What Does Pet Insurance Not Cover?
It can be hard to find the right insurance for your pet. There are many options to choose from and you want to make sure you get the best cover for your animal. In this article I’m going to discuss some of the things that aren’t covered by insurance.
Pre-existing conditions
There are many pre-existing conditions that are not covered by pet insurance. The good news is that there are options. It is important to know what is considered a pre-existing condition.
A pre-existing condition is an illness or injury that your pet has had before the pet insurance policy took effect. Some of these conditions can be cured by your veterinarian’s care, while others are incurable. In general, incurable pre-existing conditions require medication and frequent visits to your vet.
The most common pre-existing conditions are hereditary disorders. These can be genetic or passed down by your pet’s parents. However, they do not always have a visible sign. They can also be caused by the environment.
The symptoms of some congenital disorders may not be apparent until later in your pet’s life. If this is the case, then your pet will not qualify for coverage. Many insurance companies will not cover a dog or cat that is diagnosed with hip dysplasia before the policy begins.
Another common form of pre-existing condition is an ear infection. While the condition is considered curable, it won’t be covered by your pet insurance.
A heart murmur is another condition that is excluded from your pet’s insurance coverage. Whether your pet has a hereditary disorder, an accident, or a chronic illness, it is important to get a comprehensive pet health insurance policy.
Some companies, such as Pawlicy Advisor, provide insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions. You can also compare quotes online to find the best pet health insurance.
Alternative medicine
Aside from traditional veterinary care, many pet owners turn to alternative medicine for their pets. However, not all pet insurance providers cover these treatments. It’s a good idea to read the fine print on your plan to ensure you’re getting all you can out of your coverage.
Although alternative medicine can be beneficial, it’s not always safe. Even essential oils for home use may have hidden risks. Before you try acupuncture or low-level laser therapy, be sure to check with your veterinarian first.
Some pet insurance providers are beginning to cover a variety of alternative therapies. For instance, Embrace will cover most types of alternative medicine in the routine plan.
The best way to find out if your insurance will cover a particular treatment is to ask your agent. Many pet insurance companies have optional add-ons or extras to enhance your pet’s coverage. You may even qualify for a discount if your dog is certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen.
NerdWallet is a great place to start if you’re looking for a pet insurance comparison. They rate the pet insurance industry based on customer satisfaction and other statistics. Their pet insurance ratings are broken down into subcategories. Depending on the state you live in, you may be able to get a discount for a second or third dog or a dog under two years old.
While there’s no such thing as a 100% effective treatment for a pet, an alternative medical procedure can improve post-operative recovery time and overall health. If you’re considering this treatment for your pet, talk to your holistic veterinarian first.
Dental care
Dental care is one of the services that most pet insurance plans do not cover. However, there are a few exceptions that do allow for this coverage. Before deciding on a policy, you need to check the details of the plan.
If you’re looking for a routine dental care plan for your pet, look for a plan that offers coverage for the entire process. This will help you pay for expensive treatment when it is needed.
You should also make sure that your pet has a regular checkup and cleaning with a veterinarian. This will prevent costly dental diseases from developing. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend specific measures to avoid such problems.
Several insurers offer a pet wellness plan, which will reimburse you for part of the cost of your pet’s routine care. Often, these plans will cover routine dental cleanings, as well as flea and heartworm treatments.
Another option is to purchase separate dental care coverage. Many of these are offered as add-ons to your pet’s existing insurance policy. For example, you could get a Fetch by The Dodo plan that includes emergency vet visits, as well as holistic and behavioral therapies.
Embrace Insurance is another company that provides coverage for non-routine dental treatments. They also cover gingival hyperplasia and trauma to the face, as well as tooth extractions.
You can get dental coverage for dogs, cats, and horses. Depending on your coverage, you might need to pay a deductible or meet a waiting period before your pet will be covered.
Spaying or neutering
Spaying and neutering your pet is a vital step in their overall health. It can help to reduce unwanted behaviors, eliminate dangerous habits and even prevent pregnancy and unexpected litters.
Although it is not covered by most pet insurance policies, it may be possible to find a wellness plan that covers spaying and neutering. In addition, some veterinarians and non-profit clinics offer low-cost spaying and neutering services.
When deciding which pet insurance company to purchase, ask about the plans that cover spaying and neutering. Some insurers include sterilization in their basic policies, while others consider it an elective procedure.
Pet health insurance is an important way to take care of your pet. These policies can help you to afford routine care and to get emergency care when necessary. However, they are not a substitute for regular checkups and preventative care.
Embrace Pet Insurance offers a plan that is designed for pets as young as six weeks old. The plan comes with Wellness Rewards, which reimburses you for the costs of day-to-day care of your pet.
Many state and municipal animal shelters offer discounted spay/neuter services. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also provides spay and neuter services to underserved communities.
Some of the larger pet retailers such as Petco and PetSmart have low-cost options for pet sterilization. However, they do not provide intravenous fluids or monitoring equipment during the surgery.
Breeding risks or costs
Whether you are a prospective breeder, an experienced parent or just a dog lover, it’s best to be prepared before it’s too late. Although some breeds are more likely to develop medical conditions than others, there are ways to protect yourself and your wallet. One such measure is to purchase pet insurance. Some companies offer specialized breeding insurance, while others offer lump sum payouts. In addition, spaying or neutering your pooch will result in a lower premium.
The key to getting the most out of a pet insurance plan is to get the coverage that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you are a fan of small breed dogs, you’ll want to choose a plan that covers small or miniature dogs. This will give you peace of mind.
Having a policy that offers comprehensive coverage for your beloved pets can save you from financial disaster. A comprehensive breeder’s insurance will cover the costs of unforeseen accidents and illnesses that occur during the whelping process. Plus, some policies will cover dental care, which can be quite expensive for dogs. If you’re the type of dog owner who likes to travel a lot, you may find that a comprehensive policy will cover your travel expenses.
To find the best plan for you, it’s best to check with your local veterinarian to see what plans are available for your specific situation. If you are planning to breed your next poodle, you will want to consider the most comprehensive coverage you can get.
Waiting periods
If you have a pet, it is a good idea to protect yourself against unexpected medical expenses. Getting insurance can cover your vet bills if your dog or cat gets hurt in an accident, or develops a major illness. However, it is also important to understand that not all pets are covered under pet insurance. You will need to know what you are getting into before enrolling.
Pet insurance companies will generally have one or more waiting periods. These are designed to help weed out sick pets from healthy ones and to prevent fraud. They can last for up to 90 days. When choosing an insurer, you should consider your pet’s age. Some pet insurance plans require that your pet be examined by a veterinarian, but a few companies waive this requirement.
The most obvious way to avoid a waiting period is to have your pet examined by a veterinarian before purchasing a policy. This will help to shorten the waiting period and will also reduce the risk of claims for conditions that are already present.
In general, the best insurance companies will have the least amount of waiting period, so it is worth the time to research your options. Some insurers have waiting periods of only one day or three days, while others will have longer waiting periods. There are even companies that don’t have waiting periods at all.
