Jul
12
2009
0

Pet Care Health Insurance Is Something That Every Pet Owner Must Buy

Trying to find the best pet health insurance company? It can be tricky to understand all the technical jargon associated with pet insurance policies. The best way to look at the process is to remember that it’s just like medical insurance for people. Your pet is like a member of your family, and they need insurance just like everyone else. However, the pet insurance provider is in business, and there’s no free lunch. You will have to pay premiums and deductibles to the insurance provider and primarily use the pet care insurance policy for catastrophic events. That way, the plan will be affordable, and you’ll be comfortable knowing that your pet will be taken care of if he becomes gravely ill or injured.

As a pet owner, you are responsible for taking care of your pet. Many dog and cat lovers regard their pets as part of their family. You never want to be in a situation where you feel you have to choose between saving your pets life with expensive medical treatments or going broke to pay for his care. That’s where pet health insurance helps you out.

Medical Care For Pets Can Be Expensive

Most likely, you already have medical insurance for the human members of your family. In a similar vein, you want to have vet insurance for your pets. Pet health insurance has been around for years, and there are many pet health insurance companies to choose from. As medical care has become more expensive, you can’t always expect to be able to give your pet the best treatment with out-of-pocket payments. With pet health insurance, you can be sure the top-of-the-line care is always available to your pet, without worrying that you won’t be able to afford it.

Be sure to read the fine print when choosing medical coverage for your pet. Not all insurance plans cover the same thing, so you can’t just expect to get by on whichever plan has the lowest monthly payment. Be sure to find out what your deductible is, whether there is a cap on how much money the plan will reimburse you for your pet’s care, and whether there are any medical treatments or procedures the plan won’t cover.

The nature of vet insurance is that if you don’t read the policy carefully now, you could get burned by a nasty surprise once you actually incur an expense and need to use the policy to reimburse you or your veterinarian. Be sure you fully understand what your policy does and does not cover. Talk to a customer service representative if necessary to make sure your questions are answered.

Think about what you are going to use your pet’s veterinarian coverage for. If you plan to use it for routine care, you may end up paying quite a bit more for premiums. Reserving pet insurance for just the big emergency type expenses will help keep your costs down, but give you the peace of mind you’re looking for when it comes to your dog’s health.

When shopping for the right pet insurance company, you will find many providers will ask for certification that your pet is healthy before issuing a policy. They don’t want to take on the expense of insuring a dog or cat who is already known to be ill. If your pet is healthy when you put the insurance policy in place, then you should be covered in the event that problems do come up later. Your pet insurance provider will be responsible for reimbursing you for your costs, minus the amount of your deductible.

If your pet does get very sick or have an accident or injury, the medical treatment can be very expensive. Pet insurance makes the most sense in covering the costs of these types of catastrophes, but all the same, let’s hope they never happen to your pet.

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Jul
05
2009
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Learn the Basics of Pet Insurance

Most Americans treat their pets as members of the family. No matter if someone has a fluffy four-legged creature or a slithery reptilian companion, they will demand similar services for their pets as they do for themselves ” and for an every growing number of people, that includes pet heath insurance.

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Americans spent roughly $10.1 billion for pet health care in 2007 ” a 40 percent increase from 2006. The insurance industry isn’t ignoring these numbers. Jack Stephens, founder of Pet’s Best Insurance, says that Americans spend roughly $250 million annually on pet insurance. That figure is expected to increase to $1 billion by 2011, he says. That makes pet insurance one of the fastest growing insurance lines.

A pet insurance plan is very similar to one you might have. They can cover any sort of animal, but are generally taken out for dogs and cats. The policies vary in their costs and coverages, and can be as simple or as inclusive as you need.

Like any insurance, you don’t know when you’re going to need it. Unfortunately with pets, if they end up having surgery the costs can spiral so quickly. Equally, pedigree dogs are more prone to certain conditions.

A check with the ASPCA has seen a surge in the number of pet owners contacting their local offices in recent months. These owners are struggling to provide veterinary care to their pets, a situation that can be helped with a simple pet insurance plan.

Pet care plans generally covers vet bills that arise from illnesses and injuries. Many plans also offer preventative care, and liability coverage in case your pet damages someones property or person.

These plans also cover micro chipping to help locate a lost pet and some will even cover the cost of advertising and rewards to help locate your lost pet. Some even offer travel reimbursement if a trip is cut short due to a pet related cancellation.

