10 Questions to ask when choosing a pet health insurance carrier

My decision to insure my dog was based on the monthly premium, the coverage for unexpected expenses and the fact that dogs have health problems and accidents just like humans.  I pay $37.75 a month for Lola’s VPI health insurance.  Last year, Lola’s health insurance paid for itself as she had two mammary growths surgically removed and biopsied.

Shopping around is a must before making a final decision on pet health insurance.

Here are ten questions you should ask:

1. Are there any age restrictions?
   
2. Will the premium increase as the pet ages? Some pet health insurance companies include age related premium increases.
3. What are the coverage waiting periods (if any)? A waiting period is the time between the effective date and the date coverage begins.
4. What is the deductible and is it yearly or per incident? A deductible is the amount that must be paid out of your pocket prior to benefits being paid.
5. Can you use any veterinarian or are you limited to a network? Some pet insurance plans require that you visit their veterinarians only.
6. Are there any lifetime, yearly or incident maximums? These maximums would put a cap on benefits and are important to know.
7. What does the plan cover?
   
8. What policy exclusions are there? Most plans will exclude pre-existing conditions but there are also other exclusions to be aware of.
9. How are claims processed? Most pet health insurance plans require that you pay the veterinarians office up front and submit a claim for reimbursement of covered expenses.
10. How much does the plan cost?

You may have money saved up for a just in case canine situation or you may decide that health insurance is best for your pet.  Whatever decision you make, the most important thing is that you are prepared for the unexpected in a way that works best for you.  

Is your pet covered under health insurance, what carrier did you choose and why?

*Johanna*