It depends on the type of policy you go for, but as well as veterinary treatment for accidents and/or illnesses policies often include:
- Third-party liability (dogs only)
This pays the legal costs if your dog’s responsible for hurting someone or causing damage – for example, if they ran into a road and caused a car to swerve and crash.
Cats are considered ‘free spirits’ by law so cat insurance doesn’t include third-party liability. - Some alternative therapies
If your vet recommends something like hydrotherapy or acupuncture for your pet, some pet insurance policies will cover these treatments.
You usually won’t be covered for anything that you’re not referred for by your vet. - Diagnostic costs for illnesses, like blood tests
The cost of working out what’s wrong with your pet is covered.
Diagnostic testing can be quite expensive and some policies will put a limit on the amount they’ll reimburse per test. If your vet’s lab charges more for diagnostics you’ll have to make up the shortfall yourself. - Advertising costs to find lost pets
Most pet insurance policies include some cover for the cost of making posters and putting up advertising for your lost pet. Some will even cover a reward.
If your cat or dog sadly can’t be found your policy might also offer some compensation. - Euthanasia
At the end of your pet’s life, most pet insurance policies will cover the cost of a vet putting them to sleep if it’s necessary and to prevent further suffering.
Pet insurance covers a range of unexpected veterinary expenses, helping owners manage the financial burden of pet healthcare. Policies differ by provider, but generally, coverage can be divided into three main categories: accident-only, illness, and comprehensive plans.
Accident-Only Coverage
Accident-only insurance covers treatments and medical procedures that result from accidents. This includes broken bones, lacerations, poisoning, or injuries from accidents like being hit by a car. It often covers emergency care, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalizations related to such incidents. However, it does not cover illnesses or preventive care, so it’s limited to covering injuries that are sudden and accidental.
Illness Coverage
Illness coverage includes treatment for a variety of diseases and medical conditions, such as cancer, infections, arthritis, and allergies. It typically covers vet consultations, diagnostic tests like X-rays or blood work, prescription medications, and specialized care, such as oncology or dermatology. Some policies even cover congenital and hereditary conditions, though these may require an additional premium or have certain restrictions. It’s important to note that pre-existing conditions are usually not covered, meaning illnesses or injuries the pet had before the insurance policy was active may be excluded from claims.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive or “accident and illness” coverage combines both accident and illness benefits, providing a more complete safety net for pet health emergencies. It covers everything included in accident-only and illness plans, but some providers also include additional coverage, like dental illnesses, chronic conditions, or even behavioral therapies. This plan does not usually cover preventive care unless it’s offered as an add-on.
Optional Wellness and Preventive Care
Many insurers offer wellness plans as an optional add-on. These cover preventive and routine care, like annual check-ups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, deworming, and dental cleanings. Spaying or neutering and microchipping are sometimes included. This add-on helps reduce the out-of-pocket cost for maintaining a pet’s routine healthcare.
Exclusions and Limitations
While pet insurance can be comprehensive, there are common exclusions to be aware of. As mentioned, pre-existing conditions are usually not covered. Elective procedures, cosmetic surgeries, breeding costs, and specific treatments like acupuncture or hydrotherapy may also be excluded. Some policies have age restrictions, meaning coverage might be limited or more expensive for older pets. Additionally, policies often have annual, lifetime, or per-condition limits, meaning there may be a cap on how much the insurer will pay out.
Breed-Specific Conditions
Certain breeds are predisposed to specific health problems, such as hip dysplasia in large dogs or heart conditions in certain small breeds. Some pet insurance policies account for this and may limit coverage or charge higher premiums for breeds prone to hereditary conditions. It’s crucial for pet owners to read the fine print to understand how breed-specific issues are handled.
Claims and Reimbursements
Pet insurance often works on a reimbursement basis. Pet owners pay the vet bill upfront and then file a claim to get reimbursed. Reimbursement rates, deductibles, and co-pays vary by policy, affecting the final out-of-pocket cost. Owners can often choose a reimbursement rate when setting up their policy, typically between 70% and 90%.
Final Thoughts
Pet insurance provides peace of mind by protecting against high veterinary costs, but it’s essential to understand the specifics of your policy. Carefully consider the coverage options, potential exclusions, and the needs of your pet based on age, breed, and health history.
