If you are currently surfing the web in search of affordable, comprehensive pet insurance, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top tips on how to choose pet insurance before you sign on the dotted line.
It turns out that finding cost-effective pet insurance that ticks all of the boxes is more than possible – if you know what you’re doing. Thankfully you don’t need to spend hours scouring the internet in confusion. Instead, all you need to do is save this blog for future reference and you’ll be good to go!
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10 Tips ohow to n How to Choose Pet Insurance
Tip #1: Know what kind of coverage you want
Before you can even take a deep dive into all of the various offerings, you need to establish what it is that you want. Pet insurance comes with a number of several policy types, so understanding your exact needs policy types, so understanding what your exact needs are will definitely help. The most common pet policy types are:
- Accident only
- Illness and accident
- Comprehensive (maximum benefit)
- Lifetime
Tip #2: Understand your budget
Okay, so you know that you need to find a policy that matches your exact needs, but it’s also important that you find a policy that matches your budget.
There really is no point in having a policy if you cannot afford to keep up with the premiums. Dedicate time to sitting down, reviewing your finances, and seeing what is financially plausible!
Tip #3: Watch out for age restrictions
It is also important to note that insurance companies already know that older pets generally have a higher number of health issues. This means that you will have to pay a higher premium for your older pet.
That being said, some insurers do not cover senior pets, so make sure to review their existing age restrictions to ensure that your pet is still eligible for coverage.
Tip #4: What is the waiting period like?
Before you can begin cashing in on all of those awesome policy benefits, keep in mind that you will encounter a waiting period. A waiting period is a specified amount of time that HAS to pass before you can claim from your insurer. Simply put – you cannot claim during this period of time.
A waiting period will start as soon as you take out your policy and will only apply to certain conditions and claims.
Read this: Will Pet Insurance Cover Flea and Tick Treatment?
Tip #5: Double-check on policy excesses
Before you sign on that dotted line, make sure that you are looking at the excess percentages associated with the policy you want to take out.
Excess amounts are essentially the agreed-upon amount that you will pay upfront before your insurer chips in. So, make sure that whatever that excess amount is, you are able to afford it!
Tip #6: Check out their discount offerings
Yay! Here is an opportunity for you to save some money as many pet insurers offer various discounts. One of the most common ones is a multi-pet discount, which is another great reason to add another fur baby to your family. Other discount offerings include referral discounts and loyalty discounts.
Tip #7: Is claiming easy?
One of the number one complaints from unhappy pet policy owners is that climbing back their money is an uphill battle. We cannot stress enough how important it is that the pet insurer that you choose has an easy claims process.
(One of the reasons we like to recommend Oneplan Pet Insurance is because of their Oneplan Claim Card that lets you load funds BEFORE you see the vet!)
Tip #8: Read those Ts & Cs
Yes, no one likes to do this, but we really have to. Push through the jargon and make sure that you fully understand what exactly your policy entails. This will save you a possible headache and money in the future.
Tip #9: Speak the truth
Remember that when you are chatting to a potential pet insurer, make sure to disclose all information regarding your pet. You don’t want to over or under insure your pet. There are many things that can influence your policy, so just be open and honest about everything.
Tip #10: Make sure that you can choose your own vet
One of the greatest pet insurance perks is definitely being able to choose your own veterinarian. There are a number of insurers that do offer this benefit and others that stick to a list of network veterinarians for you to choose from.
When you have the power to choose your own vet you are able to find someone you trust – and that’s how it should be!
Read next: How to Find a Missing Dog or Cat: 6 Simple Steps
