Is it possible to get high-risk pet insurance coverage?
It can be difficult to find fair and affordable premiums for a high-risk pet, but those could be considered the pets that need it most, so looking into it is worthwhile.
A pet insurance policy that is too cheap or provides insufficient coverage can leave you feeling vulnerable when a medical crisis strikes.
This article will give tips on how to find a manageable insurance plan for a high-risk pet.
High Risk Pet Insurance
In the US, very few pet owners have pet insurance – especially when compared to other parts of the world.
Thankfully, visiting the vet for minor issues can be relatively cheap. It’s not expensive to go and get vaccinations for your dog, or to have them microchipped in the event they get lost.
Because these types of vet costs are the only ones experienced by many pet owners, it’s easy to think pet insurance isn’t worth it – it’s easier just to pay the bill on the day.
However, that’s only until they get their first big bill for a vet procedure involving surgery or the healing of a major injury.
It’s best not to be hit with that first pet insurance bill, and to be well prepared with pet insurance. Even if you need high-risk pet insurance coverage.
1. What Is Considered A High-Risk Pet?
As a general rule, you should expect to pay more for a high-risk pet than an average pet to find pet insurance.
But there is no universal definition of “high-risk.”
Typically, it indicates some known health concerns or common breed defects that may be expensive to treat.
Typical high-risk conditions include hip dysplasia (which means the hip joint doesn’t fit together correctly), luxating patella (or “trick knee”), luxating shoulder, epilepsy, heart disease, any autoimmune diseases, and cancers.
Other conditions may be considered high risk for specific breeds.
An insurer may not cover pre-existing conditions if the insurer determines that your pet was living with symptoms of the condition for an extended period.
2. What Health-Related Tasks Will My Pet Require Under the Insurance Plan?
Some insurers will require a specific number of walks per day or other tasks to provide coverage.
If your pet requires an unusual amount of care, you should ask the insurer if this type of activity is considered daily exercise.
For example, some breeds like French Bulldogs or English Bulldogs are prone to breathing problems.
These dogs may need additional exercise compared to other breeds of the same weight; an insurer might consider this type of activity “daily exercise.”
3. What Is The Reimbursement Policy Like?
Some insurers will reimburse you for expenses after you have paid them yourself.
Some insurers will want to be refunded first and later reimburse your pet’s bills once they are submitted.
If reimbursement is involved, ask what kind of documentation might be necessary.
4. What Simply Cannot Be Insured?
Some opinions are that if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing, which is not valid in pet insurance.
Some things fall outside of basic coverage, like accidental ingestion or self-inflicted trauma (e.g., ruining the couch from sleeping on it).
While all reputable insurers will cover these processes, they will typically put restrictions on them.
The insurance company may not cover intentional acts of your pet (e.g., chewing the couch).
5. Does The Plan Offer Annual Cost-Of-Care Coverage?
An annual cost of care benefit typically reimburses a set amount for your yearly expenses.
It is important not to confuse this type of coverage with a reimbursement plan, where you have to file claims every time you spend money on your pet’s medical needs.
With the reimbursement plan, it is good that there are no limits but bad because you may need to spend a lot of time filing claims.
With an annual cost of care benefit, you will know how much to budget for the year, and you won’t have to file any claims.
6. What Is The Deductible, And What Does That Mean For The Premium?
A deductible is the amount of money you are required to pay before insurance reimburses you.
It’s one thing to have a high premium, but if it doesn’t cover any expenses until after you’ve spent hundreds or thousands of dollars yourself, then the policy may not be worth your time and money.
Try to find pet insurance with a reasonable premium and deductible.
We hope the 6 points above are helpful to get the best pet insurance for your lovely pet.
Pet insurance is becoming more popular now than ever before, as people are becoming more conscious of the cost of pet treatment.
In certain countries, pet insurance companies are emerging aggressively to meet people’s need for a financial safety net for their furry friends.
However, it is vital that pet owners carefully research and shop around before purchasing a policy.
With all this information in mind, you should make a wiser decision regarding buying a pet insurance plan.
Maybe!
It’s a decision you need to make based on your pet and circumstances.
Just don’t wait to look into it!