Pet Insurance For Dogs And Cats
Trying to decide if you should invest in a pet insurance policy for your "friend"?
Here are some commonly asked questions and statistics, which will hopefully help you, make up your mind.
Why should I get Pet Insurance?
Vet fees are steadily increasing every year due to the increased cost of running a clinic. If your "friend" gets sick, vets can now offer treatments that were not even considered just a few years ago, such as radiation therapy to kidney transplants, etc., but at very high prices. Costs even for common illnesses can be quite steep. See approximate costs below:
Motor Vehicle Accident $4900
Ingestion of foreign body $4300
Cancer treatments $3600
Bladder infection
$2750Hip dysplasia
$2400Fractured leg
$2500Pneumonia
$1900Diabetes $1750
Pet insurance could help mitigate a lot of these fees, and it usually only costsabout $1 a day.
Why do I need Pet Insurance if I have an indoor pet?
Indoor pets don't always stay indoors, and when they do get outside, they are more at risk to get injured since they are not use to this environment. Indoor pets are also just as likely to ingest objects and get infections or cancer.
The decision to get Pet Insurance basically boils down to determining if you will have the money set aside to cure your pet, if your "friend" does get seriously hurt or ill. Everyone has great intentions to set $x away each month in case of an emergency, but if I had to guess, only about 5% actually succeed. It would be absolutely awful, to have to say goodbye to your "friend" just because you didn't have the money set aside to cover the vet fees.
Questions to ask, when researching a Pet Insurance program: If you decide Pet Insurance may be an option, consider these questions when researching your options:
Does your Vet have to be part of the network?
Are there deductibles?
Discounts available for multiple pets?
Are hereditary conditions covered?
What is Covered under the Policy (ie: Illnesses, Accidents, Routine Care, etc)?Are there lifetime limits?
How to submit a claim?
Research all of your options. Click around on various websites that offer Pet Insurance, and at a minimum ask the questions above. Unfortunately all of the plans are structured differently, and have different options available. Take your time to ensure you are getting the best plan for you and your "friend."
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Is There A Better Alternative To Pet Insurance
Is There A Better Alternative To Pet Insurance
If your home is like 72.9 million others in the U.S., it is home to at least one pet. According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 62 percent of households in the U.S. have at least one pet. It's not hard to imagine why. Pets, whether furred, hoofed or winged, bring so much to our lives. But, along with unconditional love and unquestioning devotion, they can also bring significant vet bills. In fact, the APPA (American Pet Products Association) estimates that U.S. pet owners will spend $14.1 billion on veterinary care in 2011.
Some pet owners opt for pet insurance as a method of reducing the costs of routine and emergency vet visits. However, Consumer Reports recently published a review of several pet insurance plans. The review was not favorable. Their basic conclusion: "Pet insurance is rarely worth the price... Only in uncommon cases, when a pet required very expensive care, would the coverage have more than paid for itself."
Here are a couple of reasons why a pet insurance plan may not be your best option to save on your pet's healthcare costs.
1. Lack of Coverage
Most pet insurance companies promise to cover 70 to 90 percent of your pet's veterinary costs. However, these companies have adopted much of the fine print that the large human health insurers use: cumbersome claims processing, deductibles, per-visit reimbursement limits and per-incident limits. They may also deny coverage for many common conditions, including those deemed "inherent to the breed" and "pre-existing" conditions. As a result, their insurance rarely covers more than 50 percent of a pet's annual medical costs. And since they charge $400-$1100 for a policy, the insurance typically costs the average pet owner far more than it saves.
2. Poor Return on Investment
In the aforementioned Consumer Reports review, they analyzed the lifetime vet bills of Roxy, a 10-year-old beagle in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Costs were totaled for nine different pet insurance policies, calculating how much would be paid out in reimbursements. Over Roxy's 10 years, none of the policies Consumer Reports evaluated would have paid out more than the cost of the plan. Even when treatments for several hypothetical serious ailments were added in, the average policy would only have saved Roxy's family $65 over her lifetime.
Consumer Reports concludes: "We believe most pet owners will be better off passing up pet insurance."