This makes it important not to shop on price alone. How would you feel denying your pet a life saving procedure knowing that it saved you $1 a month?

These pet care plans are becoming much more common. This helps all owners feel comfortable knowing that their pets will be taken care of without causing undue financial stress on the family.

Making the life altering choice between euthanasia and an expensive medical treatment is never easy. According to Wallace Sife, who has counseled hundreds of guilt filled pet owners as founder of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, “There is no right answer.”

There is no hard and fast advice on what to do when a pet needs urgent care. It does appear, however, that pet insurance is the financial cure, though it may end up making the emotional decision a little easier.

These are some of the basics of pet insurance plans. There will still be some more research to do when choosing the right plan for your needs. This is often as simple as a web search for companies websites to compare the different plans and coverages. It’s important not to get hung up on price as your sole shopping criteria. The cheapest plan may not necessarily be the best deal. Ultimately, you want to be sure that your pet will be provided with the best care should there ever be a need. This will keep you both happy for many years to come.

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Written by Dr. Sherry Timmerson DVM in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , ,
May
23
2009
0

Pet Insurance – Isn’t It About Time

Buy pet insurance today and you are certain to sleep better tonight. We pet owners take our obligations to our furry friends seriously. We endeavor to provide a safe and comfortable home, as well as the very best food we can afford. In addition, we supply plenty of clean water, regular exercise, toys and accessories of the highest quality and regular visits and check-ups at the vet to ensure they stay in the best of health.

But what might be missing? A much needed trip to the vet. Yes, it is vital that as dog parents we provide regular visits to the vet to ensure our ‘best friend’ stay in the best of health. We make sure our child gets the best medical care and, since our dog is an extended family member, we want to make sure he or she is well taken care of too.

Now don’t think I have buried my head in the sand and have no idea the type of economy we are all facing. The recession has made it necessary for most families to cut back on many things we once considered must-have items. That may include some of the goodies we once purchased for our pets. The good news is however our pets really don’t need that much. As a matter of fact most of what it takes to keep a dog happy and healthy is free.

There are three primary things a pet needs and the first is plenty of attention and play, which cost you nothing. Healthy food is next on the list. Now it can be a bit more expensive, but careful shopping should help you find good deals on the best foods for your animal – that could even include organic food. The final expense

Veterinarian care has made great advances in medical practice over the past few decades. Many techniques that once were reserved for humans can now be safely and effectively performed on animals. The unfortunate side effect of these increased medical possibilities is that veterinary costs have spiraled in response to the need for more advanced equipment and diagnostic tools in order to perform these new techniques.

In the past twenty to thirty years veterinarian care has made great scientific advances in medical practice. Decades ago only humans benefited from the many medical advances, but times have changed. Many techniques that once were reserved for humans can now be safely and effectively performed on animals. This however does not come without a price. These increased medical possibilities have caused prices to skyrocket because there is now a need for more advanced equipment and diagnostic tools.

By spreading the expenses out into equal monthly premiums you will eliminate ’surprises’ and that makes your pet’s medical care costs easier to manage. You will sleep better knowing that even if your dog has a critical accident they will be given the best in modern veterinary care without severely impacting your pocketbook.

When you buy pet insurance you receive a peace of mind that comes from knowing that not only can you meet your obligations for the care and maintenance of your animals but you will be able to pay your family’s bills as well. Now that should help you sleep better.

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Written by Sherry Harris in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
May
23
2009
0

Affordable Pet Insurance That Provides Value To Your Family

Affordable pet insurance is now available for all the pets in your household. Although compared to Europeans, very few Americans insure their pets, more and more are beginning to do so. Health insurance for your pets just makes good sense. As vet bills continue to climb and we all feel the pinch of the economic downturn we are looking for ways to ease the impact on our pocketbook.

Study after study has proven that regular medical care is a prime factor in giving humans longer healthier lives. The same is true of our animal friends. If they are given access to regular medical care they will not only live longer but maintain a higher degree of energy and mobility into later life.

