Most people don’t even know how intricate pet insurance can be before they unknowingly enlist their pets. We all get that it’s a major preventative measure for animal parents to use pet insurance as fast as possible – sometimes, even life-saving!
Still, there are a bunch of assets to be wary about prior to engaging in pet insurance.
As a main key point, remember, pet insurance is not even remotely the same as human insurance, and other steps may need to be taken to complete the process.
That’s why we’ve taken this golden opportunity to keep you on track and, at the same time, teach you how to use pet insurance like a boss!
How to Use Pet Insurance Like a Pro Tips:
Enroll your pet early: The younger your pet is when you enroll them in pet insurance, the lower your premiums will be. This is because younger pets are less likely to have developed pre-existing conditions, which are not typically covered by pet insurance.
Compare plans and providers: There are many different pet insurance plans available, so it’s important to compare them carefully to find one that meets your needs and budget. Consider factors such as coverage, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
Understand your policy: Once you’ve chosen a plan, take the time to read and understand your policy carefully. This will help you avoid any surprises down the road.
Pay upfront for treatment: Pet insurance works on a reimbursement basis, so you’ll need to pay for your pet’s treatment upfront and then submit a claim to your insurer for reimbursement.
Submit claims promptly: The sooner you submit your claims, the sooner you’ll be reimbursed. Most insurers require claims to be submitted within 30 days of treatment.
Keep records of your pet’s medical history: Keep copies of all your pet’s medical records, including invoices, receipts, and prescription slips. This documentation will be helpful when you submit claims.
Use a credit card for treatment: If you can, use a credit card to pay for your pet’s treatment. This will help you earn rewards and protect yourself from fraud.
Review your policy annually: Your pet’s needs may change over time, so it’s important to review your policy annually to make sure it still meets your needs.
Pet Insurance Overview:
Let’s break pet insurance down from here on out, and examine its structure:
- When you enroll your pets for suitable insurance, know that there’s a waiting time frame so you can set the policy in motion
- After that, you can visit the veterinarian for a check-up
- You will have to pay for your treatment beforehand
- Next, get the vet bill and make a claim to the pet insurance company used
- Now, depending on the reimbursement method and percentage you choose, you’ll get reimbursed by your insurance company correspondingly.
Next up for debate – the little intricacies that only a pro pet insurance applicant should know.
You should take note that pet insurance works through the process of deductibles.
Long story short, a deductible is a price you have to pay to the veterinarian prior to getting reimbursed by your pet insurance company. Deductibles can be set annually or per a single incident.
On the other hand, reimbursement means exactly what you think! The amount of money you receive from the pet insurance provider, after a vet appointment, calculated by a percentage cost. The reimbursement percentage usually ranges from 60%, up to a very rare 100%.
And, newbies – that’s not all!
There are 2 other things to mention – ordinary and annual limits. Ordinary limits are the maximum amount of money the pet insurance provider reimburses you for a single incident. On the other hand, annual limitations are the capped reimbursement price you’ll get for incidents in the span of a single year.
Be cautious of these limits since different pet insurance companies have different ordinary and annual limits.
When is the Best Time to Buy Pet Insurance?
Yes, you have it all wrong. The question is not – what pet insurance to get, but when to get it.
The answer – as soon as possible!
I mean, what were you waiting for? Oh, that’s right, this article I suppose. Jokes aside, stop with the questions such as “when should I get pet insurance”, because the moment your pet enters your humble abode makes the best time to get pet insurance.
However, keep in mind that different breeds, ages, sizes, and even locations have a major impact on pet insurance costs.
I’m going to let you in on a little secret – dogs get sick far more often than cats, they visit the vet more regularly, therefore, pet insurance for dogs is a bit more costly. Furthermore, I’ve heard lots of people ask this question, and I quote: “should I get pet insurance before going to the vet”
Many individuals don’t know that if their pet has a pre-existing condition before they enroll in pet insurance, and even during the waiting period, their pets won’t get covered – at all!
After that’s done, tell your vet the exact pet insurance policy, package, and/or wellness add-on that you have. Don’t fret, they won’t charge you more – you’ll only be giving valuable information for the well-being of your pet.
At What Age of Your Pet Should You Get Pet Insurance?
The best option would be to enroll your pet in a pet insurance provider when they’re young.
It’s simple – the younger your pet, the less risk of it having a pre-existing condition. However, don’t enroll your pet while he’s really young, meaning not younger than 3 months.
Finally, a little farewell tip. Pay your veterinary bill through a credit card, since you don’t need to reach out for your bank account, and there’s a chance that you’ll pay less if there’s any cashback % at hand.