So what should pet owners do to help cover rising vet costs? Here are a few alternatives to help:
1. Financial Assistance
There are a number of financial assistance programs financed by grants and private donations. While each one has different guidelines and requirements, your local shelter is a good place to start. Many shelters have updated listings and information on financing opportunities.
2. Veterinary Discount Plans
Veterinary discount plans provide discounts on services at participating veterinarians, immediately reducing the amount you have to spend on routine and emergency care. In Consumer Reports hypothetical case of Roxy, the largest veterinary discount plan showed Roxy's family saving almost $2,500.
3. Start a Pet Savings Plan
Open a savings account with a high interest yield that you can use an emergency fund. If you put away just $25 a month for 4-5 years, the compounded sum will cover almost any procedure.
Be creative! Mix a Pet Savings Plan with a Veterinary Discount Plan and Financial Assistance plan. Now that's something to crow (meow, bark or chirp) about!
If your home is like 72.9 million others in the U.S., it is home to at least one pet. According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 62 percent of households in the U.S. have at least one pet. It's not hard to imagine why. Pets, whether furred, hoofed or winged, bring so much to our lives. But, along with unconditional love and unquestioning devotion, they can also bring significant vet bills. In fact, the APPA (American Pet Products Association) estimates that U.S. pet owners will spend $14.1 billion on veterinary care in 2011.
Some pet owners opt for pet insurance as a method of reducing the costs of routine and emergency vet visits. However, Consumer Reports recently published a review of several pet insurance plans. The review was not favorable. Their basic conclusion: "Pet insurance is rarely worth the price... Only in uncommon cases, when a pet required very expensive care, would the coverage have more than paid for itself."
Here are a couple of reasons why a pet insurance plan may not be your best option to save on your pet's healthcare costs.
1. Lack of Coverage
Most pet insurance companies promise to cover 70 to 90 percent of your pet's veterinary costs. However, these companies have adopted much of the fine print that the large human health insurers use: cumbersome claims processing, deductibles, per-visit reimbursement limits and per-incident limits. They may also deny coverage for many common conditions, including those deemed "inherent to the breed" and "pre-existing" conditions. As a result, their insurance rarely covers more than 50 percent of a pet's annual medical costs. And since they charge $400-$1100 for a policy, the insurance typically costs the average pet owner far more than it saves.
2. Poor Return on Investment
In the aforementioned Consumer Reports review, they analyzed the lifetime vet bills of Roxy, a 10-year-old beagle in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Costs were totaled for nine different pet insurance policies, calculating how much would be paid out in reimbursements. Over Roxy's 10 years, none of the policies Consumer Reports evaluated would have paid out more than the cost of the plan. Even when treatments for several hypothetical serious ailments were added in, the average policy would only have saved Roxy's family $65 over her lifetime.
Consumer Reports concludes: "We believe most pet owners will be better off passing up pet insurance."
So what should pet owners do to help cover rising vet costs? Here are a few alternatives to help:
1. Financial Assistance
There are a number of financial assistance programs financed by grants and private donations. While each one has different guidelines and requirements, your local shelter is a good place to start. Many shelters have updated listings and information on financing opportunities.
2. Veterinary Discount Plans
Veterinary discount plans provide discounts on services at participating veterinarians, immediately reducing the amount you have to spend on routine and emergency care. In Consumer Reports hypothetical case of Roxy, the largest veterinary discount plan showed Roxy's family saving almost $2,500.
3. Start a Pet Savings Plan
Open a savings account with a high interest yield that you can use an emergency fund. If you put away just $25 a month for 4-5 years, the compounded sum will cover almost any procedure.
Be creative! Mix a Pet Savings Plan with a Veterinary Discount Plan and Financial Assistance plan. Now that's something to crow (meow, bark or chirp) about!
How to Properly Manage Fly Control in Your Horses Stable
How to Properly Manage Fly Control in Your Horses Stable
Is there anything more annoying than dealing with an onslaught of pesky flies when working in your horses stable? If you cant stand, imagine how your horse feels. Also, not only are flies annoying but they also can be a danger to your horses overall health. When trying to control and deal with flies, you need to establish an organized plan to fight them.
