How Do I Manage My Pet Insurance Policy?
When you buy a pet insurance policy for your cat or dog, there are several things you need to know to keep the policy going. These include filing claims, exclusions and pre-existing conditions. You also need to make sure you get the best rate possible.
Pre-existing conditions aren’t covered by pet insurance
Pre-existing conditions are not normally covered by pet insurance. But there is some coverage available for this type of illness, and the right pet insurance policy can help to make veterinary care more affordable.
Many people are familiar with the phrase “pre-existing condition”. A pre-existing condition is an injury or illness that occurred prior to the time that you bought a pet insurance policy. The definition of a pre-existing condition varies among providers, but it is usually defined as a condition that has been diagnosed or is showing signs of illness before the policy’s effective date.
Pre-existing conditions include hereditary disorders, as well as congenital conditions. These types of illnesses can be caused by your own genetics, your environment, or the genes passed down from your parents. If your pet has one of these conditions, he or she will need a great deal of veterinary attention throughout its lifetime. This can be a costly situation. However, you should still enroll your pet in a pet insurance plan, even if it means you will have to pay out of pocket for some of the treatment.
In some cases, a pre-existing condition can be curable, or recoverable. You may be able to have your pet’s condition covered if you can prove that he or she had a treatment for the disease in the past, and that the treatment was for an identifiable medical problem. For instance, if your pet had a bladder infection, you could qualify for coverage after proving that he or she had a treatment and the treatment was successful.
How to file a claim
If you are a pet owner, you will most likely need to file a claim with your pet insurance company at some point. Not all companies have the same methods for handling claims, and it is important to know what to expect. You should review your policy before you need to use it and make sure you are not liable for any exclusions.
When filing a claim on your pet insurance policy, you will need to gather and submit all necessary paperwork. This can include medical records from your vet. Depending on your insurer, you may also need to provide an itemized invoice from your vet. Some insurers will also require you to fill out a short claim form. While some insurers will send you a printable form, you can also use a mobile app or online portal to make your submission.
Most pet insurance providers will require you to pay your veterinarian in full before your claim is processed. In some cases, you can pay directly to your vet, although not all offices will do this. Also, some pet insurers have a waiting period. For example, most providers will not pay for treatment if your pet suffers from an accident until 14 days have passed.
The good news is that most pet insurance companies are not slow to process claims. It is possible to receive a reimbursement in a matter of a few weeks. However, if you need to appeal a claim, the process can take longer.
To file a claim, you will need to fill out a claim form and supply your pet’s medical records. Your insurance company will evaluate the claim and determine how much money it will pay you. Typically, the claim amount is based on the policy’s maximum payout, coverage limits and deductible.
Exclusions from pet insurance
Pet insurance policies are a great way to cover your pet’s medical costs. It is important to read the details of your policy and understand the exclusions that apply. They are designed to balance the risk of the insurer. Exclusions will vary from one insurance provider to the next. You will find these in the “What’s Not Covered” section on the website of your provider.
Pre-existing conditions refer to illnesses and injuries that a pet has experienced before the insurance policy begins. Generally, the pet owner must disclose the health issue to the insurer. However, some companies will insure pets with chronic, incurable conditions.
For instance, if a dog has arthritis in both of its hips, it will be considered a pre-existing condition. Therefore, if a dog experiences an injury that breaks a cruciate ligament in its right leg, the insurance company will not pay for it. A condition exclusion could also mean that a dog with cataracts in both eyes will not be covered.
Aside from covering injuries, pet insurance can help you cover the cost of dental work and other preventative care. Some insurance providers will not insure pets if they are older than six months. Similarly, some companies will not insure pets with genetic diseases. In order to qualify for coverage, the pet owner must keep up with recommended wellness checkups and dental care.
Some policies will cover the expense of dental treatment for dogs, but not for cats. This is because dogs are not normally able to receive dental treatment. Usually, the vet fees are in addition to the treatments.