Pet hospitals have a solid history in the pet care industry, with over 50 years of experience. One pet insurance company is affordable because they have enrolled more than two million pets in their unique health care system. There goal was to provide human-quality health care for pets because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

A cheap price is not the only criteria you should be looking for when purchasing pet insurance. Instead you should look for value. If you have a dog that is prone to injury you will can to find an excellent canine insurance policy. Look for one that will cover CAT scans, MRIs and other highly technical diagnostic tools. You will also want to check if they will cover reconstructive surgery, physical therapy and medications during the recovery period. All of these things can add up to horrendous medical bills if they are not covered. These are not the types of bills that you want to saddle your family with.

Also, keep in mind that pet’s age faster than humans. One year for a dog is about seven years in human life. Can you picture your 65 year old grandfather not having medical, dental or vision care for a decade? A preventive care health policy is critical.

Basically you want to find the company that offers the cheapest price for the greatest value of services. Affordable pet insurance does not need to be low value. Many highly reputable companies offer affordable insurance that will cover accident and illness and some routine care.

A full-service pet insurance plan should cover annual check ups, emergency visits and vaccinations. The purpose of a pet insurance policy is to give you peace of mind. If your pet were to become ill or have an accident, you know that you will not have a financial burden getting medical attention because you are covered.

Pet insurance is specifically designed to help you manage the health care costs for your dog whether he is an adventurer or a homebody, a scout or a pampered pooch. When choosing coverage, be sure to carefully review the benefits and coverage limits so that you do not get caught short at the emergency room doors. Your happy go lucky fellow deserves the very best of care and a long and happy life in spite of his misadventures.

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Written by Sherry Harris in: Dogs | Tags: , , , ,
May
23
2009
0

Pet Insurance – Looks To The Future

Buy pet insurance today and you are certain to sleep better tonight. We pet owners take our obligations to our furry friends seriously. We endeavor to provide a safe and comfortable home, as well as the very best food we can afford. In addition, we supply plenty of clean water, regular exercise, toys and accessories of the highest quality and regular visits and check-ups at the vet to ensure they stay in the best of health.

But what might be missing? A much needed trip to the vet. Yes, it is vital that as dog parents we provide regular visits to the vet to ensure our ‘best friend’ stay in the best of health. We make sure our child gets the best medical care and, since our dog is an extended family member, we want to make sure he or she is well taken care of too.

Now don’t think I have buried my head in the sand and have no idea the type of economy we are all facing. The recession has made it necessary for most families to cut back on many things we once considered must-have items. That may include some of the goodies we once purchased for our pets. The good news is however our pets really don’t need that much. As a matter of fact most of what it takes to keep a dog happy and healthy is free.

There are three primary things a pet needs and the first is plenty of attention and play, which cost you nothing. Healthy food is next on the list. Now it can be a bit more expensive, but careful shopping should help you find good deals on the best foods for your animal – that could even include organic food. The final expense

Veterinarian care has made great advances in medical practice over the past few decades. Many techniques that once were reserved for humans can now be safely and effectively performed on animals. The unfortunate side effect of these increased medical possibilities is that veterinary costs have spiraled in response to the need for more advanced equipment and diagnostic tools in order to perform these new techniques.

So, if your pet gets sick you can rest assured they will get the best medical care without it putting you in the poor house. Pet insurance will defray medical expenses should your pet need any life-saving techniques. By having pet insurance in your financial arsenals you can manage the costs of vet care with ease.

By purchasing pet insurance you can get rid of expensive medical bills. If your dog gets sick you will not hesitate to get it the medical attention it deserves because you know you are covered and your pet’s medical care costs are now easier to manage.

If you do not have pet insurance, take this first important step now before you find yourself in a bind. It is possible to have it all. Yes, you can have peace of mind knowing your pet has health insurance and that if something should happen you know you can meet all of your obligations.

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Written by Sherry Harris in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
May
22
2009
0

Pet Insurance – Perfect For Today’s Dog Parent

Affordable pet insurance policies set the industry standard in preventive care pet insurance. These inexpensive policies are designed to encourage regular medical care which has been proven to keep pets healthy and eliminate medical problems before they become chronic health problems.

At times like these we cut back luxuries and it can be tempting to see our pet insurance as a luxury. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In times of economic pressure our insurance can give us peace of mind. Health insurance will cover your pets in case of sudden illness or accident.

