Facts about pet insurance

Pet health insurance

If you have a dog, cat or other pet, you probably visit the veterinarian on a regular basis—and it can be expensive, especially when an illness or emergency necessitates tests or surgery.

Pet health insurance works in a similar manner to human health insurance policies, in that they both include annual premiums, deductibles, co-pays and caps.

Health insurance is available for all types of pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, exotic birds, reptiles, potbelly pigs and various rodents.

Cost of coverage is based typically on the animal’s age, health profile and the level of care you choose. Generally, older animals cost more to cover—and some companies have age limits. Also there may be exclusions for pre-existing conditions, and some insurers may not cover certain breeds that are prone to hereditary conditions (e.g. hip dysplasia).

There are three general levels of coverage:

1. Basic coverage is the least expensive option. Basic coverage provides the lowest reimbursements for procedures, and will help pay for accidental injuries, poisonings and illnesses (including cancer). These policies typically include an annual deductible, caps on reimbursements per accident or illness, as well as caps on total reimbursements per policy term.
2. Comprehensive coverage is costlier than basic coverage, but offers more generous benefits, such as reimbursements for accidental injuries, emergencies and illnesses, and coverage for office visits, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, X-rays and lab fees. These policies feature lower annual deductibles than those for basic coverage, but also cap reimbursements per accident and illness, as well as on total reimbursements for the policy term.
3. Pet well care protection reimburses for preventive care, including physical exams, flea and heartworm prevention and vaccinations. While there is no deductible for well care, there is a nominal deductible for other medical services.

While shopping for pet insurance, you may come across veterinary discount plans, which are membership based services rather than an insurance policy. With a veterinary discount plan, the member pays a monthly fee and then is entitled to reduced rates on pet services, medical procedures, prescriptions and products from a specific group of veterinarians who also agree to participate in the plan.

Note that, in the event of a catastrophic and costly pet illness or injury, a discount may be useful but you will likely still be out of pocket for much more than if your pet is insured. Also, unlike pet insurance, veterinary discount plans are not regulated by law.

Life and theft insurance

Life and theft coverage is designed to insure the lives of highly valuable animals, and is typically purchased by zoos or by the owners of championship cats, dogs, horses and police dogs. The policy reimburses owners of stolen animals, and pays a death benefit if an animal dies during transport or other covered events.

General insurance protections

Your current homeowners insurance policy may offer some protections that encompass pets. For example:

• Liability – If your dog bites someone and causes an injury, and you are sued, your homeowners or renters insurance policies provide liability protection to defend you in court.

Be aware that most policies will exclude any dog with a history of biting and aggressive behavior. In addition, many homeowner associations restrict some breeds that are typically thought to be dangerous—and a growing number of communities require owners of these dog breeds to carry additional liability coverage.

• Personal property – Some owners tend to spend a lot of money accessorizing their pets—and these items are covered under the personal property section of standard homeowners and renters policies. So if Fido’s favorite cashmere dog coat is stolen or damaged, you’re covered!

Next steps link: In case of disaster, here's how to include your pet in your evacuation plans.