slashes a paw pad open on a bit of broken glass, and the vet fees total 150. You'll pay out 50, and your pet insurance will pay out the remainder, even if it has already paid out the full 4,000 on the previous incident, because this is a new incident.
Do read the particulars of your pet insurance policy carefully for excluded conditions and illnesses. Because many breeds bear hereditary weaknesses, there may be exclusions for specific conditions to specific to your pet breed.
What would you do if a loved pet became ill and the treatment were more than you could afford?
At least one national survey of pet owners asked that question, and the answers say a lot. Only 22% would have their pet put down if they could not afford treatment, the survey showed. The rest would be willing to risk their credit, borrow money and even forego planned holidays in order to ensure that their furry (or feathered) family member got the veterinary treatment needed.
The issue of veterinary costs has become a hot topic over the past couple of years as vet bills have increased substantially. Proper medical care for pets does not come cheaply. British dog owners alone spend over 800 million per year on care for their pets. The average cost of treatment is about 154, but vet fees can run far far higher than that. If your dog has a run-in with car and breaks a hip, for instance, the vet's fees can easily top 1,500. That's only part of the cost, though. Your expenses could be higher if your pet requires emergency treatment. In addition, while your employer might pay you for staying out with a sick family member, pet illnesses and accidents don't receive the same consideration. If you take the day off work to take your cat to the vet, you'll most likely lose a day's pay, and if you schedule an appointment on a weekend, you could pay as much as five times the standard vet's fees.
The answer to dealing with unexpected illness or accidents to your pets is the same as it is for any other family member. Good pet insurance can help ensure that you'll be able to afford the medical treatment your pet needs to get well and to stay well. Despite the rising vet bills, though, 85% of British pet owners do not carry insurance for their pets. If you're one of the 85%, take a look at the benefits you could have if you invest just a few pounds a month into insurance to cover your pet's health needs.
What Pet Insurance Covers
There's more to pet insurance than just cover for your vet's fees. Most pet insurance will also help out with other fees arising from your pet and his or her behavior. That might include repairs for damage caused by your dog or cat to others' property, legal and medical fees resulting from a dog bite and help with the expenses of searching for a lost pet. Some pet insurance cover may pay kennel fees if you are hospitalised overnight too, or reimburse you for a canceled holiday if you return home or stay home because of a pet's illness. It's important to read all the fine print in your insurance policy to know exactly what is covered by your pet insurance policy.
How Pet Insurance Works
In most cases, your pet insurance policy will pay for medical expenses on a "per incident" basis, after you meet a stated voluntary excess and up to a stated amount annually. If, for example, your pet requires treatment after swallowing a foreign object and your policy pays up to 4,000 per incident after a 50 voluntary excess, you'll only be required to pay out 50. Your insurance company will then pay the vet fees up to 4,000 for that incident. Later in the year, your pet slashes a paw pad open on a bit of broken glass, and the vet fees total 150. You'll pay out 50, and your pet insurance will pay out the remainder, even if it has already paid out the full 4,000 on the previous incident, because this is a new incident.
Do read the particulars of your pet insurance policy carefully for excluded conditions and illnesses. Because many breeds bear hereditary weaknesses, there may be exclusions for specific conditions to specific to your pet breed.
Valuable Information on Pet Insurance - The Optimal Wellness Plan
Valuable Information on Pet Insurance - The Optimal Wellness Plan
The Optimum Wellness Plan is not pet insurance but is a system designed to augment pet insurance by giving you guidelines for keeping your pet healthy and happy. Your pets age faster than you and therefore need regular trips to the vet to ensure they stay healthy just as you require regular checkups. Giving your pet the same opportunity to receive regular checkups as it ages will help it live longer with more energy and fitness. This is the least that you can do for your best friend who wants to be by your side for many years to come. Take my word for it!
Founded in 1955, the Banfield pet hospitals are located in many cities across the country, primarily in the PetSmart stores. They have over 500 clinics and have enrolled over two million pets in the Optimum Wellness Plan and their goal is to provide the same quality of care as humans receive. Dr. Warren J. Wegart, DMV started the Banfield group in Portland, Oregon with the intention of preventing illness and disease in animals with his wellness plan. In 1994, Medical Management International (MMI) partnered with PetSmart to open clinics called VetSmart in their stores. The plan offers discounts on preventative care and routine health treatments such as annual shots, and a finance plan for more chronic care. Each PetSmart store has an average of four veterinarians on staff depending on the demand for services and number of pets enrolled in the plan at that location.
The Optimum Wellness Plan is not pet insurance but is a system designed to augment pet insurance by giving you guidelines for keeping your pet healthy and happy. Your pets age faster than you and therefore need regular trips to the vet to ensure they stay healthy just as you require regular checkups. Giving your pet the same opportunity to receive regular checkups as it ages will help it live longer with more energy and fitness. This is the least that you can do for your best friend who wants to be by your side for many years to come. Take my word for it!
Founded in 1955, the Banfield pet hospitals are located in many cities across the country, primarily in the PetSmart stores. They have over 500 clinics and have enrolled over two million pets in the Optimum Wellness Plan and their goal is to provide the same quality of care as humans receive. Dr. Warren J. Wegart, DMV started the Banfield group in Portland, Oregon with the intention of preventing illness and disease in animals with his wellness plan. In 1994, Medical Management International (MMI) partnered with PetSmart to open clinics called VetSmart in their stores. The plan offers discounts on preventative care and routine health treatments such as annual shots, and a finance plan for more chronic care. Each PetSmart store has an average of four veterinarians on staff depending on the demand for services and number of pets enrolled in the plan at that location.
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