Q. What is Pet insurance?
A. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of medical care should your pet become ill or have an accident


Q. Why is Pet insurance important? When would I use it?
A.  1. Pet insurance is best used for unexpected medical events that are difficult to
  predict and budget for.
* Pet insurance should be used as a risk management tool and not as a way to save money.
    2. Pet insurance can be used for routine procedures (vaccines, teeth cleaning,
  heartworm tests, etc.)
* Be careful that the premiums you pay are less expensive than if your out of pocket cost

Q. How does pet insurance work?
A. It is a reimbursement program, you pay the bill up front and you file a claim with the pet insurance company. The insurance company is the party that will reimburse you.

Q. What do I need to look at when considering a pet insurance company?
A.  1. The plan should have good medical coverage ( covers accidents, injury, and
  illness.)
Check for coverage for chronic disease, continual coverage of
chronic disease, coverage for hereditary and congenial diseases, and
coverage for diseases that are common to your pet’s breed.

    2. Has a good reputation. 
Resources:
Pet insurance review: www.petinsurancereview.com
Better Business Bureau  www.bbb.org/us
Your state’s Department of Insurance www.in.gov.id

3. Has a strong underwriter
    This is the company that is financially responsible for
paying your claim.

4. Has a maximum payout limit that will cover “the worst case scenario costs”
  Payout limit can be annually, lifetime, per incident, per body system or based
  on a predetermined benefit schedule.

5. Has an affordable premium

6. Pays claims in a timely fashion  (less than 3 weeks)

7. Does not have unreasonable exclusions or requirements
  (genetic or hereditary conditions)


Here is a list of some top rated Pet Insurance Companies
according to Pet Insurance Review.

Trupanion: http://trupanionpetinsurance.com
Purina Care: http://purinacare.com
Pet Plan:  http://www.gopetplan.com/
Embrace:   http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/
Healthy Paws: http://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/
Pet First Healthcare: http://www.petfirsthealthcare.com
24Petwatch Insurance: http://www.24petwatch.com/petinsurance

For a complete list of companies go to www.petinsuracereviewstart.asp

** Hazel Dell Animal Hospital has had experience with the following companies: Trupanion, Purina Care, VPI, Pet plan, & Pet first Health Care.**