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Owning a pet can be a fulfilling and fun experience for many years. Whether you have a dog, cat or exotic animal, pets often become members of the family. However, these relatives come at a price – a price that is growing. In addition to causing a jump in grocery shopping and food pricesinflation also led to increasing costs of veterinary care. In this environment, pet owners may be looking for any advantage.
Enter pet insurance. In exchange for a monthly premium to a provider, owners can secure coverage for a wide variety of illnesses, medical problems and treatments. This can help protect pets and the owners who love them. To get the most out of this unique type of insurance, however, owners should first know a few important tips.
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Pet Insurance Tips All Owners Should Know
Here are three important pet insurance tips that all pet owners should know now.
Apply early to get the best rates and terms
Like most types of insurance, the best pet insurance rates and terms are usually reserved for younger, healthier candidates. If you want to pay as little as possible for as much coverage as possible, you should apply when your pet is still young.
Each birthday that passes will make the pet insurance plan more expensive. This will also reduce your chances of securing comprehensive coverage. Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditionsso if you wait until your pet develops these problems, pet insurance companies will limit your coverage (or deny your claim entirely).
So apply while your pet is young and healthy (although older pets may still be eligible for valuable coverage depending on their health status at the time of application).
You can check pet insurance rates here now to learn more.
Don’t wait until your pet is sick
Since pet insurance won’t cover pre-existing conditions, there is no point in waiting your pet is sick. If you do, you won’t get the coverage you need anyway, so it’s better to act before it becomes an emergency.
But there’s also a more practical reason to avoid delaying coverage: pet insurance has a waiting period before coverage kicks in.
“The 15-day waiting period, which starts the day after you sign up, is a set amount of time before your coverage kicks in and claims are paid,” says pet insurer Fetch by The Dodo. “There is also a 6-month waiting period before hip and knee injuries can be covered. You can waive the waiting period for knee injuries by having your pet examined by a veterinarian during the first 30 days of your policy to determine that there are no relevant pre-existing conditions.”
Consult your veterinarian
If you already use your vet to discuss your pet’s health and well-being, why not consult with them about an insurance policy that can help improve these elements? Not only is your veterinarian well-versed in your pet’s medical history—he’s also experienced with your pet’s overall breed and any medical issues he may be prone to.
Don’t be afraid to ask your vet for their advice or suggestions. They may be able to help you tailor your policy so you only pay for coverage you need now or will need in the near future.
Get a free pet insurance quote here now to learn more.
The bottom row
The above list of tips is not exhaustive. There are many ways to get cheap and discount pet insurance without sacrificing value. However, it’s important to apply early when rates are low and coverage options are solid. Don’t wait until your pet is sick, as their condition may disqualify them from coverage. And consider talking to your veterinarian, who can give you a clear view of pet insurance and the potential coverages your pet may need.