Pet hospitals have a solid history in the pet care industry, with over 50 years of experience. One pet insurance company is affordable because they have enrolled more than two million pets in their unique health care system. There goal was to provide human-quality health care for pets because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

By comparing the various companies and their policies you will quickly discover who offers the most value for your money. Cheap price is not the only criteria you should be looking for. Many times disreputable companies will offer a cut rate price but when you check the fine print they have extensive exclusions and pay out limits that drastically reduce the value of your policy.

Also, keep in mind that pet’s age faster than humans. One year for a dog is about seven years in human life. Can you picture your 65 year old grandfather not having medical, dental or vision care for a decade? A preventive care health policy is critical.

Basically you want to find the company that offers the cheapest price for the greatest value of services. Affordable pet insurance does not need to be low value. Many highly reputable companies offer affordable insurance that will cover accident and illness and some routine care.

A full-service pet insurance plan should cover annual check ups, emergency visits and vaccinations. The purpose of a pet insurance policy is to give you peace of mind. If your pet were to become ill or have an accident, you know that you will not have a financial burden getting medical attention because you are covered.

If you want a preventive health care policy that is backed by experience and a proven tract record for excellent veterinary medicine then you will want to enroll your pets in the best pet insurance plan possible. Ensuring that your pets are covered in the event of accident makes good financial sense.

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Written by Sherry Harris in: Dogs | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Apr
25
2009
0

Urgent News Regarding Best Value Pet Insurance

When it comes to making sure that you are financially covered should something bad happen to your pet, it is important to make sure that you have coverage through the best rated pet insurance out there. The best pet insurance plan is the one that covers your pet’s needs for the long-term at a reasonable monthly rate. Not having the best rated pet insurance policy can cost you thousands of dollars in veterinarian expenses.

To determine which company is really the best pet insurance plan company will take research. All companies are going to claim that they are the best of the best as this is a part of their advertising.

As the consumer, you will need to wheedle out the best rate pet insurance company from the worst rated pet insurance company. Doing your research, no matter how annoying and time consuming, can save you from ending up to having to pay for a procedure you thought was covered.

Where to go for Best Rated Pet Insurance Information

Find out who has pet insurance and talk with them about their experience; word of mouth is a great way to determine which is the best rated pet insurance company. On-line chat groups are a great place to find out information about people’s experience in how they care for their pets. Many of these people have pet insurance and can help you determine which is the best rated pet insurance policy. Word of mouth still remains the best way of gathering information about different companies and the clients’ satisfaction.

The World Wide Web in general is a great place for finding information on any particular company. Customer complaints and any pending or active lawsuits involving any particular company will likely be found on the web. In the end, with enough time and dedication, you will certainly find the absolute best rated pet insurance out there. Once you find the best rated pet insurance out there you will want to sign up so you can be prepared in case something bad happens.

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Written by Dr. Robert Sleeter in: Dogs | Tags: , , ,
Apr
21
2009
0

Insurance For Dogs: Why Your Dog Needs It

Some pet owners choose not to buy medical insurance for dogs because of the cost, but end up paying more on vet bills in the end. Now is the time to insure your dog, before it’s too late. Don’t count on your dog always being healthy. You don’t know what the future will hold. Just like us, pets need additional medical care as they age.

Choosing a Pet Insurance Policy for Your Dog

It should be pretty easy for you to find pet health insurance for your dog. Comprehensive dog breeds insurance is offered by several different insurance companies. However, not all these companies offer affordable best pet insurance for dogs so if you have limited funds, you should do a little bit of hunting for affordable pet insurance policies. Moreover, you should know what factors that may affect the cost of your pet’s insurance policy.

Your dog’s genetic make-up can actually effect the cost of the plan. Why is that? Experts believe some dogs, especially pure breeds, are more likely to inherit defects from their parents. This makes insuring them more expensive. On the other hand, genetically engineered dogs or those designer dogs may harbor some genetic defects that can increase the cost of the medical insurance for your pets. The extra medical care that designer pets will need during their lifetime can make the insurance cost very high indeed.

Your dogs age is going to effect the price of your best insurance for dogs. Puppies are generally more expensive to ensure than those dogs who are already a year or two years old. Why does it work that way? Puppy insurance policies are more expensive because puppies tend to have accidents and become ill more than adolescent dogs. If you have a puppy at home and you want to get him pet insurance for dogs, be prepared to pay a little extra amount for his accident and injuries.

Is Your Dog Eligible For Pet Insurance For Senior Dogs?

