5 important things to know before buying pet insurance

5 important things to know before buying pet insurance

These days, pet owners face the dilemma of skyrocketing healthcare expenses for their furry friends. To navigate this challenge, pet owners can opt for pet insurance. This is a helpful way to cover veterinarian bills if your pet gets sick or injured. However, each policy may vary in cost and coverage. Furthermore, not all plans may suit one’s budget or the pet’s needs. Therefore, it is important to consider various aspects before finalizing a policy.

  1. Types of insurance plans and coverages

Pet insurance plans are usually available in two types – comprehensive and limited-coverage plans. Limited coverage plans only cover emergencies, such as poisoning, bloat, and bites, whereas comprehensive plans offer coverage for various illnesses. Some comprehensive plans may also offer coverage for hereditary diseases and injuries. So, before purchasing a pet insurance policy, one must consider which type is best suited for the pet’s needs. Secondly, one must also check the other coverages that the policy offers. For instance, many pet insurance policies also offer coverage for annual health examinations, vaccinations, and routine dental procedures.

  1. The policy for pre-existing conditions

Like insurance policies for humans, pet insurance policies also have strict guidelines about pre-existing conditions. It means that if one’s pet has been showing certain signs of injuries, illnesses, or any health conditions before the policy was purchased, that particular condition may not be covered. For instance, if a dog has had a knee injury since before the policy was purchased, the insurance provider will not offer coverage for any costs relating to that knee injury. It is also important to note that some pet insurance policies can also have a waiting period. This means that coverage will only begin after a certain period, ranging from a few days to a month.

  1. Insurance claims can only be made via reimbursements

Before buying a pet insurance policy, individuals must know that the claims for most of these policies can only be made in the form of reimbursements. This means that pet owners would have to pay the total amount for any covered healthcare expenses for the time being. The insurance company will then reimburse them later for this amount. In most cases, one may not get reimbursed the total amount but only a maximum percentage. In such cases, the veterinarian can also provide them with an estimate of how much the insurance provider will reimburse based on the treatment procedure. However, some insurance providers offer direct claims where pet owners don’t need to pay any amount upfront.

  1. Factors that determine the premium

Pet owners must also understand that the premium of their pets’ insurance policies will depend upon many factors. A few aspects that determine the premium of the policy include-

  • Age – The pet’s age is a significant factor that affects the premium amount. The younger the pet, the lower the premium will be since it is at a lower risk of illnesses.
  • Type of pet  – The premium amount also depends on the type of pet. For instance, insurance policies for cats usually have lower premiums than those for dogs.
  • Breed – Besides their type, the breed of the pet also affects the insurance premium amount. This is because some breeds of certain animals are less prone to illnesses and injuries than others. For instance, dachshund dogs are more prone to back ailments due to their physical structure.
  • Locality – The cost of living in the area where one resides with one’s pet can also affect the premium amount. More expensive localities may have higher premiums.
  1. The deductibles

For a pet insurance policy, the deductible refers to the amount the owners must pay before the coverage begins. If an insurance policy offers a higher deductible amount, it will have lower monthly premiums that pet owners must pay. However, this would mean that while pet owners can save on their monthly expenses, they would need to have a substantial amount set aside to pay as a deductible for when their pet needs healthcare assistance.

Pet insurance can be a useful tool in navigating the spiking costs of veterinary care for one’s furry companion. However, it’s crucial for pet owners to carefully research before selecting a policy. By carefully assessing the abovementioned factors and choosing a policy that aligns with one’s budget and the pet’s needs, pet parents can offer the best care for their furry companions.

