Why Do I Need Pet Insurance

People usually take out pet insurance to cover the bills for serious vet treatment as this can become extremely expensive. In fact so expensive in some cases that the animal is put down as the owners cannot afford the treatments. Pet insurance is there to ensure this does not happen as the insurance company pays the medical expenses, which leaves you time and energy to help your pet back to health.

What Is Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance is a policy that provides cover for your household pets and is usually used for cats and dogs. Most pet insurance will pay for the vet costs if your pet is ill or has an accident. Pet insurance can also provide third party protection for any damage your pet cause to other people's property and cover other expenses such as travel, theft, emergency kenneling costs and even death. Pet insurance also provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your pet will always receive the best medical treatment available.

On average one in every three pets need treatment from a vet each year following illness or injury and more than 50% of the visits to the vet are unplanned due to sudden illness or an accident. Treatment for spinal injuries, broken legs, hip treatments and internal complaints can quickly run into thousands of dollars, especially if medication or x-rays are needed. There are also the unforeseen associated costs that may be incurred like court costs (you are liable if your dog causes an accident) and holiday cancellations. All of these can add up quickly.

Many pet health insurance companies only cover cats and dogs as a rule. However, there are some companies that also provide cover for other animals such as exotic birds, reptiles, horses and rodents.

What Types Of Pet Insurance Policies Are There?

Most pet insurance companies provide several policies from the basic through to premium plans that provide cover for every aspect of your pet's medical care. You need to decide what level of care is right for your pet and then pick a policy that closely matches your requirements. As with other insurance policies, the higher the premium, the more cover that is provided.

It is important to look out for the following main points to see if they are included in the pet insurance policy:

1. Cover for life or fixed term
2. Vet Fees
3. Death from illness
4. Accidental Damage
5. The policy excess
6. Dental treatment?
7. Third Party Liability & legal expenses
8. Death from accident, theft or straying
9. How much of the vet bills are covered. 70 - 100%
10. Emergency treatments, X-rays, lab fees etc

As with humans, some pet insurance companies require your pet to have a medical exam prior to any cover being provided. This is so the insurer can manage their risk and keep premiums low as they are not supplying cover for animals that are on deaths door and having to payout on an animal that are known to be dying. The insurance companies will often put a cap on the total amount they will pay on a policy either in any given year or on any one type of illness. If your pet has a pre-existing medical condition, you may find it hard to get an insurance company that will provide cover.

The best way to save money on your pet insurance is to shop around and compare prices. Check at least three separate insurance companies to compare terms and pricing to ensure you get the best deal.

Nigel is a successful webmaster and publisher of a best pet insurance plan website. This site allows you to get pet insurance rates and showcases companies that offer pet insurance.