When it comes to our pets, we want the very best for them. And obviously, we would like to have them around for as long as possible. However, regardless of how much we watch them, pamper them, and spoil them, things happen. Illness, accidents, and emergencies aren’t exactly something you can completely prepare for.
What you can have is a financial safety net, in case the inevitable happens. Pet insurance ensures that your pet will get the medical coverage he needs when it’s needed the most. This guide will tell you all there is to know about pet insurance and which companies have the best policies in the L.A area.
How it works:
Not unlike human health insurance, pet insurance is an assurance that your furry friend will always be covered, and that any required medical procedures won’t drain your wallet. There is one big difference between human and pet health care plans. This is that with your pet’s policy, you will more than likely need to pay upfront and be reimbursed after the claim has been filed. Different plans cover different things, although no pet insurance is likely to cover pre-existing conditions. Read through your contract, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is no shame in knowing your pet’s coverage. Be sure that you understand the benefits your pet’s plan offers and what it does, and does not, cover.
Is it worth it?
Well that depends, are you willing to play financial Russian roulette with your four-legged child? While there is no guarantee that something will happen, being able to get your pet the medical care when he needs it could literally be the difference between life and death for him. Life-saving treatments can be incredibly expensive, sometimes even thousands of dollars. For example, a pet that is in need of cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, can expect to pay as much as $10,000! By contributing a much more manageable $30 to $50 a month towards a pet health care plan, your out of pocket medical expenses would be reduced by thousands. Animals by nature can be disaster-prone, so yes, it’s worth it!
Why it’s necessary:
Sure, watching Fido frolicking about the dog park with his furry buddies, he seems happy and healthy. But that could all change in an instant. Life is full of unexpected happenings, and this is especially true for the majority of pet parents. Whatever situation he gets himself into, it isn’t likely to be something that you are expecting, or that you are even remotely financially prepared for. In these types of emergencies, the last thing you need to be worrying about is how you are going to pay for the treatment that your pet needs.
3 Best Pet Insurance Options in Los Angeles:
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance:
Rated as one of the top pet insurance companies in the business, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, is one of the best available in Los Angeles. Pre-existing conditions, as well as exam fees and preventative care, are not covered but most of the costlier diagnostics and procedures are.
Embrace Pet Insurance:
Embrace is another great option. As with most, if not all, pet insurance companies, they do not cover pre-existing conditions. However, unlike some of the other alternatives, their policy tiers cover exam fees and offer diminishing deductibles. They have relatively shorter waiting periods and are one of the few that have a 100% reimbursement option.
Figo:
Rated by review.com as the best pet insurance in 2017, 2018, and 2019, as well as being voted best technology 2020, Figo is in a class all its own. Keeping it super simple with their Pet Cloud App, policyholders have the ability to speak live with a veterinarian 24/7 or even receive help from Figos’ very own AI claims assistant.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Many pet insurance plans have certain restrictions, particularly with regards to pre-existing conditions and/or stipulations about the types of illnesses covered.
There is typically a waiting period which usually depends on the type of benefit and varies from plan to plan. This means that if you wait until your pet needs surgery it is not likely going to be covered. Get them started on a plan early.
Pet insurance is typically worth it, especially with an accident-prone pet, but the wellness coverage is usually not.
Many pet insurance plans do not automatically cancel if the pet dies, you will be expected to pay premiums until the policy end date. Be sure that you understand your benefits and contract.
So long as you do your research, and choose a company with reasonable rates and contracts, then pet insurance is a very good idea. It can be a lifesaver when you truly need one. There are more than a few pets that have been put down due to their owners being unable to afford the expensive procedures needed to save their lives. Not many people have thousands of dollars in savings to pay for emergency surgery, especially up-front. There are plenty of different tiers of coverage and you’ll want to find one that is tailored to your dogs’ specific needs. Pets are more loyal than any human could ever dream of being. We kind of owe them the very best care we can provide them and pet insurance makes accomplishing this a whole lot easier!
If you would like to learn more or if you would like to use our pet care services reach out to us via email or call us.
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