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6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don't season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat's fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements. Remember to cook the vegetables before feeding them. Pumpkin, squashes, zucchini, lettuce, green beans, broccoli, carrots, and peas are safe vegetables for your cat. Ideally, you can boil or steam them and serve them without adding seasoning. Avoid sharing portions of raw or uncooked salads from your plate. Meat Most cat food contains some protein as meat is crucial for their eyes, heart, and reproductive system. If you want to feed them meat you cook for yourself or your family, ensure it is cooked well. Avoid seasoned meat, or don't feed them pieces of meat from gravies or curries. Instead of seasoning, you can add spices like basil, cilantro, dill, rosemary, or thyme, which are safe for cats. Small portions of cooked beef, chicken, duck, and turkey are safe meat for cats. Lamb and pork may be fattening, and you can give small portions after trimming the fat. Avoid giving too much organ meat like liver and kidney. Fish Cats are prone to allergies and dry skin. Vets generally recommend omega-3-rich fish oils that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Fish can also help older cats that are prone to arthritis. Feeding your cats omega-3-rich fish can help them get a continuous supply of anti-inflammatory foods. The ideal fish you can feed your cats include tuna, herring, crab, and salmon. Avoid seasoning and also remove the bones. If your cat is used to canned or commercial food, they could choke on fish bones. Oatmeal Oats are a staple ingredient of many commercial cat food brands, and you can feed them to your cat occasionally. Presoak oats overnight, cook them well and mix them with water instead of milk. Don't add sugar or any topping that you may have with your oatmeal. You can also add a small portion of oatmeal to their regular food. If your cat has a previous history of gastrointestinal issues, avoid oatmeal as it can interfere with their digestion. Fruits As a pet parent, you may know that cats cannot distinguish sweet as a taste. You can give them fruits in moderation as treats or as a part of their meal. Sliced bananas, the flesh of watermelon without the rind or seeds, small amounts of strawberries, berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, small portions of apple, small slices of mangoes, cantaloupes, and pineapples without the rind or skin are all safe for cats. Always chop the fruit into bite-size pieces to prevent choking. Fruits are ideal as treats and not as a whole meal. Apart from human foods, here are some of the best cat-food brands that you can consider: Royal Canin Royal Canin offers a range of commercial wet and dry cat food and therapeutic food for specific health conditions. This brand also offers tailored nutrition, providing the exact requirement of vitamins, prebiotics, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that your cats require. Tailored nutrition is a unique concept that considers your cat's unique health needs, breed, and lifestyle, which is available for purebred cats and kittens. The brand also has age-specific food for kittens, adult, mature and senior cats. IAMS™ IAMS offers cat parents the choice of tailored nutrition for their cats based on their age, lifestyle, breed, and individual health issues. You can log in to the IAMS website and answer basic questions about your cat, and experts recommend the best product based on your cat's individual and unique needs. This brand is offering to cover the cost of your next vet appointment if you buy two bags of IAMS dry food. GREENIES™ Greenies offer Dental Treats, Pill Pockets, and Smartbites for cats in different flavors. Dental treats are available in chicken, tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors. Pill pockets are easy to use and available in salmon and chicken flavors. You can roll your cat's capsule in the pill pocket, hide it, and feed it to your cat without any fuss and strain for them. Smart bites are treats for your cat and are available in salmon, chicken, and tuna flavors.

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7 mistakes to avoid when purchasing pet insurance

Not long ago, pet owners sometimes had to make heartbreaking decisions when their pets were diagnosed with chronic conditions because of the high treatment costs that had to be paid out of pocket. Today, with pet insurance, people can get medical treatment and enjoy more time with their pets. But, with several insurers and plans to choose from, it is easy to make misjudgments. Here are seven mistakes pet owners make when purchasing pet insurance. Buying pet insurance too late Although pet owners are happy to meet their pets' needs in all other aspects of life, insurance is often ignored until their pet has developed a serious illness or has met with an accident. This is a mistake for two reasons: Just like medical insurance for humans, pet insurance only gets more expensive as they age. This could result in higher premiums, more exclusions, and increased out-of-pocket costs. Moreover, insurance providers may not offer coverage for pets with pre-existing conditions, which could lead to disqualification from the policy or minimal coverage. To avoid these issues, always purchase pet insurance while the pets are still young and healthy. Not seeking a veterinarian's opinion Another frequent mistake pet owners make is thinking that pet insurance is an individual decision. As a result, they don't consider taking their veterinarian's input or advice while choosing a policy. By doing so, they may end up with a policy that over or under-covers their pet and costs a lot of money. So, before signing up for pet insurance, speak to the pet's primary care physician. They can help tailor the insurance plan to provide the best possible current and future coverage for the pet. Considering insurance as a savings plan Some pet owners also make the mistake of thinking that a pet insurance policy works like a savings plan. They only buy an insurance plan based on the cost of premiums and the chances of making a claim in the future. However, pet owners should consider a pet insurance policy as a risk management strategy instead of a savings plan. In case something happens to one's pet, insurance works as a safety net to effectively manage costs without breaking the bank. Not asking enough questions One should not buy pet insurance without reading the fine print or asking relevant questions to the policy provider. This could lead to a host of disappointments and a loss of money, as the policy may not cover the pet's requirements. Before signing up for any insurance plan, speak to the agent and ask them questions pertinent to the pet's overall health. Take some time to understand the inclusions and know the exact coverage to avoid any confusion or complications in the future. Getting the wrong type of insurance Insurance providers offer different types of plans for pets. While the intricacies may vary, they majorly involve the following: Comprehensive coverage: Also known as accident and illness coverage, this provides the maximum coverage for one's pets. It generally involves accidents, chronic conditions (like cancer and arthritis), common illnesses, behavioral problems, dental care, diagnostic testing, and prescriptions. Accident-only coverage: As the name suggests, this only provides coverage for accidents, such as swallowing a foreign object or something toxic, laceration, heat strokes, breaking a bone, bee stings, getting hit by a vehicle, etc. It does not cover any illnesses or chronic/inherited conditions. Wellness coverage: This is generally sold as an add-on package along with the other two insurance plans. It covers the cost of routine care, such as wellness exams, microchipping, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, deworming, fecal tests, urinalysis, and so on. One must understand the pet's needs and consult a veterinarian to make an informed decision regarding the kind of pet insurance required. Overlooking coverage exclusions Exclusions may differ from policy to policy, depending on the pet's age and health. Exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, hereditary conditions, behavioral issues, elective procedures, and preventive care are common. Pet owners should read the scheme-related documents carefully to avoid running into any surprises in the future. Selecting insurance based on the premium amount While staying within one's budget is important, the cost of premiums cannot be the only governing factor when choosing a pet insurance policy. Consider other factors such as coverage, waiting periods, policy limits, deductibles, reimbursements, and age limitations as well to ensure comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.

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