Pet Insurance
Our pets are like family, so we want to protect them like family. Pet insurance is designed to help offset veterinary costs. Below is some information to help you learn more about pet insurance and shop for the best plan for you and your pet.
The Basics
- With most plans, you'll pay the vet upfront and then file a claim with your pet insurance company to be reimbursed based on the guidelines of the pet insurance plan you selected.
- Pre-existing conditions are rarely covered, so the time to buy a plan is
before your pet gets sick or hurt.
- Most plans charge more for particular breeds or may even not sell plans for certain breeds. And some plans limit coverage for medical conditions that may be hereditary for a specific breed of dog or cat.
- The restrictions, costs, coverages, and out-of-pocket costs vary by company and plan so it's important to know what you need and shop around.
Types of Coverage
Accident Only | These plans cover the treatment of injuries or illnesses caused by a mishap, like eating articles of clothing, sticks, or other foreign objects. |
Accident & Illness | Also called "comprehensive," these plans cover illnesses not related to a mishap in addition to accidental coverage. Some also include coverage of end-of-life expenses.
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| * Some plans also offer wellness-type coverage for routine "preventive care" such as exam fees and vaccinations, etc. |
Cost
The cost of pet insurance will vary depending on factors like pet breed, age, whether your pet is spayed or neutered, any prior claims history, the coverage limits you choose as well as the deductible, copays, and coinsurance you choose.
As your pet ages, the chance of claims increases dramatically, particularly for plans that cover illness. This means that your premium may change from year to year, sometimes considerably.
When Shopping
If you are thinking about purchasing pet insurance, shop around to find the coverage and price that best meets your needs. No two policies are the same and price is just one consideration. Ask questions about the premium. Some policies only look at the age of your pet when you first buy the policy. Other policies may increase as your pet gets older.
Ask your vet about their experience with pet insurance, especially for pet insurance policies that pay the veterinarian directly. You may want to know if your vet accepts the pet insurance policy you are researching.
Consider the 3 C's
Cost How much does it cost?
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Coverage How much does it cover?
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Convenience How easy is it to use?
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Compare All Out-of-Pocket Costs
Out-of-pocket costs often include deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
The deductible is the amount you will be responsible to pay upfront before the insurance company will cover your expenses. The higher the deductible (for example $100, $250, or $500) the lower the premium.
Copays and coinsurance work in the same way. They are the portion of the cost for services you will share with the insurance company. The copay is a set dollar amount. The higher your copay, the lower your premium. Coinsurance is a percentage of the total coverable cost. The higher percentage the insurance company will cover, the higher your premium will be.
Need More Information?
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department approves and regulates pet insurance policies, rates, and rules in the Commonwealth. We can help with any issues or questions you may have. Visit our Consumer Services Bureau online. If your pet insurance policy has been canceled or non-renewed, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department can help. You have the right to appeal the termination.
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