The first step of any fly control plan is to try and eliminate the flies from hatching. In order to accomplish this, youll need to monitor the moisture levels in the stable and stay on top of cleaning the manure. Im talking about daily removal of manure along with any uneaten feed. Once the manure is out of the stable, spread it out very thinly so it will dry out quickly and destroy a prime fly larvae habitat. Since flies tend to lay their eggs in the manure and stool, you can purchase feed products which spoil this smelly breeding ground through sterilization. The products themselves are non-toxic and completely harmless to the horse.
The goal of your fly elimination management plan is to kill as many pesky flies as possible and also prevent them from coming back. You can use chemicals means and there are a wide variety of insecticides out there. You can use topical sprays, foggers, and also misters. Some insecticides are sold in strips laced with chemicals but be careful with these since many are not safe to use in enclosed areas such as a stable. Also be very cautious using chemical insecticides around your animals because they can also be harmful to them. Remember to always read the manufacturers label and follow the directions.
Fly bait is an excellent method for trapping insects that do not feed on blood. While they wont work on stable or horseflies, they are great for dealing with pesky house flies. Another overlooked method of fly management is weed and vegetation control. Again, make certain any weed killers you use are labeled safe for the use around horses.
A popular method of controlling flies is the implementation of repellants applied directly to the horse. Here we are talking about products like shampoos, lotions, and applications that apply fly repellant directly on the horse. Youll also find other types of non-chemical repellants. These include bridles, horse fly masks, and fly shakers with repellent strips attached to them.
Is there anything more annoying than dealing with an onslaught of pesky flies when working in your horses stable? If you cant stand, imagine how your horse feels. Also, not only are flies annoying but they also can be a danger to your horses overall health. When trying to control and deal with flies, you need to establish an organized plan to fight them.
The first step of any fly control plan is to try and eliminate the flies from hatching. In order to accomplish this, youll need to monitor the moisture levels in the stable and stay on top of cleaning the manure. Im talking about daily removal of manure along with any uneaten feed. Once the manure is out of the stable, spread it out very thinly so it will dry out quickly and destroy a prime fly larvae habitat. Since flies tend to lay their eggs in the manure and stool, you can purchase feed products which spoil this smelly breeding ground through sterilization. The products themselves are non-toxic and completely harmless to the horse.
The goal of your fly elimination management plan is to kill as many pesky flies as possible and also prevent them from coming back. You can use chemicals means and there are a wide variety of insecticides out there. You can use topical sprays, foggers, and also misters. Some insecticides are sold in strips laced with chemicals but be careful with these since many are not safe to use in enclosed areas such as a stable. Also be very cautious using chemical insecticides around your animals because they can also be harmful to them. Remember to always read the manufacturers label and follow the directions.
Fly bait is an excellent method for trapping insects that do not feed on blood. While they wont work on stable or horseflies, they are great for dealing with pesky house flies. Another overlooked method of fly management is weed and vegetation control. Again, make certain any weed killers you use are labeled safe for the use around horses.
A popular method of controlling flies is the implementation of repellants applied directly to the horse. Here we are talking about products like shampoos, lotions, and applications that apply fly repellant directly on the horse. Youll also find other types of non-chemical repellants. These include bridles, horse fly masks, and fly shakers with repellent strips attached to them.
Vpi Pet Insurance - Top Ten Things To Look For In A Pet Insurance Policy
Vpi Pet Insurance - Top Ten Things To Look For In A Pet Insurance Policy
Pet insurance has become an integral part of a pet lovers world. This is because pet insurance takes care of the medical and routine expenses like checkups and vaccinations depending on the policy you have selected. Though just a couple of decades old in the United States, pet insurance is fast gaining importance due to the high cost of living and the rising cost of medical bills.
There are plenty of pet insurance companies who offer coverage to your pets for various medical emergencies. As a pet owner it is important that you select the right insurance policy to make the most of it.
The top 10 things you should be looking at before buying pet insurance are:
1. Check for type of coverage you seek Some companies provide for accident plans, other for illness and high end coverage for surgeries. The premiums vary for all. So select one or a combination which covers the nature of your pet the closest.
