Adopting a Pet? Here’s When to Consider Pet Insurance

Adopting a pet can take some time if you do the proper research into the species and breed that would best suit your lifestyle. You might be leaning towards adopting a dog, but then realize a cat will be better suited to your less active lifestyle, or vice versa.

It’s also important to consider that all animals can have underlying conditions that may or may not be known. There’s every chance that your adopted pet has an undiagnosed health problem, past traumas, or outdated vaccines.

A reputable shelter or breeder will share all the details with you if they’re aware of these themselves, so you can make informed decisions. Keep in mind that even when adopting or buying a puppy or kitten, that animal may already have traumas, fears, or unknown health conditions.

Due to this, the first year of pet ownership may be quite a shock to your bank account. Health problems start to arise and accidents are more likely to happen, not to mention all the necessary vaccines and procedures. This is when pet insurance providers like Healthy Paws come into play.

Pet insurance is always a smart idea for new pet parents, and it’s particularly important if you’re getting a puppy or a kitten, as younger pets are significantly cheaper to insure.

The sooner you enroll for a pet insurance plan, the fewer exclusions for pre-existing conditions. These are classified as any illnesses or injuries that affect your furry friend in the long term, like chronic diseases or an accident that may leave them limping.

The first year of pet ownership is typically the most expensive due to the costs of initial care, such as getting your pet up-to-speed on vaccines, preventatives, dental care, and more. It may surprise you how much you’ll save with the right pet insurance provider, even when taking a monthly premium into account.

Based on covered treatments using an 80% reimbursement level and a $250 annual deductible.

Different pet insurance providers offer different types of coverage, but generally, accidents and new illnesses are covered by all. Cured conditions and emergency care are also typically covered, but the latter can vary depending on your policy.

Pre-existing conditions are rarely ever covered, while coverage for hereditary, congenital, and breeding-related conditions will often vary depending on your provider.

Preventative care, like routine checkups, vaccines, and dental care, isn’t usually covered across all providers, but in some cases it’s offered as an add-on under a wellness plan. Additionally, many pet insurance plans cover euthanasia, but not all cover burial costs or may only cover cremations.

Luckily, most providers cover exam fees, ensuring you can move forward with the starting point for any diagnoses, knowing your insurance plan has you covered.

As with most things in life, the sooner you enroll for pet insurance, the better. Providers don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to minimize the chance of anything happening to your pet before they’re covered. Below are some of the occasions where it’s smart to consider buying pet insurance.

You generally can’t use your coverage until all waiting periods are over. Illnesses and accidents usually have two separate waiting periods, and certain illnesses, like hip dysplasia, have their own. You should get pet insurance as soon as all the paperwork for your pet’s adoption is finalized.

Anything diagnosed before your pet is enrolled for pet insurance can be considered pre-existing, and therefore, not covered. Additionally, the first year of pet ownership tends to be the most costly due to a myriad of unpredictable factors, such as underlying health conditions.

Unusual weather conditions can bring their own health challenges for our furry companions. Extreme heat can cause heat stroke, sunburns, and blisters, while extreme cold can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and injured paw pads. If your area is expected to undergo unusual weather, it might be best to plan ahead and enroll your pet in an insurance policy.

So you’re ready to invest in a pet insurance policy, but aren’t sure which provider or plan is right for you. Keep the following steps in mind:

While most still consider pet insurance a luxury, many pet parents are starting to realize the value of this safety net. Being financially secure is also a key element of responsible pet ownership, and that includes making sure you’re prepared not only for routine checkups but also for any emergencies or sudden illnesses.

The sooner you can enroll for a pet insurance plan, the better, as there will be fewer pre-existing conditions not covered by your provider. You’ll be better equipped for the unknown, especially as your furry companion gets older.

Providers like Healthy Paws can give you the peace of mind associated with knowing you’re not alone when it comes to your pet’s health. Pet insurance is the way to go for new pet parents, no matter your companion’s age.