3 Questions When Considering Pet Insurance

If you’re a pet owner, you treat your pet like family and would do anything to protect them. Pet insurance is one way to make sure your pet can get the help they need. In this article, we’ll look at what pet insurance is, whether it is useful to you, and different plan options.

What Is Pet Insurance?

Pet policies are like human health insurance policies, with a few notable differences. Below is a quick overview of key items in pet insurance policies:

• Across plans, monthly premiums, deductibles, and annual maximums have a similar structure.
• Pet insurance covers costs associated with most accidents and illnesses, including vet visits, tests, and medicine, as long as they aren’t preexisting.
• Most policies offer coverage for vet bills as reimbursement after you’ve paid.
• Premiums vary based on the pet’s age, what exactly is being protected, and the coverage limits.
• Insurance companies rarely cover pre-existing conditions and some conditions or illnesses.
• The insurer can include policy additions.
• Most pet insurance policies only cover dogs and cats from at least 6 to 10 weeks old.

The major benefit of pet insurance is it lessens the expense of a large, unexpected vet bill. If your pet is in an accident or eats something they shouldn’t, the cost of surprise surgery won’t be such a shock to your wallet if you have a good policy.

Do I Need Pet Insurance?

How do you know if your pet needs insurance? As with most insurance-related decisions, weigh the risk, likely costs, and coverage. Consider your pet’s health and the most likely perils they may encounter. Insurance policies rarely cover preexisting conditions, and if you allow your policy to lapse, those conditions that were previously covered may now be considered preexisting. Decide how well you are prepared to cover the costs of your vet visits and find a plan with the amount of protection you need.

Whether you have a cat or dog the chances that they will experience a major health issue, surgery, or prolonged use of expensive medication are likely. Some of these issues can be extensive, costing thousands of dollars. Your vet can be helpful by providing average bill amounts for common procedures, illnesses, and medicine.

What Pet Insurance Options Are Available?

When looking into insurance for your dog or cat, you’ll need to research plans like you would for health insurance. Some plans cover accidents only while others are customizable, allowing you to choose only the benefits you think you’ll need.

A few insurance companies offer an annual credit to your deductible for each year that you don’t file a claim. Under preventative or wellness care coverage, you’re reimbursed for vet visits and procedures, but coverage varies by company and plan. When you reach your policy’s limit, you will pay out-of-pocket for any further expenses that year.

If you decide insurance is a good option, search for policies that offer comprehensive coverage with low deductibles. Most plans offer 70–90% reimbursement rates at relatively monthly premiums.

Find the Coverage You Need with Texell Insurance¹

Texell Insurance offers coverage for cats and dogs from one week old up to 17 years, including reimbursement for dental, multiple vaccines, accidents, surgeries, and exams. Our insurance agents walk you through a variety of policies from reliable providers to find you the protection your pet needs at a rate that fits your budget. Call 254.774.5181 or visit Texellinsurance.com for help with pet insurance or any other insurance question.

¹ Texell Financial, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Texell Credit Union and does business as Texell Insurance. Insurance products are not issued, guaranteed, underwritten, or insured by Texell Credit Union or the National Credit Union Administration.