2. Budget You should have a premium figure in mind which you can pay for the insurance policy. There are many plans in the market to suit all budget types. You will not only have to know the monthly amount you can put aside for your pet but also the long term consequences of such investments. Paying low premiums may at times leave you out of cover for a large amount of incidents and make your policy redundant.
3. Select from multiple options Carefully search the market for the best pet insurance deal for your pet. Look at all the policies that are on offer and select the one which is most suited for your pet. You know the peculiarities of your pet, so you should be the one to decide which insurer is best. Do not get carried away by sales talk.
4. Check for renewal terms Some pet insurance companies treat an illness in a year and then classify the same as pre existing when the policy comes up for renewal. This means that pre existing conditions will not be covered as part of claims and you will not be getting any insurance benefit on it the time your pet contacts that illness again. So beware.
5. Insurers track record Select an insurer with a proven track record of insuring pets. Check for any customer testimonials positive and negative to decide. Read up on the insurance providers certifications and credentials before you commit to any pet policy for your precious pet.
6. Scope of insurance coverage Some pet insurers want you to visit the vet who is in their network. This may not be feasible for you for various reasons. So check if your pet insurance plan is good enough to use at the vet you prefer to take your pet to.
7. The age at which you can insure your pet Some insurance companies charge very high premiums for older pets and also do not cover many of the illnesses that youre pet may have at that age. So it will be wise to check up on the pet insurance policy if you have an older pet.
Pet insurance has become an integral part of a pet lovers world. This is because pet insurance takes care of the medical and routine expenses like checkups and vaccinations depending on the policy you have selected. Though just a couple of decades old in the United States, pet insurance is fast gaining importance due to the high cost of living and the rising cost of medical bills.
There are plenty of pet insurance companies who offer coverage to your pets for various medical emergencies. As a pet owner it is important that you select the right insurance policy to make the most of it.
The top 10 things you should be looking at before buying pet insurance are:
1. Check for type of coverage you seek Some companies provide for accident plans, other for illness and high end coverage for surgeries. The premiums vary for all. So select one or a combination which covers the nature of your pet the closest.
2. Budget You should have a premium figure in mind which you can pay for the insurance policy. There are many plans in the market to suit all budget types. You will not only have to know the monthly amount you can put aside for your pet but also the long term consequences of such investments. Paying low premiums may at times leave you out of cover for a large amount of incidents and make your policy redundant.
3. Select from multiple options Carefully search the market for the best pet insurance deal for your pet. Look at all the policies that are on offer and select the one which is most suited for your pet. You know the peculiarities of your pet, so you should be the one to decide which insurer is best. Do not get carried away by sales talk.
4. Check for renewal terms Some pet insurance companies treat an illness in a year and then classify the same as pre existing when the policy comes up for renewal. This means that pre existing conditions will not be covered as part of claims and you will not be getting any insurance benefit on it the time your pet contacts that illness again. So beware.
5. Insurers track record Select an insurer with a proven track record of insuring pets. Check for any customer testimonials positive and negative to decide. Read up on the insurance providers certifications and credentials before you commit to any pet policy for your precious pet.
6. Scope of insurance coverage Some pet insurers want you to visit the vet who is in their network. This may not be feasible for you for various reasons. So check if your pet insurance plan is good enough to use at the vet you prefer to take your pet to.
7. The age at which you can insure your pet Some insurance companies charge very high premiums for older pets and also do not cover many of the illnesses that youre pet may have at that age. So it will be wise to check up on the pet insurance policy if you have an older pet.
Tricks To Find Cheap Insurance For Your Pet
Tricks To Find Cheap Insurance For Your Pet
If you are a pet lover and you also really don't want anything bad that occurs for a beloved pet, then the easiest way to be able to help them to is simply by getting pet insurance. Keeping them insured throughout their lives will help you feel relaxed, when you know your furry friend will get full coverage in the event that if anything transpires with them.
But with the existing problems facing the economy today, it's going to be a challenge finding a pet insurance policy as it ensures that you are going to pay for this type of endeavor. Because you really don't want to pay a whole lot of for pet insurance, your option would be to consider cheap insurance for your pet used instead of the expensive ones.
