April 11 is Pet Day, and shopping for your pet’s health insurance can be just as overwhelming as shopping for your own insurance policy. If you decide insurance is beneficial for your pet, BBB says it’s important to keep your nose to the ground to sniff out the good apples from the bad.
BBB tips for buying pet insurance:
Shop around. Ask friends, family members, and other fellow pet owners to suggest a pet insurance provider. Ask if your veterinarian recommends a certain pet insurance agency. Check out businesses at bbb.org to read reviews or complaints. Make sure you are able to visit a licensed vet that is convenient for you. Insurance policies should not restrict where you are able to bring your pet for treatment.
Know what is included. Make sure to discuss with the business exactly what is and isn’t covered by the insurance plan. If your animal’s breed is prone to genetic conditions, be sure to choose a plan that provides proper coverage for your pet. Policies should include wellness care such as check-up exams, vaccinations, flea control, teeth cleaning, and heartworm protection. Ask if the policy covers prescription medicine, illnesses, surgery, exam fees and chronic conditions such as diabetes or cancer.
Ask about pre-existing condition coverage. Usually pet insurance policies are not responsible for covering pre-existing conditions. Ask if the plan excludes all pre-existing conditions or only “incurable” conditions. You may be able to receive partial coverage for a “curable” condition. To be on the safe side, veterinarians recommend getting pet insurance while your pet is still young because there will be less pre-existing conditions to handle.
Compare costs. Compare coverage, deductibles and caps between different insurance policies. Find out how much the policy will cost each month. Ask the insurance provider if they offer a deal for covering more than one pet. Ask if the cost increases each time a claim is filed or when your pet turns another year older.
For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org.
