Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
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Written by
Leslie Kasperowicz
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Reviewed by
Melanie Musson
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UPDATED: Sep 23, 2021
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When you add a new puppy or kitten to your home, it can be a big and important decision.
After all, you need to be ready to take on the responsibility of taking care of your new family member.
And with that responsibility, many questions come to mind from the type of food to buy to whether you need to train your new pet!
One of the bigger and more important questions is whether to purchase pet insurance.
You want to make sure that whatever happens to your new family member that you have the means to pay for the medical bills.
Need Pet Insurance?
FACT: Pet insurance pays up to 90% of vet bills when your pet is sick or injured!
Table of Contents
The Different Types of Pet Insurance
One of the most important decisions to make when you first enroll in a pet insurance policy is choosing the right coverage.
After all, you want to make sure to get the most extensive coverage so your dog or cat is covered for any accident or injury that might occur.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Comprehensive Pet Insurance
Comprehensive coverage, also known as accident and illness coverage, is also the most popular choice due to its breadth of coverage.
A solid comprehensive coverage policy includes coverage for almost any accident or illness and the treatment that is necessary to address that condition.
It will usually include all:
- Accidents
- Illness
- Infections
- Viruses
- Cancer
- Diabetes
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
$6,712
A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
Every Reputable comprehensive coverage policy will include a minimum of the following:
- All accidents and injuries
- Hereditary conditions and chronic conditions
- Cancer, Diabetes, Kidney Disease
- All types of surgery
- Diagnostic Exams including Cat Scans, MRI
- Specialty Care and Alternative Therapy
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
Accident Only Pet Insurance
For instance, if your pet swallows an object, injures his paw or gets a spider bite, these accidents are covered. However, if your dog or cat gets sick or any type of illness, you won’t be covered.
Whiles these plans are usually less expensive, they can be limiting. Accident only coverage can be a viable option for an older pet who is too old to be covered under a typical accident and illness plan.
Pet Wellness Plans
Some of the procedures that are usually covered are spays and neutering, vaccinations, insect bites, heartworm, and other routine procedures.
While this seems like a great option, it can get expensive because wellness plans are added on to your pet insurance policy and will, therefore, raise your premiums. Further, these plans only pay part of the routine procedure and therefore you are not fully reimbursed.
While there is no deductible for a wellness plan, you are only reimbursed for a specified amount per procedure. For example, if your dog or cat has their vaccinations and it costs $200, a pet insurance wellness plan will usually pay you back only $100 of the bill.
Wellness plans can be appealing if you have a young cat or dog that needs many of the routine procedures that are usually offered like vaccinations and spaying and neutering. However, for a dog or cat that is older, these plans will just increase your monthly premiums.
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Gidget
PetFirst saved his parents
$2,194
Artemis was a beautiful and friendly cat to all who were willing to pet him. Unfortunately, he developed feline diabetes which required regular vet visits and medications that his Mother could not otherwise afford on her fixed income. Having PetFirst insurance, she called and discussed the problem with a friendly PetFirst agent. To her surprise, she found out that Artemis’ ongoing required vet visits and medication would be covered by his PetFirst insurance. Artemis was able to live out the rest of his life with proper medical care and medicines thanks to PetFirst insurance.
Pet Dental Insurance
While this seems like a great deal because dental care can be expensive, the wellness packages, as we mentioned above, are an add-on to an existing policy that increases your monthly premium.
In fact, the wellness plans with dental only give you a certain allowance towards dental care and don’t pay even close to the full amount. Therefore, if you like a wellness plan for other routine procedures that it provides, it could be beneficial to offset some of the costs.
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Pet Wellness Plans vs. Pet Insurance
Pet insurance plans and wellness plans are very different in what they cover. Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover all accidents and illnesses.
They offer full comprehensive coverage from:
- Illnesses
- Hereditary Conditions
- Congenital Issues
- Accidents
Wellness plans are really just an add-on to an existing pet insurance policy. They cover routine procedures such as vet visits, spaying and neutering, vaccinations and other preventative care treatment or procedure.
They are also not stand-alone policies and therefore are in addition to a pet insurance policy. Therefore, they raise the monthly premiums. Only Nationwide has a stand-alone wellness plan that is extremely comprehensive.
Why You Should Get Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can be a real lifesaver when your pet does need medical help as most policies will pay up to 90% of your bill.
And that can be a real saving and relief if your puppy, kitten or even older dog needs serious medical help.
Pet insurance is really the assurance that no matter what happens to your pet that you can afford to pay the bill.
Pet insurance can also be extremely complicated and confusing as there are so many companies to choose from as well as so many decisions to make on coverage, pricing and more.
Where do you even start? You can start by comparing plans and rates!
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Pet insurance is similar to other insurances but does have some major differences as compared to your health insurance. Below you will find a definitive list of frequently asked pet insurance questions to help in your decision.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive Pet Insurance Explained
Insurance vs. Wellness Pet Insurance Plans
Is Pet Dental Insurance Worth the Extra Cost
Best Pet Insurance Plans with Shortest Waiting Periods
Pet Insurance Coverage Exclusions and Limits
Pet Insurance Benefit Limits Explained
How to Make a Claim on your Pet Insurance
Is my Pet too Old for Pet Insurance Coverage
Top Reasons to Purchase Pet Insurance
How much does Pet Insurance Cost
Pet Insurance for Multiple Pets
Pet Insurance that Covers Spaying and Neutering