What to look for when choosing pet insurance for your pup

If you still wonder if you need pet insurance or not, the answer is absolutely positive – you do need pet insurance.

Pet insurance can cover dozens of aspects, including accidents and illnesses, so it’s essential to have it in place in case of unexpected circumstances. Insurance can take the financial weight off your shoulders, especially in emergencies, so you may want to buy one to ensure your four-legged friend’s health anytime and anywhere.

Here’s everything you need to know about pet insurance and what to have in mind when choosing one:

Types of pet insurance cover

Pet insurance is divided into four main types, including:

• Lifetime. This premium insurance covers many conditions and treatments and is likely to increase as your furry companion ages. In this case, you pay premiums annually during your pup’s life, which obliges the insurer to keep covering you, no matter the existing conditions or age of your pet.
• Time-limited (or annual). This type of insurance is cheaper than a lifetime policy but allows you to move to another kind of insurance each year. 
• Accident only. In an unfortunate event, for example, your pup being hit by a vehicle, you can benefit from this type of cover, but remember, it doesn’t cover illnesses.
• Maximum benefit. Only a fixed amount of money is available to cover accidents or illnesses.

What is (and isn’t) covered by pet insurance

As previously mentioned, some policies may include just surgeries and emergencies, while others may cover checkups and preventive care. The former will obviously cost more; that’s why it’s recommended to consider your pet’s needs carefully and choose insurance accordingly. Nonetheless, it’s not advisable to purchase insurance for wellness care, just things you can’t predict, such as broken bones, ear infections, or chronic illnesses.

Also, be mindful of what insurance plans don’t include. Some may exclude preventable diseases, as well as pre existing conditions. For example, if your dog suffers from kennel cough (Bordetella), insurance providers will probably not cover this condition, especially if you didn’t keep vaccinations up to date.

Research a provider’s credibility

When it comes to research, the Internet is your best friend. So, ensure you scrutinize all possible pet insurance providers before making up your mind. Analyze their experience in this domain, as well as any customer reviews available. If a pet insurance provider is serious about their services, they surely have a business website where clients can send feedback regarding services. Bivvy reviews, for example, are opinions from people who have benefitted from top-rate pet insurance and may be satisfied with the services.

Ask your vet for advice

Apart from providing your pup with a customized treatment plan, the vet can also help you choose pet insurance based on your dog’s health needs. It’s essential to select a pet insurance plan suitable for your animal and not just choose the first plan you find. Your vet can help in this regard, so don’t hesitate to ask for their advice.