Look for for the insurance provider maintain pet insurance. Always be diligent on the insurance provider before walking in; I'm certain you'll have to keep going returning to your website and the entrance way of the owner of work. There are some suggestions with how to get cheap insurance for your pet:
1. You can try checking the net for affordable pet insurance in lieu of just go straight to a pet store or pet shop and ask about cheap insurance for your pet. The web probably has more details that you needed, therefore you can merely login to a computer and start researching there. While asking around is also a great choice, different people have different opinions so it is much better in the event you consult the world wide web and research more to do with these insurance companies in addition to their policies yourself.
2. Check the breed of your dog; be it the cat or possibly a dog, ensure that you understand the breed and you have got all the papers associated with your dog for straightforward documentation when you agree on setting up a insurance for your pet insurance policy for your pets.. Learning about the breed is very important because some insurance for your pet have different offers for a few breeds of pets.
3. Remember to learn and re-read your entire insurance policy. You'll never fail if you practice being cautious enough with deals similar to this. While there are other people which you can trust, there are still a lot of people who'd do anything whatsoever only to close true down. Don't allow salesperson do the talking for you; you ought to be normally the one to make the decision whether you desire to opt for it or otherwise.
If you are a pet lover and you also really don't want anything bad that occurs for a beloved pet, then the easiest way to be able to help them to is simply by getting pet insurance. Keeping them insured throughout their lives will help you feel relaxed, when you know your furry friend will get full coverage in the event that if anything transpires with them.
But with the existing problems facing the economy today, it's going to be a challenge finding a pet insurance policy as it ensures that you are going to pay for this type of endeavor. Because you really don't want to pay a whole lot of for pet insurance, your option would be to consider cheap insurance for your pet used instead of the expensive ones.
Look for for the insurance provider maintain pet insurance. Always be diligent on the insurance provider before walking in; I'm certain you'll have to keep going returning to your website and the entrance way of the owner of work. There are some suggestions with how to get cheap insurance for your pet:
1. You can try checking the net for affordable pet insurance in lieu of just go straight to a pet store or pet shop and ask about cheap insurance for your pet. The web probably has more details that you needed, therefore you can merely login to a computer and start researching there. While asking around is also a great choice, different people have different opinions so it is much better in the event you consult the world wide web and research more to do with these insurance companies in addition to their policies yourself.
2. Check the breed of your dog; be it the cat or possibly a dog, ensure that you understand the breed and you have got all the papers associated with your dog for straightforward documentation when you agree on setting up a insurance for your pet insurance policy for your pets.. Learning about the breed is very important because some insurance for your pet have different offers for a few breeds of pets.
3. Remember to learn and re-read your entire insurance policy. You'll never fail if you practice being cautious enough with deals similar to this. While there are other people which you can trust, there are still a lot of people who'd do anything whatsoever only to close true down. Don't allow salesperson do the talking for you; you ought to be normally the one to make the decision whether you desire to opt for it or otherwise.
Unexpected Dangers Your Pet May Face In Your Home
Unexpected Dangers Your Pet May Face In Your Home
Part 1
Poisonous plants
Having a pet especially puppies and kittens can be almost as much hard work as having children. Thankfully they reach adult hood a lot quicker, but even then it can greatly depend on their breed, personality and temperament as to whether they calm down and are less curious and destructive, some pets can still keep you very busy well in to their senior years.
It is well known that you should feed your pet a healthy diet, give them plenty of exercise, and provide them with a safe and secure place to live. But how safe are our homes for our loved ones? Many plants for example can be deadly to pets. It is important to find out which ones and either give the plants away or place any dangerous plants in an area of the garden/house not accessible to your pets.
One plant that has had a lot of press recently in Britain is the lily. The R.S.P.C.A. states that "as little as one leaf can kill a cat if ingested", although the pollen and flowers are also toxic. If it has not been noticed that part of a lily plant has been eaten by a cat or veterinary help is not sort in time, the health of the cat will deteriorate within a matter of hours to the point of kidney failure followed by death.
