Pets are a great sense of comfort and companionship for us humans. They are often there for us when no one else is. But they are a commitment as well. We are responsible for the health and welfare of our furry friends. Here are some pet insurance tips to ensure your fur baby is cared for.

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Why do you need pet insurance?

1. We love our furry companions, but like us, they are frail. Accidents happen, pets can get cancer, they might eat or drink the wrong thing, and some pets have hereditary disorders or breed-specific conditions. Pets need health care just like we do. It can be an overwhelming expense if you aren’t prepared for it.

2. You can’t predict the future, but you can hedge your bets. You won’t know you need pet insurance until it’s too late and you have a whopping bill. Insurance can be very economical, especially if you have more than one pet.

3. In addition to emergencies or unpredictable events, pets require vaccinations, checkups, and preventative care. A good policy can help with everyday normal health expenses.

4. Peace of mind. If something is wrong with your pet, but money is tight, you might be tempted to wing it and hope for the best. Insurance makes this an easier decision.

What should I consider when choosing a policy?

1. Does the policy cover preexisting conditions? Often policies won’t pay for any health issues present before the policy was issued. You may not even be aware of the issues until something goes wrong. Make sure your policy covers preexisting issues.

2. Is there a waiting period? Some policies don’t kick in right away, and you won’t be covered if you need to visit the vet before it starts.

3. Does the policy exclude the costs for hereditary disorders? Some breeds have well-known hereditary disorders. Sometimes your pet will have inherited an issue from its parents, regardless of breed. Make sure your insurance covers this, especially if you have a breed with known disorders.

4. Does the policy cover congenital anomalies? These are basically birth defects. Sometimes these don’t become evident until later in an animal’s life. Best to make sure you’re covered, just in case.

5. How large is the deductible? If the deductible is very high, you’ll end up paying out of pocket for everything anyway. Make sure the deductible is something you can live with.

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6. Is there a cap on expenses to be compensated? If there is a cap on how much the insurance company will cover, you may get into trouble if something awful happens, like your pet getting cancer. Make sure the cap, if any, is something reasonable.

7. Will your premiums go up if you use your insurance? This is a big one. If you are afraid to use your insurance because the premiums will go up, what is the point of having it? Make sure before you commit to a policy.

8. Will payouts be direct and immediate? Sometimes insurance payouts are done over a period of time, but the vet will expect to be paid immediately. If you can’t wait for the insurance company to repay your expenses, make sure they will be paying upfront.

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