Welcome, readers! This is Abri News, where you’ll find helpful policy information to assist you in finding the best coverage for your needs. We cover a variety of topics here, including insurance plans, types of coverage, claim adjustments, conditions and clauses. Our agency aims to pair individuals with the best insurance package for their specific needs, which is why we carry every type of insurance you can imagine. From homeowner’s insurance to worker’s compensation to pet insurance-we have you covered! It’s our job to shop around, compare rates, and set you up with the level of coverage you need to feel safe and secure. Our clients enjoy our one-on-one approach and attention to detail. For testimonials, information about our services, or to request a quote, take a look around our website!
The pandemic left many of our traditions and customs altered, seemingly, forever. As we steadily-but-surely work our way back to a semblance of normalcy, the travel insurance industry is no different. Our last article was dedicated to exploring how COVID-19 impacted how we travel and the necessity for travel insurance. With the CDC now recommending avoiding cruises entirely, regardless of vaccination status, it’s no wonder travel insurance has gone from a luxury to a must-have. We explained how “cancel for any reason coverage” might not always be enough to cover the entire cost of your trip from COVID-related cancellations, as well as how travel insurance agencies are creating new packages specifically for the pandemic. Now, it’s just as possible you might be stuck quarantining in a foreign country for two weeks as it is your flight will be canceled. Does travel insurance cover quarantining? What about medical coverage when you’re overseas? These newly created packages are tailored to the uncommon circumstances many travelers have been faced with these past two years. In addition to travel insurance, we cited a few studies which showcase how Americans’ attitudes toward traveling have changed since the pandemic began. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our latest article!
Today, we’re talking about man’s best friend! Or, rather, pet insurance! Our pets are often an extension of our family and, as such, we do what we can to protect them. That said, many pet owners don’t realize there is such a thing as pet insurance. Just like health insurance, pet insurance exists to help you prepare for the unexpected. Animals often need medication to deal with seasonal allergies, worms, ticks, fleas, rashes, and other unfortunate ailments. The cost of these medications can vary. Additionally, more serious illnesses might require x-rays or scans. The last thing you want is to be placed in a position of being unable to afford medical care for your pet. Now, pet insurance isn’t available for every type of animal, but we’ll discuss possible restrictions in today’s article. If you’re interested in learning more about how to keep your best friend protected, read on!
What does pet insurance cover?
Think of pet insurance the same way you think of health insurance. While health insurance pays for doctor’s visits and trips to emergency care, pet insurance covers visits to the veterinary clinic. The average amount spent on a pet dog is $1,380 annually. For cats, the annual expense is less, around $902. The most significant expense for dogs is surgical vet visits. For cats, it’s food. These figures are only expected to increase, as the amount we spend on our pets now is double what we spent only a decade ago. While plans vary, a pet insurance policy can help offset the cost of procedures and medication for your animal. Most pet insurance agencies will only offer policies for cats and dogs. However, the ASPCA does insure horses and Nationwide offers policies for “exotic animals” (such as snakes, rabbits, birds, etc.).
Depending on the insurer, they might not offer policies for pets above a certain age. For example, some insurers might have an age limit, above which they’ll refuse to insure. Likewise, other insurers will only offer limited coverage for older animals. Others will request your animal be seen by a veterinarian, to check for preexisting conditions, before they’ll approve the policy being sold. On the other hand, insurers might not offer policies for pets below a certain age either. For example, if you have a kitten or a puppy under ten weeks old. When searching for an insurer, it’s important to take these restrictions into account.
Pet insurance policies tend to cover accident-related injuries, illness, or both. If you opt for a plan which covers one or the other, these tend to be cheaper than plans which cover both. For example, if you purchase an accident-only policy and your dog’s paw is shut in a door, your vet bills will be covered up to the policy limit. On the other hand, if you purchase an accident-only policy and your dog develops a skin condition, the policy will not cover the cost of your dog’s treatment or medication. Likewise, if you purchase an illness-only policy, it’s coverage will only apply to the latter example. A plan which covers both accidents and illness will typically cover the following: surgery, x-rays, ultrasounds, diagnostic tests, ER visits, hospital stays, cancer treatment, and prescription medications. You don’t need to worry about whether a veterinarian is in-network or -out-of-network, as pet insurance agencies do not have the same internal workings as health insurance agencies. Fortunately, you can take your pet wherever you like and recieve the same coverage.
Are there other types of pet insurance plans?
Beyond accident-only and illness-only, plans tend to differ on specifics. Will this plan cover behavioral therapies? Will that plan cover hereditary conditions? In our ‘Insurance Policies You Need to Watch Out For’ article, we explained how to read through an insurance agreement, as well as understand conditions and exclusions. Certain plans will cover alternative treatment methods, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care, but chances are the insurer will have their own definition of “alternative care”; that’s why it’s important to read the insurance agreement carefully. Behavior therapies may only be covered if they’re suggested by a veterinarian or necessary to the health and safety of the owner, but this also depends on the insurer. Certain insurers might view congenital (present at the time of birth) conditions as preexisting, especially if your pet was struggling with the effects of their condition before you purchased the policy. If this is the case, they may not cover the symptoms of this condition at all. Similarly, with hereditary (passed down through genetics) conditions, you may need to pay a higher monthly premium. If your pet requires a certain diet, recommended by their veterinarian, some plans will cover the cost of the food. Not all plans cover the cost of euthanasia, cremation, or burial. Keep these things in mind when selecting the best plan for you and your pet.
Is there a waiting period for pet insurance?
Typically, yes, there is a waiting period. The waiting period for pet insurance differs according to the insurer and the type of coverage. The shortest waiting period is for accidents, such as falls or unexpected injuries. The second-shortest waiting period is for illnesses and this can stretch anywhere from fourteen days to a month. More severe issues, such as orthopedic problems or degenerative diseases, might not be covered for up to a year. It’s important to note, if these problems arise during the waiting period, your insurer might treat them as preexisting conditions from then on.
What doesn’t pet insurance cover?
Most pet insurance policies can be tailored to cover just about anything, for an additional cost. For example, most pet insurance policies will not cover the cost of breeding or pregnancy right off the bat. Likewise, elective surgeries (such as declawing, tail docking, ear cropping, hernia removal, dewclaw removal, spaying, neutering, and dental surgery) typically will not be covered unless “medically necessary.” You can add on routine vaccinations and teeth cleanings for an additional cost. Finally, just like with health insurance, insurers will not cover a preexisting condition (although some insurers will make exceptions for conditions that were resolved for a number of months or years before recurring). Keep this in mind when increasing the policy of an existing pet insurance plan, too, as previously covered conditions can become preexisting (according to your insurer’s company policies).
Our pets deserve the very best, don’t they? To sleep easy at night and ensure they’re protected, investing in a comprehensive pet policy is the best course. At Abri Insurance, we prioritize the needs of our clients, foremost, and work diligently to find the policies and companies which will do the same. Whatever type of insurance you’re searching for, at whatever price point, we’ve got you covered! You can request an initial quote through our website. Let’s get to saving! We look forward to hearing from you. Until next time, thank you for reading!