The death of any loved one is a terrible loss, but even more so when with a bit of research it could have been avoided. Hopefully the plants I have detailed below as poisonous to animals will be of great help, please remember though that there may be many more, so it is best that each plant you have and introduce in to your home and garden be researched thoroughly.
Even the most caring, cautious, and well prepared owner can miss a potential hazard to their beloved pet. As with children I would advice pet owners to always be pre paired for any event that may occur. It can be very stressful when a loved one is taken ill. To then have practical and financial worries restricting what you are able to do for them is a nightmare. The number one advice I would give any pet owner is to purchase pet insurance, as most pet owners are unaware of the costs occurred when kitty eats their prize plant and ends up needing life saving treatment. We are not all lucky enough to have savings to dip into when emergencies like this happen, this is where pet insurance helps. Depending on whom you decided to purchase pet insurance from and which policy you decide is best for your pet's needs, pet insurance is there to cover long term illnesses and emergencies that may occur throughout your pet's life. Do research your pet insurance company thoroughly as you want to make sure you're happy and satisfied with your pets cover. You will find pet insurance companies can vary greatly regarding what they do and do not cover, always read the clauses/small print.
If you don't own a car or your partner/friend is using it a great deal of the time I would also advise having a list of friends who own cars that you can call on any time night or day in cases of emergencies. If this isn't possible a list of taxi company's who are happy to transport pets would be advisable as some may refuse to. All vets in the UK have to provide an emergency out of hour's service. But not all provide the cover at the practice your pet is registered at. It would then save valuable time if pet owners were to ask who their vets contracted their out of hours emergency cover to. I have known some vets to divert pet owners to emergency services 45 minutes away from their veterinary practice. This added problem you will need to be pre pared for, although a better option if possible would be to re-register with a vets who's out of hours emergency cover is local.
Poisonous Plants
Aloe Vera, Amaryllis, Anemones, Berries (some) Bulbiferous plants (bluebells, Crocus etc), Bindweed-Convolvulus, Boston ivy, Bracken, Bryony, Buttercups, Caladium, Celandine, Charlock, Cyclamen, Deadly Nightshade-Belladonna, Dieffenbachia (dumb cane or leopard lily) Dock leaves, Dumbcane, English Ivy, Figwort, Fool's Parsley, Foxglove, German Ivy, Ground Elder, Hellebore, Hemerocallis (daylily), Hemlock, Henbane, Horsetails, Indian Rubber plant, Iris, Laburnum, Lily of the Valley, Lord & Ladies - Arum, Lupin, Mistletoe, Monkshood, Mouldy hay/straw, Old Man's Beard (Toadflax), Oak leaves, Philodendron, Poinsettia, Poppies, Potato stalks, Potted Chrysanthemum, Privet, Ragwort, Scarlet Pimpernel, Toadstools, Travellers Joy, Weeping Fig, Wild celery, Yew.
It is very stressful dealing with the shock and upset of an ill pet, but having to find the funds for a potentially large vet bill can add even more stress to the situation, especially when finances are already tight. That is why many pet owners are purchasing pet insurance, as it is a well needed safety net. Though pet insurance companies vary greatly, so it is very important you choose the right pet insurance company that covers your requirements. Pet insurance review sites for example are a great place to start as they are not just informing you of one pet insurance company, they contain and compare many, you also benefit from the experiences of others as many people would have written about their experiences with Pet insurance companies.
Part 1
Poisonous plants
Having a pet especially puppies and kittens can be almost as much hard work as having children. Thankfully they reach adult hood a lot quicker, but even then it can greatly depend on their breed, personality and temperament as to whether they calm down and are less curious and destructive, some pets can still keep you very busy well in to their senior years.
It is well known that you should feed your pet a healthy diet, give them plenty of exercise, and provide them with a safe and secure place to live. But how safe are our homes for our loved ones? Many plants for example can be deadly to pets. It is important to find out which ones and either give the plants away or place any dangerous plants in an area of the garden/house not accessible to your pets.