Unfortunately, not all dogs are eligible for health insurance for dogs. It is rare to find pet insurance offered to dogs over the age of 11. Dogs that are 11 years and older tend to have more health issues which makes them hard to insure.

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Written by Dr. Robert Sleeter in: Dogs | Tags: , , ,
Apr
20
2009
0

Does Your Pet Need Pet Insurance For Senior Pets?

Aging pets need extra medical attention compared to younger pets. This may require you to spend extra money to keep your pet healthy in coming years. No, you cannot just ignore the medical needs of your aging pet because you want to save money. You’ve always treated your pet as a family member, and it’s no different now. You’ll need to care for them as they get older. Getting insurance for older pets may be a wise decision, because vet bills tend to get costly for older pets. The pet insurance can help you cover the costs of vet bills for your older pet.

Coverage That Your Pet Needs

Pets are just like people. Your pets bones will become weaker and more brittle as they age. This will make your pet more likely to break a bone if there is an accident. Some pet insurance companies include this kind of coverage in their pet insurance for older pets, so you may not need to pay anything extra.

You’ll find that your pet does need some special insurance coverage. When buying insurance for older pets, see to it that your pet is covered against stroke and/or seizures. Strokes and seizures are especially common in some pure breed dogs. Even though a pet insurance policy can’t prevent your aging dog from becoming ill, it can help you cover the medical costs if it does happen.

You can also get coverage for ailments like heart disease and cancer. According to experts, a lot of pets develop heart ailments or cancer toward their twilight years. You’ll need this kind of coverage for cats and dogs especially. If you have a cat at home and you are worried that you cat may develop cancer late in life, you better get insurance for older pets that cover both heart and ailments for your cat. Remember that the worst thing that you can do is to let your pet suffer because you cannot afford those expensive heart or cancer treatment. Take the steps necessary now to care for your aging pet later.

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Written by Dr. Robert Sleeter in: Dogs | Tags: , , ,
Apr
18
2009
0

Pet Health Insurance – Points To Consider

Got a dog, or a cat, or perhaps both? Sooner or later you are going to be faced with a veterinarian’s bill for care and a prescription to fill. It’s time to look at Pet Health Insurance and here are a few pointers to keep in mind.

* Make sure your veterinarian is on the insurance company’s approved list first of all. Then cross check with the vet to see if he will work with that insurance company, you might be surprised! Pump your vet for his advice on what coverage you should have for your pets, then talk with the insurance compay to see what they are willing to cover and what the monthly premiums will be.

* Prescriptions may not be covered in the general policy, so be sure to get a rider to cover them. As a rule pet prescriptions are every bit as expensive as they are for people.

* Be sure to see the cap schedule. This will tell you the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out for various fixed conditions, such as loss of a limb, an eye, or the most they will reimburse you for treatment of various cancers.

* Don’t forget to ask about deductibles. This particularly applies to scheduled events such as semi-annual check ups, and to filling prescriptions. The larger the deductible the less the premium should be.

* How do your submit a claim for reimbursement? How long does the insurance company hold the claim before sending you a check? Ten days seems about average. What documentation do they require? Make sure you have the answers before signing up.

* Another point you have to clarify with the insurance company relates to exclusions. For example some canine breeds are prone to hereditary defects. If such an exclusion pertains to your pet, perhaps you can have an inclusionary rider added if you are willing to pay the extra premium.

* One example of an exclusion is large dog breeds and their history of hip dysplasia. German Shepherds, Great Danes, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Terriers are among those most prone to suffer from this condition.

* Bulldogs are another example of a breed that may be excluded from complete coverage. Heat stroke, sleep apnea, hip problems and cataracts are among the litany of health problems suffered by bulldogs dues to their flat face and narrow breathing passages.

* A condition known as Familial Nephropathy is a genetic inheritance suffered by English Cocker Spaniels and is usually fatal. As a result, pet health insurance companies won’t insure this breed until they are at least two years old.

Insurance companies compile statistics and from these they extrapolate the probabilities of risk, which dictate the monthly premiums you have to pay. This applies to pets as it does to all other risks they may cover. The more extensive the coverage you request, the more you have to pay. It’s a good idea to get your veterinarian’s advice on what coverage he deems best for your pet, then decide on the coverage you need and the size of the premiums you can afford.

Caveat emptor is the best advice when obtaining pet health insurance.

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