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6 Myths About Pet Health Insurance

"a healthy dog or puppy will bring years of joy"

Pet health insurance might be something you've never considered buying. Many owners don't believe they need pet health insurance; others may think it's too expensive, too complicated to file claims against, or inappropriate for their pet's needs. Here are some of the most common myths about pet health insurance.

Myth 1 - You Don't Need Pet Health Insurance

Anyone's pet may become sick or injured at any time. Veterinary bills can pile up fast, and can become quite costly. You might think you don't need pet health insurance, but it can save your pet's life. Health insurance coverage means that you won't have to put your dog down because you can't afford the medicine he needs to treat a disease or because you can't pay for his surgery.

You shouldn't wait until your pet becomes ill to consider buying medical coverage. It can be difficult to get coverage for a pet that is already sick.

Myth 2 - Pet Health Insurance Is Too Expensive

In fact, pet health insurance can be quite affordable. Pet health insurance companies offer a wide range of policy options ranging from basic care plans that offer accident, injury and routine care coverage, to accident only coverage, to multi-pet coverage. Some companies won't even increase your premiums as the pet ages, so your six-month-old puppy will cost just the same to ensure when he's a ten-year-old dog.

Myth 3 - There Are So Many Exclusions, It Isn't Worth It

Most pet health insurance policies cover a wide range of illnesses, accidents, and injuries and most companies offer coverage in the thousands of dollars. However, hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions may be excluded. Make sure you ask about these conditions, especially if your pet is of a breed susceptible to certain hereditary, chronic or congenital conditions. Most companies offer riders that can extend coverage to these conditions.

Extending coverage to include hereditary, congenital and chronic illnesses can, of course, increase the cost of pet health insurance. However, treatment for many congenital, hereditary and chronic illnesses can be quite costly. You might need that coverage to ensure that your pet receives the care he needs.

Myth 4 - You Can't Choose Your Own Vet

Most pet insurance companies won't place any limits on your choice of veterinary care, and will instead allow you to visit the vet of your choice. This extends to emergency clinics and visits to specialists.

Myth 5 - Pet Insurance Is Complicated To Use

Most pet insurance is actually very easy to use. Just visit your vet, pay the bill and then submit a claim form with your company. You'll be reimbursed according to your level of policy coverage.

Myth 6 - Pet Insurance Doesn't Cover Routine Care

Many owners believe that pet insurance won't cover routine care such as vaccinations, dental cleanings and spay and neutering operations. The truth is that most pet insurance companies offer coverage for routine care and wellness treatment. This makes good financial sense; after all, if your pet health insurance reimburses your for the less costly procedures that keep your pet healthy, it'll be less likely that they'll need to pay out for more complicated procedures in the future.

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