One plant that has had a lot of press recently in Britain is the lily. The R.S.P.C.A. states that "as little as one leaf can kill a cat if ingested", although the pollen and flowers are also toxic. If it has not been noticed that part of a lily plant has been eaten by a cat or veterinary help is not sort in time, the health of the cat will deteriorate within a matter of hours to the point of kidney failure followed by death.
The death of any loved one is a terrible loss, but even more so when with a bit of research it could have been avoided. Hopefully the plants I have detailed below as poisonous to animals will be of great help, please remember though that there may be many more, so it is best that each plant you have and introduce in to your home and garden be researched thoroughly.
Even the most caring, cautious, and well prepared owner can miss a potential hazard to their beloved pet. As with children I would advice pet owners to always be pre paired for any event that may occur. It can be very stressful when a loved one is taken ill. To then have practical and financial worries restricting what you are able to do for them is a nightmare. The number one advice I would give any pet owner is to purchase pet insurance, as most pet owners are unaware of the costs occurred when kitty eats their prize plant and ends up needing life saving treatment. We are not all lucky enough to have savings to dip into when emergencies like this happen, this is where pet insurance helps. Depending on whom you decided to purchase pet insurance from and which policy you decide is best for your pet's needs, pet insurance is there to cover long term illnesses and emergencies that may occur throughout your pet's life. Do research your pet insurance company thoroughly as you want to make sure you're happy and satisfied with your pets cover. You will find pet insurance companies can vary greatly regarding what they do and do not cover, always read the clauses/small print.
If you don't own a car or your partner/friend is using it a great deal of the time I would also advise having a list of friends who own cars that you can call on any time night or day in cases of emergencies. If this isn't possible a list of taxi company's who are happy to transport pets would be advisable as some may refuse to. All vets in the UK have to provide an emergency out of hour's service. But not all provide the cover at the practice your pet is registered at. It would then save valuable time if pet owners were to ask who their vets contracted their out of hours emergency cover to. I have known some vets to divert pet owners to emergency services 45 minutes away from their veterinary practice. This added problem you will need to be pre pared for, although a better option if possible would be to re-register with a vets who's out of hours emergency cover is local.
Poisonous Plants
Aloe Vera, Amaryllis, Anemones, Berries (some) Bulbiferous plants (bluebells, Crocus etc), Bindweed-Convolvulus, Boston ivy, Bracken, Bryony, Buttercups, Caladium, Celandine, Charlock, Cyclamen, Deadly Nightshade-Belladonna, Dieffenbachia (dumb cane or leopard lily) Dock leaves, Dumbcane, English Ivy, Figwort, Fool's Parsley, Foxglove, German Ivy, Ground Elder, Hellebore, Hemerocallis (daylily), Hemlock, Henbane, Horsetails, Indian Rubber plant, Iris, Laburnum, Lily of the Valley, Lord & Ladies - Arum, Lupin, Mistletoe, Monkshood, Mouldy hay/straw, Old Man's Beard (Toadflax), Oak leaves, Philodendron, Poinsettia, Poppies, Potato stalks, Potted Chrysanthemum, Privet, Ragwort, Scarlet Pimpernel, Toadstools, Travellers Joy, Weeping Fig, Wild celery, Yew.
It is very stressful dealing with the shock and upset of an ill pet, but having to find the funds for a potentially large vet bill can add even more stress to the situation, especially when finances are already tight. That is why many pet owners are purchasing pet insurance, as it is a well needed safety net. Though pet insurance companies vary greatly, so it is very important you choose the right pet insurance company that covers your requirements. Pet insurance review sites for example are a great place to start as they are not just informing you of one pet insurance company, they contain and compare many, you also benefit from the experiences of others as many people would have written about their experiences with Pet insurance companies.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Is Pet Insurance A Waste Of Money Or A Good Idea
Is Pet Insurance A Waste Of Money Or A Good Idea
You'll find veterinarians, pet owners, and financial experts on both sides of this question. I believe that the most helpful answer isn't "yes" or "no," but "it depends." It depends on your expectations and reasons for purchasing insurance for your pet. I'll explain what I mean:
Since the contract is between the pet owner and the insurance company, the pet owner must pay their veterinarian first and then get reimbursed by the insurance company after filing a claim. This usually isn't a problem until you're facing a large bill and you don't have enough money in the bank or available credit to pay your veterinarian.
