Why Pet Insurance Makes Good Sense
Adopting a shelter pet will bring you and your chosen companion immense joy and companionship. However, it's crucial to consider your new friend’s potential medical needs and whether you will be able to meet them financially. The last thing you want is to be forced to say goodbye prematurely due to unaffordable medical care.
Fortunately, pet insurance can help ensure this won’t ever happen. Many shelter adopters are under the impression it's impossible to insure rescue pets, but that's not the case. In this article, we look at the benefits of pet health insurance, and what to be aware of as a pet parent of a shelter animal. We also offer tips on how to make the most of your policy.
The Benefits of Pet Insurance
The benefits offered by pet insurance will depend on your policy type. Policy offerings may differ slightly between insurers. However, most cover one or more of the following:
Financial Assistance for Accidents: Accident coverage pays vet bills related to unexpected injuries like broken bones, ripped nails, and cuts. These can occur, for example, if your pet is hit by a car or if it gets in a fight with another animal.
Financial Assistance for Illness: Illness insurance will assist with costs if your pet gets sick. This includes genetic (inherited) diseases and conditions, chronic conditions like cancer, infections, and more.
Coverage for Routine Care: Some pet insurance plans offer coverage for routine care, including vaccinations, dental care, wellness exams, and preventive treatments. This ensures your pet stays healthy and encourages regular vet visits, catching potential issues early on.
Veterinary science has made great strides in the past decades, so pet life expectancy has risen accordingly. However, much of the equipment and procedures undertaken are analogous to those used for humans. So, while much is now possible, help for your pet can come at a high cost. Pet insurance may be a good option if you cannot save for unforeseen medical expenses.
Instances Where Pet Insurance May Be Limited
While pet insurance is a valuable tool, it's essential to understand its limitations. Knowing what conditions you can and can't get covered for might influence your choice when adopting. So be sure to do your research ahead of time.
The good news is that insurers don’t distinguish between regular and rescue pets.
In fact, some pet insurers partner with and support shelters by offering discounted policies to anyone who adopts a pet through the organization. Some companies also offer special packages for rescue pets.
However, insurers will require your pet's age, breed, and medical history to quote you on the coverage. This is often tricky with shelter animals, who may have been found abandoned. In such cases, a shelter vet will examine the animal, provide an estimate of the age and breed mix, and assess its overall health. Generally, insurance companies will accept this exam, so shop around if your first try is unsuccessful.
Here are instances where coverage may be limited:
Pre-Existing Conditions: Most pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions, meaning any health issue your pet had before the policy's start date won't be covered. Typical pre-existing conditions include arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. There may not be a record of existing medical conditions with shelter animals unless they were surrendered with one.
Breed-Specific Exclusions: Some policies may exclude certain breeds or charge higher premiums due to breed-specific health concerns. Be sure to check the policy details and consider this when choosing a pet insurance plan.
Waiting Periods: Many insurance policies have waiting periods before certain coverage becomes effective. It's essential to be aware of these waiting periods and plan accordingly.
Age: Elderly pets generally equate to higher premiums.
How to Maximize Pet Insurance Benefits
The best way to maximize your rescue pet insurance is to enroll early. This helps avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions and ensures coverage for future health concerns.
Secondly, understand your policy limits. Familiarize yourself with annual maximums, per-incident limits, and any other restrictions. Knowing these details will help you make informed decisions about your pet's care.
Finally, maintain regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential issues early and to take advantage of preventive care benefits offered by some insurance plans.
In conclusion, pet insurance can be a valuable investment for shelter pet adopters, providing financial assistance and peace of mind in the face of unexpected veterinary expenses. By understanding the benefits, limitations, and tips for maximizing coverage, you can ensure a healthier and happier life for your new companion.