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Step 1
Pet health insurance is similar to human health insurance. There is a deductible, and certain procedures and office visits are covered.
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Step 2
Compare deductible options. A deductible is the amount the insured is responsible for paying before the insurance company pays anything. A yearly deductible is where the deductible only has to be met once a year. A per event deductible has to be met with each and every medical event. Read the policy carefully.
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Step 3
Decide on a copay that is right for you. The copay is what is paid at every office visit and for every prescription. Every time you visit the vet, you must pay this fee.
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Step 4
Know the policy's exclusions. Exclusions are what the policy will not cover. Some policies cover well visits and accidents; other policies cover only accidents or illnesses.
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Step 5
Find out which preexisting conditions are not covered. Preexisting conditions are medical or health issues that the pet had before the health insurance policy was issued. Some conditions are temporary, such as pregnancy or an ear infection. Other conditions, such as cancer or thyroid issues, require lifelong treatment and may not be covered.
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Step 6
Look closely at other factors as well. Some policies do not cover certain breeds. Many pet health insurance policies do not cover Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. Other will not cover pets over a certain age. Pet health insurance policies cover cats and dogs. Fish, reptiles and small mammals are not covered under pet health insurance.