So, unless you can afford to pay your veterinarian in full with either money in your checking or savings account and/or a credit card and then seek reimbursement from the insurance company, then pet insurance is a waste of money for you.
The only exception to this is if you purchase a policy from a company that will reimburse your veterinarian directly (instead of you) and your veterinarian consents to allow this to happen. Most veterinarians are reluctant to do this.
You purchase a policy that doesn't cover what you thought it did. Before purchasing a pet insurance policy, you must know what it covers and what it doesn't cover.
For example, if you have a female dog that you purchase a policy on when she's a puppy and you breed her, but she has complications when whelping and has to have a C- section, it's very likely it won't be covered. Why? Because pregnancy related expenses is a common exclusion in most pet insurance policies. I've actually had a client tell me, "I can't believe this isn't covered. That's why I bought the insurance!"
Suppose you buy a policy for your Labrador Retriever puppy and when she's 2 years old, she's diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Unless you bought a policy that covers hereditary conditions, you will pay out-of-pocket for that problem the rest of the dog's life.
You should always read a sample policy if one is available.
You purchase a policy with limits that are too low so that you end up paying a substantial amount of your veterinary bills out of pocket - especially the large bills. Isn't this the reason you bought insurance - so you won't have to end up doing that? Many pet owners purchase a policy with the lowest premium and hence also with the lowest limits. The best policy is always the one that gives you the lowest out-of-pocket expense including the premium should you have to file a large claim.
You purchase a policy with the expectation that you'll get more money back in benefits (reimbursements) than you pay in premiums. You may or you may not. Pet insurance isn't an investment or a forced savings plan, but a risk-sharing vehicle.
The bottom line is that unless you know how pet insurance works and how to choose a company and policy wisely, pet insurance could indeed turn out to be a waste of money for you.
You'll find veterinarians, pet owners, and financial experts on both sides of this question. I believe that the most helpful answer isn't "yes" or "no," but "it depends." It depends on your expectations and reasons for purchasing insurance for your pet. I'll explain what I mean:
Since the contract is between the pet owner and the insurance company, the pet owner must pay their veterinarian first and then get reimbursed by the insurance company after filing a claim. This usually isn't a problem until you're facing a large bill and you don't have enough money in the bank or available credit to pay your veterinarian.
So, unless you can afford to pay your veterinarian in full with either money in your checking or savings account and/or a credit card and then seek reimbursement from the insurance company, then pet insurance is a waste of money for you.
The only exception to this is if you purchase a policy from a company that will reimburse your veterinarian directly (instead of you) and your veterinarian consents to allow this to happen. Most veterinarians are reluctant to do this.
You purchase a policy that doesn't cover what you thought it did. Before purchasing a pet insurance policy, you must know what it covers and what it doesn't cover.
For example, if you have a female dog that you purchase a policy on when she's a puppy and you breed her, but she has complications when whelping and has to have a C- section, it's very likely it won't be covered. Why? Because pregnancy related expenses is a common exclusion in most pet insurance policies. I've actually had a client tell me, "I can't believe this isn't covered. That's why I bought the insurance!"
Suppose you buy a policy for your Labrador Retriever puppy and when she's 2 years old, she's diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Unless you bought a policy that covers hereditary conditions, you will pay out-of-pocket for that problem the rest of the dog's life.
You should always read a sample policy if one is available.
You purchase a policy with limits that are too low so that you end up paying a substantial amount of your veterinary bills out of pocket - especially the large bills. Isn't this the reason you bought insurance - so you won't have to end up doing that? Many pet owners purchase a policy with the lowest premium and hence also with the lowest limits. The best policy is always the one that gives you the lowest out-of-pocket expense including the premium should you have to file a large claim.
You purchase a policy with the expectation that you'll get more money back in benefits (reimbursements) than you pay in premiums. You may or you may not. Pet insurance isn't an investment or a forced savings plan, but a risk-sharing vehicle.
The bottom line is that unless you know how pet insurance works and how to choose a company and policy wisely, pet insurance could indeed turn out to be a waste of money for you.
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