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Pet Health Insurance
Working Towards a Better Future For Our Pets Recent discoveries in scientific research have provided pet owners with the means to now save their beloved family pets from injuries and diseases that would have caused the pet to be euthanized in the not so distant past. The sad news is that when the unthinkable happens, and a pet's life hangs in the balance, most pet owners find they are unable to afford the often staggering price of the treatments, which can range from $3,000-$10,000, and in some cases even more, and are forced to euthanize their pets anyway. It is in these instances that pet owners often wish they had purchased a pet health insurance policy. Pet owners who purchase insurance plans from pet health insurance companies do so for a variety of reasons. They might be intrigued by the idea that they will be able to save on their pet's annual trip to the vet, or they might just be worried that if a serious health crisis develops they won't be able to afford the treatment. Pet owners can pick from a variety of plans, such as pet fatality/mortality insurance, major medical, and basic medical insurance (policy names may vary from company to company). Many pet health care insurance companies offer a variety of additional riders to complement a pet health care plan. Mortality/fatality pet insurance is similar to human life insurance. The owner pays a premium every month the pet is alive, and in the event of its death the owner is reimbursed a predetermined amount of money. While the mortality/fatality insurance does not take the sting out of losing a beloved family pet, it may help with any additional medical bills that accumulated at the end of the pet's life. Many owners use the payment to assist with purchasing a new family pet. One thing owners should be aware of when they possess mortality/fatality pet insurance is that most companies require the owner to contact them before the pet is euthanized. They will often ask to speak to the veterinarian in charge of your pet's case. Basic medical health insurance typically covers veterinarian expenses such as accidents, non-elective surgeries, hospitalization, and illnesses. One popular insurance company offers a plan that pays for simple problems to more complicated issues, such as cancer, up to $1,000. Most pet owners use this plan for emergencies only. Pet owners are advised to purchase a pet health care insurance plan as early in their pet’s life as possible. Many insurance companies and veterinarians point out that most freak accidents happen in the early years of a pet’s life. Owners should be aware that most pet health insurance plans do not cover genetic disorders that develop in certain breeds and some of the more expensive surgeries. Most insurance plans also will not consider pre-existing conditions Copyright © 2011 - Dr. RJ Peters |