Mar 6, 2008 12:00 pm US/Eastern
Angie's List: Pet Insurance
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Veterinary cost continues to rise, and some of the same life-saving procedures performed on humans are also being done on the family pet. In this week's Angie's List report, 3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan tells you whether pet insurance is right for you to help with those costs.
You may be surprised to hear that last year, pet owners spent nearly $10 billion on vet care. Pet insurance can help pay for that unexpected visit to the vet, but just like you research your own health plan, you should do the same for your pet.
As with human health insurance, pet insurance coverage depends on a number of factors and you can get pet health insurance at a number of different levels. "Whether you're looking for help with regular vaccine and vet visits all the way up to surgery and X-rays," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
Pet insurance often will cover anywhere from 50% to 75% of the medical expenses and typically include annual exams and vaccinations. This will generally cost between $10 and $30 per pet, per month. When shopping for pet insurance, check the details. "Know what type of deductible you have, whether there are co-pays and whether any existing conditions might not be covered," Hicks said.
Some companies will not offer coverage for pets over a certain age, some pre-existing conditions or some breed-specific genetic ailments. Also, find out if there a discount for multiple pets? If you have more than one, you might qualify for discounts on monthly premiums or fees.
It's important to check thoroughly with the insurance company because they can vary widely.
Angie's List Tips for pet owners seeking insurance:
• Shop just as you would for your own healthcare coverage. Ask questions. Get the details in writing, and comparison shop. Research the insurance or wellness plan company. Check Angie's List to learn about other pet owners' experiences.
• Weigh your options. What makes the most sense for your pet? For a new puppy or kitten, a wellness plan aimed at preventive care as opposed to an insurance policy might be the best option. For older pets or a pets with health problems, an insurance policy might be best.
• Will the plan cover YOUR pet? Some companies will not offer coverage for pets over a certain age, some pre-existing conditions or some breed-specific genetic ailments. The best time to get insurance for your pet is when your pet is young.
• Check dental care coverage: Some policies don't cover any type of dental problems.
• Cost and coverage? What is the monthly premium compared to out-of-pocket costs? Will the premium increase as your pet ages? Is there a deductible or co-payment, and if so, does it vary based on the type of service needed? Does the plan cover things like regular office visits, vaccinations and dental care? What crisis-care or long-term care issues are covered?
• Is there a discount for multiple pets? If you have a more than one pet, ask about discounts on monthly premiums or fees.
• What is the maximum lifetime benefit?
• Start a file for your pet and use it for all receipts and insurance paperwork so you can stay on top of your claims and make sure you're maximizing your investment in the plan or policy.
• Meds. Determine if your policy requires you to buy medications from a specific supplier. Shopping around may be a better route for you.
Regardless of whether you insure your pet, prevention is worth a pound of cure. Follow these tips to keep your pet healthy:
• Regular checkups. Experts recommend biannual vet visits for most pets.
• Diet. Experts recommend you feed Fido or Fluffy two meals a day. Work with your vet to determine the right food and correct portions for your pet.
• Grooming. Regular grooming deters the buildup of dirt and oil that can lead to secondary infections. Trimming nails once a month and cleaning ears is also important. Check for plaque buildup and bleeding gums every few weeks.
http://www.petinsurance.com/http://www.petsbest.com/http://www.petcareinsurance.com/http://www.pets-health-insurance.info/
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