At Anasazi Animal Clinic (serving Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler, AZ) we know your pet’s health is just as important as the rest of the family’s health. We know because we feel the same way about our pets. That’s why you might be asking, “Is pet insurance the right choice for me?”
What is Pet Insurance?
The concept of pet insurance surfaced in the United States in 1982. Similar to some human health insurance plans, pet insurance typically requires full payment in advance for any services done, and then submission of invoices for reimbursement. Depending upon the type of plan, reimbursement might be partial or full.
Each insurance plan varies, but as a whole pet insurance often covers accidents and illnesses, and may even cover preventive or wellness care. If you are looking for a base plan, be sure to include accidents and illnesses, congenital and hereditary conditions, cancer, and chronic diseases.
Is It Right For Me?
You may be considering health insurance for your pet because they are ill, or you may just want to be prepared for the future since health care can be one of the most costly aspects of owning a four-legged friend. There’s no question pet health care costs can add up, especially if your pet has a chronic illness or requires surgery. With current medical and technological advances in pet health care, you will want to take advantage of the opportunity to diagnose and treat conditions early.
When your pet is young and healthy, pet health insurance may not be on your mind. But we recommend getting pet insurance early on in the life of your pet since pre-existing conditions are taken into consideration when applying. If you wait until your pet is aging or sick to consider insurance, you might have trouble finding a good plan that fits your needs. While there are a few insurance companies that will take senior pets or pets with chronic illnesses, the list is short.
Choosing A Plan
As with anything, it’s always a good idea to do your research on the various pet insurance plans out there. There are a variety of options and coverages available, and depending on the current health of your pet, or your particular concerns, you want to know what will be covered. We suggest you create a list of what’s most important to you regarding your pet’s health and work from there to find the right plan.
Once you’ve chosen a few of plans that match your most important concerns, it’s time to give the providers a call. Contacting a providing insurance company to get all the plan details, including the fine print, is a smart idea that will help narrow your options until you’ve discovered the plan that best suits your family and pet.
For a more comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of pet insurance, check out a valuable online resource called 365 Pet Insurance. And if you’re looking for an experienced and compassionate animal clinic, we are confident you’ll be happy with our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic. We’re always willing to meet with potential new patients to answer questions and go over options for treatment and payment. Contact us today. We can’t wait to meet you, and to meet your furry friend!
Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst (5/7/2018)