What You Need to Know About Pet Insurance & Vet Visits Coverage

16 Nov What You Need to Know About Pet Insurance & Vet Visits Coverage

Pets are an integral part of most families. Like every family member, they may also get injured or sick, requiring a vet visit that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on their condition. This is where pet insurance can come to your rescue. It can save you from unexpected costs when your pet is injured and requires a visit to the vet. However, it does not cover all of your pet’s vet visits. To stay covered for all routine and emergency vet visits, you need to add pet wellness coverage to your pet insurance policy.

What Is Pet Wellness Coverage and What Does It Cover?

Also, known as a routine pet care coverage or preventative pet care plan, pet wellness coverage reimburses the costs related to routine vet visits, including:

• Annual physical exams
• Vaccinations
• Heartworm and flea prevention care

Not all pet insurance plans offer the same coverage. Some wellness plans include coverage for preventative surgeries (such as neutering or spaying) or dental care, but you may have to pay higher premiums.

Besides pet wellness plans, traditional pet policies offer various coverages, including:

• Basic Coverage (Standard Pet Health Insurance) – Covers medical visits after accidental illnesses or injuries.
• Comprehensive Coverage – Covers X-rays, vet visits, lab costs, and prescriptions, plus basic coverage.

What Amount of Vet Bills Are Covered Under Pet Wellness Plan?

It depends on the type of your pet insurance plan, your deductibles, co-pays, and coverage limits. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners reveals most pet wellness plans are available on a reimbursement basis, meaning you should pay your vet bills up front and then file a claim to get reimbursements for the covered costs.

What Is Excluded from a Pet Wellness Plan?

Generally, a pet wellness plan may not cover the costs of:

• Nail/claw trimming or grooming
• Treatment for existing medical conditions
• Pregnancy or delivery care

Besides these, some insurers may limit coverage depending on your pet’s age or hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia. Also, there may be a 30-day waiting window before your pet insurance policy comes into effect. Any accidental injuries or illnesses that occur during the waiting period will not be covered. It is good to read the fine print of your pet insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not.

Also, insurance providers mostly offer pet coverage for dogs and cats, so you have to look for what coverage you can make use of if you have other types of pets, such as a rabbit or birds.

Consult with Kevin S. Dougherty Insurance for Comprehensive Pet Insurance

Whether you want a standard pet insurance policy or a customized one with comprehensive coverage, we are ready to help. We offer Healthy Paws pet insurance that covers your pet’s routine and emergency care, coupled with several lifetime benefits. Contact our insurance experts Kevin or Merci today at Kevin S. Dougherty Insurance to get started on your perfect and affordable pet insurance policy.