Pet insurance is known for providing multiple ranges of coverages. It includes illness, wellness, accident, and more. We need pet insurance because it is expensive to treat pets. Pet insurance is just like any other insurance due to restrictions, conditions, and even exclusions. So there are a few things that come under pet insurance, and you should know about them. For example, you apply for pet insurance, and the restriction says that your breed doesn’t come under the policy. So you have to make sure that you read all the terms and conditions.
Types Of Pet Insurance Coverages
There are three main types of coverage that you get with pet insurance. They are accident, wellness, and comprehensive. It provides a specific set of coverage that is constant from one pet insurance policy to another. Here, you must know that if you are getting particular coverage from one policy type, then another will not offer a similar thing to you.
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Wellness coverage that you get with pet insurance offers preventive and routine care. So your pet will get annual checkups and vaccinations under the policy. It won’t provide you with accident coverage. If you buy accident coverage, it will cover the cost of treating your pet in an accident scenario. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers both accident and illness. People rarely find wellness coverage, along with a comprehensive one.
What Kind Of Exclusion Do We Get With Pet Insurance?
If we talk about the number of exclusions, they often outnumber the number of inclusions or coverages. When you plan to buy insurance for your pet, you need to review exclusions. Without checking the list, don’t sign the contract. You will find a section with the title ‘What is not covered’ in the documents or on their website.
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If you do not find a list, a synopsis is another medium to convey the exclusions to you. For example, you visit the pet insurance company’s website. Look for the “What is not covered” page. Go to that page, and the company will tell you that there are these restrictions or exclusions. For more details, you have to click on the description. It will redirect you to the full information page.
#1: Waiting Period
Pet insurance policies come with a specific time that we call the waiting period. It usually lies between 10 and 30 days. During this time, you won’t be getting any coverage. In addition to this no coverage point during the waiting period, there is one clause. If your pet suffers from any problem during this waiting period, it doesn’t come under the policy. However, this doesn’t apply to all the insurance companies.
#2: Pregnancy and Birth
If your pet is pregnant, then the full cost of pregnancy is on you. Don’t expect the insurance companies to handle its price. Some insurance companies do offer coverage in case of complications, but it depends on your company. It would be best if you prepared yourself for the exclusion of it.
#3: Pre-existing Medical Conditions
If we talk about the exclusions that are common amongst most companies, then it is this one. If your pet is suffering from a disease or any other medical condition, you should not apply for pet insurance. Thinking that the company will provide coverage for a pre-existing condition is not valid. This even applies to the cancellation of one policy and buying another.
#4: Theft Or Death Of A Pet
Insurance companies do not provide coverage if your pet is stolen or dies. It would help if you had separate policies like life insurance and theft policy for dealing with it. Also, these particular policies are available for rare or expensive breeds or zoo owners only.
#5: Preventable diseases
If you are at fault that your pet is unwell, then the company won’t provide coverage. Here, we are talking about vaccination. It helps in the prevention of diseases. So take care of your pet by getting a vaccination for diseases like kennel cough, canine influenza, and giardia.
#6: Breed Exclusion
There are a few breeds of cats and dogs that do not come under the pet insurance policy. There are various reasons for their exclusion. One of them is that the companies have to pay a high amount for their treatment. Even if some companies agree to include them, they will charge a considerable amount for the same.
#7: Bilateral Condition
The bilateral condition is something that applies to both sides of your pet’s body. It could be cruciate ligament issues, dysplasia, or even cataracts. So this is another condition that comes under the exclusion.
#8: Elective Procedures
Most of the elective procedures do not come under pet insurance coverage—for example, tail docking, anal gland expression, nail trimming, dewclaw removal, and more.
#9: Age Exclusion
Insurance companies even consider the age factor before approval of an insurance policy. If your pet is at its extreme age, then insurance companies won’t approve your pet’s insurance policy. It could be the younger age spectrum or, the older age spectrum. For example, few companies don’t insure pets who are younger than eight weeks of age. By spending an extra amount, you may get benefits.
#10: Nonstandard/Non-veterinary services
It is of no surprise that procedures or activities that are not concerning veterinary services are not included. It means nutritional supplements, waste disposal, grooming, bathing, and even transportation. Other services that are also part of the exclusion list are experimental care and even behavioral training.
How Much Do You Need To Pay For Pet Insurance?
If investing in pet insurance is your concern, then here is an idea of its cost. It will help if you get an idea of whether it falls in your budget or not. The comprehensive coverage is available at $49 monthly for dogs while $29 for cats. Accident coverage costs you from $11 to $16 per month. Now, wellness coverage will cost you a minimum of $20 to a maximum of $25 per month.
So, this was all in our guide about what pet insurance does not cover. We hope you liked it and found it useful. If there are any questions in your mind, then please drop them below in the comments section. We reply ASAP.
