How to Get Pet Insurance

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Pet insurance is intended to cover medical expenses for your pet. There are specific kinds of insurance for different species of pets and for the different needs of owners. While it is easiest to find coverage for dogs and cats, there are insurers who sell plans for a wide variety of pets, including rare and exotic pets.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Get Pet Insurance

Step 1

Determine what your current and future needs are. These should include any hereditary conditions your pet may be likely to develop. Specific breeds are susceptible to specific conditions, so you can plan ahead by researching the unique genetic weaknesses of your pet's breed.
Step 2

Look for a policy that meets your needs. Most pet insurance companies maintain informative websites that include detailed information about policies. The Pet Insurance website offers a very wide variety of insurance policies and is one of the oldest pet insurance companies (see Resources below).
Step 3

Request a quote for the policy that you've decided meets your needs. You can typically get immediate online quotes from most pet insurance providers, or you can call for an over-the-phone quote.
Step 4

Choose a plan that is affordable. Go over all your options, comparing quotes and benefits for a few different policies before settling on the right one.
Step 5

Purchase the insurance policy you have selected, either online or over the phone.

Tips & Warnings

Indoor pets can usually get cheaper insurance rates than pets that spend any time outside.
Younger pets can be easier to insure. Some providers will not issue new policies to older pets and will even cancel policies after pets reach a certain age.
Don't take your pet to the vet before purchasing an insurance plan if you can avoid it. If your vet diagnoses your pet with a condition or an illness, insurance companies will consider it a preexisting condition and will not cover it.
Don't be surprised if your actual premium does not match what you were quoted. Quotes are made with only limited information--like your pet's age and breed--and rates can increase once insurers obtain more information.
Many plans cover only emergency care for injuries and illnesses. However, you may need a plan that covers routine checkups and care, such as dental cleanings. Otherwise, you may need to cover those costs out of your own pocket.
Some plans do not cover genetic or hereditary conditions. You may need to purchase insurance that does not specifically exclude conditions to which your pet is prone.