Exploring Pet Insurance Options for Your Furry Friends

We all have insurance. We have different types of insurance for different needs. From your health insurance to car insurance, homeowners and renters insurance, and even our “toys” like boats, campers, and ATVs, we all have unique policies to fit our needs.

But, what about your four-legged friends? Our fur babies are important members of our family, but we don’t always think to be sure they’re insured just like our other relatives. (That is, until that massive vet bill comes, of course…)  

Let’s explore your options when it comes to pet insurance to help you prepare for life’s unexpected ups and downs.

Finding the right policy for your pet involves knowing the right features to ask. Generally, this boils down to considering your precise needs. There are a few questions to keep in mind when reviewing your options.

First, does your pet have a pre-existing condition? Often, plans will have to be tailored to your pup’s (or kitty’s) overall health. If your pet already has some health issues, you may find it harder to obtain a quality policy.

Different plans offer different features. Typically, pet insurance works a lot like human health insurance does. You will likely pay a monthly premium and then encounter co-pays depending on the procedure.

Each policy varies from organization to organization, so it is important to understand what it will cover (and more importantly perhaps, what it won’t). For example, many pet moms and dads want to know that annual or semi-annual check-ups are covered. Many policies only cover emergency care, extended illness, or accidents. If you want annual needs, such as vaccines, flea and tick medications, and preventative care to be covered be sure to ask if your potential policy will do so.

Each pet insurance policy may also include the phrase “curable” versus “incurable” diseases. Be sure you are clear on what these terms mean, and what precise definition your policy deems common illnesses. Limits, co-pays, and even premiums each month will vary depending on these terms, so it is smart to have a clear list.

As it is with most insurance policies, you need to consider your insurance needs AHEAD of actually needing to use them. Insurance choices can be tough, since in the end, you are really being asked to “guess” what your need will be.

Waiting for a pet to need ongoing medical care may be too late to find an insurance policy to cover him or her. Instead, search for a policy when you obtain your furry friend. By covering the pet from the get-go, you are more likely to find a company that will cover them for the long haul. 

Check out this list from Forbes to help you explore reputable companies that offer pet insurance. 

I will be honest with you – pet insurance is not always worthwhile. It’s good to look into your options, but unlike many other insurance policies that are absolutely necessary, pet insurance is optional. We don’t offer these policies at Rehm Insurance but feel free to reach out if you have questions on other types of insurance!