Meta Description: Find out what pet insurance usually insures and what it does not. Familiarize yourself with policy terms, exclusions, and examples before the final purchase of your pet insurance.
Introduction
Pet insurance is gaining traction amongst families across the U.S, by providing financial security against sudden veterinary bills. However, it’s crucial to know the limits of what the insurance will do and not do before deciding to go for the policy.
In this guide, you can learn about the types of pet insurance coverage, common exclusions, and you can also leverage the protection that your lovely pet really needs.
✅ What Pet Insurance Typically Covers
Most pet insurance plans essentially insure for accidents and sickness, although some also provide wellness coverage for general check-ups. Here’s the usual content:
1. Accidents
Coverage usually consists of these:
- Fractures
- Cuts and scratches
- Swallowing objects or poisoning
- Car accidents
Case: Should your pet grab a sock and it is necessary to undergo emergency surgery, your insurance can possibly give 90% of the vet bill cost back
2. Diseases
The category refers to temporary and permanent diseases such as those in the following list:
- Ear infections
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Cancer treatment
- Diabetes
- Urinary tract infections
3. Chronic and Hereditary Conditions
A lot of insurance covers now include conditions such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Arthritis
Note: It is possible that the policies might be subject to waiting times or could demand early ages of the pets to enroll in case of hereditary-related issues.
4. Diagnostic Testing
The services where insurance might be applicable are represented by:
- X-rays
- MRIs
- Blood work
- Ultrasounds
5. Surgeries and Hospitalization
When your pet requires surgery, hospitalization, or anesthesia, the insurance takes on a significant part of the expenses.
6. Medications
Reimbursement is usually possible for medicines prescribed in cases that are covered by insurance.
7. Alternative Therapies (Optional in Some Plans)
Some providers might offer:
- Acupuncture.
- Chiropractic care.
- Hydrotherapy
What Is Generally Not Addressed by Pet Insurance?
There are many provisions of a coverage, yet exception of coverage is always obvious. These can differ between insurance companies, but very often are the following:
1. Pre-Existing Conditions
Any health issues that the insured pet already had at the time of executing the policy usually will not be covered by the insurance company.
For instance: In case your cat suffered from asthma prior to the policy, no drugs will be covered.
2. Routine & Preventive Care
Besides the wellness add-on, pet insurance will generally not cover the following list:
- Vaccinations
- Dental cleanings
- Flea/tick/heartworm prevention
- Spaying or neutering
- Nail trimming
3. Cosmetic or Elective Procedures
Surgery for cosmetic reasons is off the list. Examples of non-medical treatments include:
- Tail docking
- Ear cropping
- Declawing (unless medically necessary)
4. Breeding or Pregnancy
Routine policies are mostly not inclusive of the breeding process and even pregnancy, and any complications related to either.
5. Behavioral Training
Most pet insurance policies do not cover your dog’s training sessions or trials in any way whether or not they are prescribed at a veterinary clinic, although a minority of advanced plans may provide some of the expenses for behavioral issues
Optional Add-On: Wellness Plans
If you are covered for visits, vaccines, or teeth cleaning, you have an option to add a wellness plan with most insurers.
It is true that these plans allow you to finance your annual preventive-care expenses in a form of installments, however, they are not always the most economical solution as saving is not always the case.
📌 Tips Before You Buy Pet Insurance
- Read the fine print: Figure out waiting periods, limits, and exclusions.
- Compare providers: The extent of the coverage offered is not always the same.
- Recognize your pet’s health history: This will prevent denials of claims.
- Question for extra services: Preventive care and dental may require upgrades.