Pet Health Insurance Pro's and Con's

National Spay Alliance is a low cost veterinary clinic. We have always tried to keep costs to owners as low as possible. Over the last few years we have seen the costs of medications, insurance and taxes sky rocket. These factors make it harder and harder to keep pricing low. Most of the pets we see have never seen a veterinarian before, and all too frequently we will see pets when they are so sick they need very expensive care. If pets could be better maintained health wise or could be seen at the onset of a problem costs and outcomes would be far more positive. Pet health insurance is an economical way to do just that. 

Pet insurance, or veterinary health insurance, helps cover the cost of veterinary care to keep your pets healthy. Most importantly, the right insurance plan can buy you priceless peace of mind. Pet parents who have insurance can go to the vet in confidence and get their pets the treatment they need without having to worry as much about the costs.

Insurance plans can be tailored to your pet’s age, potential breed-specific health conditions, existing health issues, and many other needs. You can insure multiple pets. Each pet may need a separate plan, but providers often provide a discount for each additional pet you insure. Whether your pet is susceptible to allergies, developing chronic conditions, or suffering from accidents due to over-activity, plans can offset thousands of dollars in costs. You pay a monthly premium and there are deductibles, but those are tailored to you specific needs. The plans will not cover pre-existing conditions. So don't wait until your pet is diagnosed with something to think about coverage. 

There are generally four types of plans; wellness plans, accident-only plans, accident-illness plans, and accident-illness plans with wellness coverage. 

Unlike human health insurance plans, you can use any pet insurance policy at any licensed veterinary clinic in the U.S. There are no networks to worry about and there is no co-pay. Instead, most insurance carriers require that you pay upfront for treatment. You will then be reimbursed based on the funds you had to pay and the terms of your pet insurance policy.

Some carriers will pre-approve you for an upcoming procedure and offer to pay the veterinarian directly, alleviating your potential temporary financial burden. You may then submit an itemized receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement in a matter of days.

When searching for pet insurance be sure you understand the deductibles, what is covered and how they pay you when the time comes.  Don't wait until your pet is older or becomes sick or injured, look into policies when your pet is younger and healthy this will save you money in the long run!