Pet insurance is an excellent way to pay vet bills. But if you have a pet with a pre-existing condition, you may not be able to get coverage. Before deciding on a policy, a good insurer will take into account the health of your pet.
Pre-existing conditions are any illness or injury that occurred prior to the purchase of your insurance policy. Your pet may not even show signs of a problem until after you have started coverage. Sometimes, your veterinarian will be able to determine if your pet qualifies for coverage. Waiting until symptoms present can cause your coverage to be canceled.
A pet insurance company reviews your pet’s medical history for a few weeks before making a recommendation. Most companies require you to complete a variety of questions regarding your pet's medical history, including current and past ailments. Some require a complete medical examination from your veterinarian. This can be helpful in determining the appropriate course of treatment. It can be tedious, but it can save you thousands of bucks in the end.
A fully covered policy that is medically underwritten will cover all of the above. This policy is ideal if your pet has chronic or elderly conditions. There are also lifetime policies available that provide extensive coverage. Many of these policies require annual renewals and you'll need to reapply each calendar year.
Some companies will offer a pet-centric version of medical insurance, which is a bit more expensive than a standard plan, but can provide you with substantial savings. For instance, ManyPets offers a complete suite of medical services, including treatment of pre-existing conditions. The company even has an online portal where you can submit claims, track your pet's progress, and get quotes. It allows you to select your own veterinarian which is great if you don’t enjoy your current one.
Another option is to sign your dog or cat up for a yearly wellness plan, which can be more cost-effective than a monthly premium. A wellness plan will cover routine checkups as well as vaccinations. This can allow you to save money on your vet bills.
There are many options available from the best pet insurance companies so you can find the one that suits you. It's a good idea to find out as much about a company's policy as possible, so you'll know what to expect when it comes to your pet's future. Although it may not be easy to get pre-existing medical conditions covered, it is definitely worth the effort. If you take good care of your pet, you will reap the benefits in years to come.
The veterinary community is an excellent source of information on all subjects, including pet insurance and pre-existing condition knowledge. Veterinary charities can also be of assistance.