Helping You Prepare for the Unexpected
Your pet is part of your family, and when they become sick or injured, you want to make decisions based on what’s best for them—not simply what you can afford at that moment.
Pet insurance can help make unexpected veterinary expenses more manageable. But policies, premiums, deductibles, reimbursement rates, exclusions, and coverage limits can vary considerably.
At Tidewater Veterinary Hospital, we encourage pet owners to research their options carefully and choose coverage that makes sense for their pet, their budget, and their priorities.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is designed primarily to help with the cost of unexpected veterinary care, such as accidents and illnesses. Depending on the policy, coverage may include diagnostics, medications, hospitalization, surgery, emergency care, and treatment for certain chronic or hereditary conditions.
Pet insurance is different from a savings plan or wellness plan. Routine and preventive care—such as wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention—may not be included unless the policy offers specific wellness coverage.
Most importantly, pet insurance is something to consider before you need it. Policies generally exclude pre-existing conditions, and most have waiting periods before some or all coverage becomes effective.
What to Consider When Choosing Pet Insurance
There is no single policy that is right for every pet or every family. Before enrolling, look beyond the monthly price and take time to understand exactly what you’re purchasing.
Coverage
Start with what the policy actually covers—and what it doesn’t. Questions to ask include:
- Are accidents and illnesses both covered?
- Are hereditary and congenital conditions covered?
- Are there breed-specific exclusions or limitations?
- Does coverage include diagnostic testing, hospitalization, surgery, and specialist or emergency care?
- Are prescription medications covered?
- Does the policy cover dental accidents and/or dental disease?
- Are rehabilitation or alternative therapies covered?
- Is preventive or wellness care available, and is it optional?
- Are there annual, per-condition, or lifetime coverage limits?
A lower-cost policy isn’t necessarily a better value if it leaves out coverage that could be important for your pet.
Premiums, Deductibles & Reimbursement
Your premium is what you pay to maintain your pet’s insurance coverage. Cost can vary based on factors such as your pet’s species, breed, age, location, and the coverage you select.
The deductible is the amount you are responsible for before eligible expenses are reimbursed according to the terms of your policy. Deductibles may work differently from one insurer to another, so find out whether yours is annual, per condition, or structured another way.
You should also ask about the reimbursement rate—the percentage of eligible expenses the insurer pays after the applicable deductible—and whether the policy has a maximum amount it will pay.
When comparing policies, consider the premium, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and coverage limits together rather than focusing on just one number.
Waiting Periods & Pre-Existing Conditions
Most pet insurance policies have a waiting period after enrollment before certain coverage begins. An illness or injury that develops during that period may not be eligible for coverage.
Pre-existing conditions are another important consideration. In general, illnesses, injuries, symptoms, or other medical concerns that began before coverage took effect may be excluded. Definitions and rules vary by insurer, so read the policy carefully and ask how the company determines whether a condition is pre-existing.
This is one reason pet owners may want to investigate insurance while their pet is young and healthy rather than waiting until a medical problem develops.
Understand How Claims Work
With many pet insurance policies, you pay the veterinary bill at the time of service and then submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement of eligible expenses. Some companies may offer other payment arrangements.
Before choosing a plan, find out:
- How are claims submitted?
- How long does reimbursement typically take?
- Does the insurer offer direct payment to veterinary hospitals?
- Can treatment be pre-approved?
- What documentation is required?
- How easy is it to reach customer service when you have questions?
Understanding the process ahead of time can help prevent surprises when your pet needs care.
Think Beyond the First-Year Price
Your pet’s healthcare needs—and the cost of their insurance—can change over time. When comparing policies, ask what happens as your pet ages and what changes the insurer can make at renewal.
Find out whether premiums may increase, whether coverage limits or deductibles can be changed, and whether making changes to your policy could affect coverage for conditions your pet has already developed. You may also want to ask whether there are minimum or maximum enrollment ages and whether coverage changes for senior pets.
A policy that works for your budget today should also be evaluated with your pet’s future needs in mind.
Ready to Compare Your Options?
Sorting through pet insurance companies and policies can feel overwhelming. These resources can help make the research process easier.
Compare Pet Insurance Plans with Pawlicy Advisor
Tidewater Veterinary Hospital offers clients access to Pawlicy Advisor, an independent pet insurance marketplace that allows pet owners to compare insurance options for their dog or cat. Pawlicy Advisor compares policy features and pricing based on information about your individual pet and offers customizable coverage options.
Learn More at Pet Insurance University
Want to dig deeper before making a decision? Pet Insurance University is an educational resource created by a veterinarian to help pet owners understand pet insurance, identify important policy features, compare companies, and learn what to consider before purchasing coverage.
Planning Ahead for Your Pet’s Care
Insurance is a personal financial decision, and Tidewater Veterinary Hospital does not choose an insurance policy for you. What we can do is encourage you to plan ahead, ask questions, and understand your coverage before your pet needs it.
Our goal is the same whether your pet is here for a routine wellness visit or unexpected medical care: to give you clear information so you can make informed decisions for the animal who depends on you.
Have questions about your pet’s healthcare needs? Call us at 301-884-3231 or request an appointment online.