Our staff took a hard look at the pet insurance plans available for our companion animals and we narrowed the list to these five. These top five are the result of a lot of research and personal experience although it's important to get a claim from each of them when you start out since everyone's situation with their animals will differ pending age, breed and pre-existing conditions.
According to a press release from Embrace Pet Insurance, their top dog and cat claims in 2018 were intestinal issues for dogs and cats! Allergies were the runner up for dogs and Diabetes Mellitus for cats.
Embrace Pet Insurance explains that on average, cat claims were costlier than dog claims, and that might be surprising to some.
"Typically, it's more difficult to detect an illness or injury in cats because they're so good at hiding pain. It may take their owner days or weeks to notice when something is wrong which delays treatment and ultimately leads to a higher vet bill."
Most of the sites will allow you to download sample policies.
Why should you have pet insurance?
Pet health insurance plans cover the unexpected illnesses and injuries of your dog or cat. There are so many choices now for your furry four-legged family members so how do you choose?
The best plan really varies on your dog or cat. Your pet's age, breed, location (i.e., where you live), and health conditions will all play a role in the policy you're given from any of these five pet insurance providers.
The true reason is to have total peace of mind if your pet is ill and the vet visits are adding up well beyond what you could have ever imagined. Some cover wellness plans and others do not. Perhaps your dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, chronic conditions or needs emergency care - when it comes to whether or not to have insurance, it's worth it.
Veterinary care is expensive. When you research your plan and policy you should look for differences in coverage, reimbursement, class limits, benefits schedule, contract terms, and pre-existing conditions.
1. Figo Pet
So what's covered? (We'll tackle the top three major points for every brand). The veterinary exam fee (optional), emergency and hospitalization, surgery and hereditary and congenital conditions.
Figo Pet Insurance has a wonderful comparison chart you can use to compare the numerous companies and policies online.
2. Healthy Paws
For both dogs and cats, this company covers illnesses, accidents, hereditary conditions, and congenital conditions. They created the first pet insurance iPhone app for pet owners and did away with requiring a claim form. They had us at, "did away with claim forms". You can get an instant quote on their site.
3. Trupanion
Trupanion made our best pet insurance list for many reasons. Trupanion pet health insurance is the only company who can reimburse veterinarians directly with our unique software system. This is a fabulous reason to use Trupanion.
A Trupanion policy covers the medical expenses of all unexpected injuries and illnesses your pet may face, including hereditary conditions, unidentified issues (even if your pet doesn't have a diagnosis but is vomiting) and congenital conditions.
4. Nationwide
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One of the benefits of Nationwide pet insurance is that pet owners have the chance to personalize their coverage from the start by selecting a wellness plan, a major medical plan, or a whole pet plan which covers both.
According to LendEDU, a reviewer tells us,
"Under the wellness program, pets are covered up to policy limits for yearly essentials, including vaccinations and wellness exams, shots, flea treatment, and heartworm prevention. With a major medical plan through Nationwide pet insurance, pets are covered for common medical costs."
The pet portal provides information for pet parents.
5. Embrace
Coverage includes one simple, comprehensive coverage healthcare plan. Examples of what's covered ranges from breed-specific & genetic conditions, congenital conditions, cancer, exam fees, to ER and specialist fees.
CEO Ambrish Jaiswal of Embrace Pet Insurance tells us,
"It's interesting for us as a company to look back at what pets were claiming for most in the previous year, and hopefully it's eye-opening for pet parents who might be on the fence about pet insurance. Our coverage saves lives, budgets, and the bond between best friends, and we have an amazing group of people who keep that mission in their hearts."
Also, ask about an annual deductible, monthly premiums, and co-pay when talking to these providers about their coverage options.
There are costs and drawbacks to all of these plans of course but these offer the most comprehensive plans by far!
Do you currently have pet insurance for your dog or cat? Which company do you use? Please leave a comment below and let our readers know!
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