Monday, February 26, 2007

Finding the right pet insurance


Pet health insurance usually covers common illness, medical problems associated with the pet's type or breed, together with accidents or mishaps, optional vaccination, routine care, medication and diagnostic testing. Each of us should evaluate a number of pet insurances and choose a plan that is ideal for our pets and our financial circumstances. There are many eligibility factors and plan intricacies to understand when it comes to any kind of pet insurance.

Scope and Coverage

The annual premiums, excesses, coverage and costs are determined by the policy. The coverage depends on the species, age, pre-existing conditions and lifestyle of the pet. Levels of cover are generally higher for dogs than those for cats and other domestic animals. Vet fees cover typically varies from �1500 to �6000 each year. Hospitalisation, holiday cancellation, finding a lost pet, theft and death is frequently covered up to �500 with travel cover around the �750 mark.

Some packages offer comprehensive cover that includes annual check-ups and vaccinations, preventive medication, routine care and spaying or neutering surgery, while other plans cover only accident and illness. Usually when a pet is insured prior to the emergence of any given health problems, the condition is covered. There are some common exclusions by most of the insurance companies including hereditary and congenital conditions which may sometimes be covered at an additional cost.

Limitations and Contributions

The premium can often be reduced by selecting a higher excess option. There are usually standard excesses for third party liability and property damage claims, typically around �250. Naturally, you should be aware of the excesses, caps or limits covering a specified incident.

Insure Early

Most pet insurance companies start policies at the age of 6-8 weeks while some companies have no lower age limit. The earlier you take out the policy, the lower the annual premium.

Conclusion

Pet insurance is a way of potentially saving money and keeping our pets healthy. Technical advances within the veterinary profession are providing more effective options for sick and injured pets � but at a cost. A decent pet insurance policy makes the miracles of modern veterinary science more accessible.

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