With dogs and cats becoming beloved members of more and more families, more pet owners are starting to see the value in having pet insurance. It acts as a safety net in cases of accidents, injuries, and illnesses involving your pet. Depending on the type of policy you get, it can cover services like surgery and hospitalization, which could easily cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket. More comprehensive plans also offer wellness benefits related to grooming, hygiene, and routine health care.
Needless to say, pet insurance poses a slew of benefits for both pets and their owners. However, not many are aware of special features related to their insurance plan. In this article, we share with you three things you probably didn’t know about pet insurance.
- You Can Spend as Low as $10 for Pet Insurance
The pet insurance industry has been growing fast in the past few years. According to research, an estimated 3.1 million pets are insured as of 2020. That is more than a 20% increase from the previous year. This demand comes with more flexible plans to cater to pet owners with financial limitations.
A simple search on the net will lead you to different affordable pet insurance options. A basic plan can cost as low as $10 in monthly premiums. This covers expenses solely related to injuries from accidents. If you are working within a budget, the best practice would be to gather options from several pet insurance providers and find the best deal among them. Although they will likely shoulder fewer services than if you spent more, it still saves you from unforeseen expenses in the future.
- Older Pets Can Qualify for Pet Insurance
People with older pets tend to stay away from pet insurance, thinking that they are no longer eligible. However, that is not always the case. Companies that offer policies for senior pets typically have an age cap between 10 to 14 years old. However, some providers don’t impose age limitations at all.
While you may have to pay a higher premium, it is still worth investing in your pet’s lifetime health. Keep in mind, though, that coverage may vary depending on the pet insurance provider. Other factors are considered, such as pre-existing conditions, size, breed, and gender. Given that these are more complex plans, it is best to discuss the details with your provider.
- Claiming Pet Insurance Is Not Limited to Specific Veterinary Clinics
Unlike health insurance, pet insurance does not limit people to seeking services from only a network of clinics. Because it follows a reimbursement model, you are free to get treatment from your nearest hospital. That said, pet insurance requires you to pay for the services initially. Once settled, you can request reimbursement directly from the provider. In that regard, it helps to choose a provider with timely payouts.
These are just some things not commonly known among pet owners. We recommend reading the fine print of your contract to see how else you can make the most out of your policy.