Although respondents to our 2022 pet survey named plan premiums as the most important factor when choosing pet insurance, cost isn’t the only thing that separates one policy from the next.
Each pet insurance carrier and policy type has different pricing, coverage options and additional features, such as discounts, health plans or customer service tools. This makes it very difficult to know which one best suits your needs and your pet’s needs.
Here’s how to buy pet insurance.
Choose the best type of pet insurance plan for your pet
Are you looking for comprehensive coverage for peace of mind in all possible situations or are you satisfied with limited coverage at an affordable price? In addition to covering unexpected pet bills, you may want to smooth out routine care costs.
Not every provider offers all types of coverage. Deciding whether you want standard accident-and-illness coverage, minimal accident-only coverage, or comprehensive health coverage narrows your options.
“There are a few key things to consider when deciding whether health or preventive care plans are beneficial for pets,” says veterinarian and consultant Dr. Sophie Wirsky. FloofyDoodles. “Puppies and kittens, for example, need more frequent vaccinations and deworming than adult dogs and cats. They are also more likely to contract certain diseases. For this reason, wellness plans that cover these services can be especially beneficial for young pets.”
Review and select appropriate coverage limits
Every pet insurance plan includes a deductible and a coverage cap. Find out below how these factors can affect your pet’s health.
Annual coverage limits
Every pet insurance provider includes: Annual coverage limit in your plan. This refers to the maximum cashback you can receive in a year. For example, Lemonade offers $5,000 to $10,000 in annual coverage, while Embrace offers a maximum of $30,000.
When you opt for an unlimited cover cap, you’ll pay a higher monthly premium, but you won’t have to worry about going over the annual limit.
deductions
A deductible is the amount you must pass to get coverage. You are responsible for paying your entire bill until you meet the deductible. After that, you can submit animal receipts to your animal insurance company to reimburse the cost.
Common deductible amounts include $100, $250 and $500. Some insurers have additional options. For example, Trupanion deductibles range from $0 to $1,000 in $5 increments.
The deductible you choose affects your monthly expenses. A lower deductible results in a higher monthly cost, but a higher deductible results in a smaller monthly bill.
Search for available offers
Pet insurance companies often offer annual, bundled, military, veterinary or multi-pet discounts. Below are the discounts offered by top pet insurance providers: