How To

How to Buy Pet Health Insurance

Pet health insurance
Pet health insurance
Member
By WriterGig
eHow Community Member
(4 Ratings)

Pet health insurance is becoming more popular for pampered pets and their owners, who like to have a plan when it comes to health care costs for their animals. There's even affordable pet insurance for healthy young animals and several types of plans for different levels of coverage. Here's how to shop for and buy pet health insurance for your animals.

From Quick Guide: A Personal Finance Toolbox
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Learn how pet health insurance works. Most pet plans allow you to use any veterinarian or animal health clinic in the country, or even in other countries if you're traveling. If you travel to Canada and Mexico often, make sure the plan you buy covers international travel.

  2. Step 2

    Find out about the co-pay or what percentage of costs the pet health insurance plan will cover. Most plans pay a specified maximum amount per pet per year, such as $2,000 or $5,000.

  3. Step 3

    Determine your needs. How many dogs and cats do you have that you'll want to cover under a pet health insurance plan? How old are your animals, how healthy, and what preexisting conditions exist?

  4. Step 4

    Compare plans. Look at each plan's copays, deductible and yearly cap. Note the premium for each and determine which type of plan is the most economical for you.

  5. Step 5

    Get quotes from several different companies. PetCare, Embrace, Pets Best and the AKC Pet Healthcare Plan are just a few of the options available.

  6. Step 6

    Evaluate the pet health insurance provider. Find out how long they are in business and look for reviews and ratings from their customers. Talk with a service representative if you have any questions, before you pay for a plan.

  7. Step 7

    Purchase the pet health insurance plan you've chosen for your animals. Keep excellent records of all costs associated with your pet's health.

  8. Step 8

    Submit veterinary bills to your health insurance provider, keeping copies of everything for your records in case there is a mistake. Make timely claims to ensure you receive payments.

Tips & Warnings
  • With pet health insurance, you still pay your vet directly and receive partial or full reimbursements from the insurance company.

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