Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Insurance
Written By: Jacqueline Blanco
Does AtlasVet accept pet insurance?
Pet insurance operates a bit differently than human health insurance. With human insurance, part of your bill is usually covered right away. In contrast, pet insurance generally require clients to pay the full amount upfront, then file a claim with your provider. After that, the client will be reimbursed for the eligible expenses.
A simple online search for “pet insurance comparisons” can help you easily compare what different providers have to offer. NerdWallet, Pawlicy Advisor, and Forbes are some websites you can use to compare.
Tip: When shopping for pet insurance, start by checking the insurance policies or memberships you already have. You might be able to bundle pet insurance with your home, auto, or renters coverage to save money. Organizations like Costco and AARP also provide pet insurance discounts. Additionally, see if your employer includes pet insurance in their employee benefits.
Please note: AtlasVet does not participate in any direct-pay programs with any pet insurance companies. We do not accept payment directly from insurance companies.
Type of Insurance or Policies:
There are three main types of pet insurance policies: accident-only, comprehensive, and wellness. Accident-only policies mainly cover unexpected events such as your pet getting hit by a car, taking a bad fall, animal bites, poisoning, bone fractures, foreign body ingestion, or lacerations.
Comprehensive policies cover both accidents and illnesses. They cover urinary tract infections, allergies, skin/ear infections, diabetes, kidney disease, upper respiratory infections, arthritis, and cruciate ligament injuries, as well as hereditary and congenital conditions. Some examples of hereditary and congenital conditions include cherry eye, hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, nervous system issues, heart disease, and cancer.
Wellness policies are usually in addition to comprehensive policies. They include preventative care such as annual exams, vaccines, dental cleanings, monthly preventatives for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, blood and fecal tests, some grooming (nail trims, lion cuts, shave matts, sedated nail trims), spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
Please be advised that these are generalized policies, and they will vary from company to company. Each company has its way of defining certain terms, bundles, limitations, coverage, and structure for how it creates its policies. If you have pet insurance in mind, take some time to research the company.
Things to Look Out For/Pre-existing Conditions, Deductible, Age Limits, Dentals:
When getting pet insurance, it is important to consider several factors, such as pre-existing conditions, coverage (depending on the policy you choose), your deductible (your portion of payment), age limits, coverage caps (the maximum amount the insurance will pay), and specialty services. These will vary from company to company.
Additionally, pet insurance companies may not cover all costs. Some examples of costs that may not be covered are hospital fees, prescription foods/medication, treatment or rehabilitation, medical devices, palliative or end-of-life care, holistic care (which includes herbal medication, acupuncture, chiropractic, or cold laser), specialty, or dental cleanings. These additional services or items may not be covered by an all-in-one policy. Sometimes you may have to include this as an ‘add-on’ to your policy or it may be included in a premium package.
Is It Worth It?
When it comes down to deciding if pet insurance is worth it, it comes down to a mix of your finances, your pet’s risk, and how you care for your pet. Consider the following:
- Compare Cost. Get a couple of quotes, see how much a visit may cost with and without insurance.
- Understand what pet insurance covers. There are typically 3 types of pet insurance coverage. Determining which coverage you want depends on the treatment and care you want for your pet.
- Your Pet’s Risk. Consider factors like your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle. Certain breeds are more prone to specific health issues—for example, pit bulls often have allergies, while retrievers are more likely to develop hip dysplasia. Older pets typically face more health challenges, which can lead to more frequent vet visits and higher costs. Lifestyle also plays a role—active pets may have different needs compared to more sedentary ones, and indoor cats often face different risks than outdoor cats.
- Your Finances. Are you willing to pay an unexpected vet bill of $2,500 or more? If you can confidently say you can set money aside for a ‘pet fund,’ you may not want to consider pet insurance. If not, then pet insurance may be a good safety net.
