If you are a pet owner, then you know that the critters we invite into our homes are not just animals. They become beloved members of the family and add a value to our lives that is difficult for people without a dog or cat to understand. As such, we want to make sure that our pets live long, healthy lives. Just like us, animals get sick. They can incur injuries or diseases that need long-term medical attention.
If you are a pet owner, then you know that the critters we invite into our homes are not just animals. They become beloved members of the family and add a value to our lives that is difficult for people without a dog or cat to understand. As such, we want to make sure that our pets live long, healthy lives. Just like us, animals get sick. They can incur injuries or diseases that need long-term medical attention.
There are many options for insurance that will cover you pets for a variety of medical needs. Check out the list of policy types below to help you choose the perfect plan for your pet.
Common Types of Pet Insurance Plans
Accident Only
This type of policy is exactly what it sounds like. An accident-only plan protects your pet in the event of an accident or injury. If your dog has a runn with a car or rattlesnake, you’ll be grateful to have this type of insurance to fall back on.
Accident and Illness
An accident and illness policy adds one more layer of protection. If your pet becomes sick for any reason, this type of insurance will kick in to help with the bills. Of course, as the name implies, accidents are covered as well.
Wellness
Think of a wellness policy as general health insurance. This type of plan covers routine vet visits for checkups, flea & tick prevention, vaccines, and other non-emergency expenses. Wellness plans and Accident and Illness plans often overlap, so when you are considering either type of policy, make sure to shop around and see if you can find a plan that will include both emergency and routine benefits.
Other Types of Pet Insurance
Maximum Benefit
When purchasing a maximum benefit plan, you will choose a dollar amount you would like to have for coverage. This coverage has no expiration date, but the policy will end when that cap has been reached. So, if you need coverage for a specific procedure, say a surgery, you can get a policy for that amount and make premium payments rather than finance the surgery's cost.
Time-Limited
A time-limited policy is similar to a maximum benefit plan, except that it has an expiration date. Say you get a policy for $2000 over 2 years. When you have either used $2000 of coverage for vet bills, or two years have elapsed, the policy ends. It doesn’t matter which comes first.
Lifetime
A lifetime policy is the most comprehensive (and most expensive) type of pet insurance plan. It will cover your pet for their entire life, either for a wellness checkup or major surgery. If you would like maximum coverage or expect medical complications for your pet in the future, this might be the best option for you.
Whether you want to make sure that flea and tick prevention is taken care of, or expect hip dysplasia down the road for your pet, there is a type of insurance policy that is right for you. Consider the differences in the plan above, do a little shopping around, and you can relax knowing that your pet is covered for whatever kind of treatment they may need in the future!
