Pets are just like important assets a person owns, they can and need to be insured. However, making a decision on buying pet insurance should be carefully though off given the wide range of options available in the market. Taking care of a pet will require lots of time and money, as you have to consider various related items such as food, vaccinations and property damage.
Surveys show that one out of three per owners have made unscheduled visits to veterinarians over the last two years. Leaving your pet’s health to chance is not a safe choice. Veterinary bills sometimes cause some pet owners to be dumbfounded, as they are very expensive.
At first, going for pet insurance is an expensive choice but in due time the owner will realize it will save him from costs that pile up especially from veterinary bills. Advances in science have resulted to the development of many treatments that help prolong the life a pet but has also led to escalating vet bills.
A pet owner should first consider several requirements before choosing pet insurance. Many insurance companies offer different policies based on type and age of the pet. Consider this, insuring a mongrel is far cheaper than insuring a pedigree, and insuring a dog will be more expensive than a cat.
Basic pet insurance policies normally cover veterinary bills and even minor surgeries. A comprehensive policy though can go as far as covering the service charge of a pet psychologist or costs of cancelling a planned vacation if your pet needs you at the 11th hour.
Almost all forms of pet insurance include liability coverage, which will insure the owner if the animal causes bodily harm to someone or destroys the property of a neighbour.
In addition to studying what is included in a pet insurance policy, owners should also study what is not included. Normally a policy will require the owner to wait around two weeks after his pet has recovered from an illness before being reimbursed. Sometimes, a policy will require the owner to make a small excess payment before making a claim.
The pet’s age is also another major consideration in pet insurance. Insurers normally avoid covering animals that are over 8 years old. Older pets typically need constant medical care. It is advisable to insure pets when they are young to avoid such hassle and boost chances that your pet will be covered for life regardless of what illness or treatment is needed.
Insuring a young pet will also lessen chances that it will suffer from an illness in the future, as its medical condition will be regularly monitored. Remember, most insurers do not cover pets that have an existing illness.
Luckily, some insurers provide help when the pet becomes lost or is stolen. Owners can claim costs in advertising for a lost pet and a portion of the reward that will given to the finder. Owners that fail to find their lost pets might also be allowed to claim a portion of how much they originally paid for the animal.
Many insurers also provide discounts for a customer that insures multiple pets. Given the many benefits of pet insurance, pet lovers should not think twice in getting one for their beloved household companion.
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