2. Before taking out any insurance for pets from a
specialised pet insurance company like
Petplan, you must be well-informed about the
matter. You will then be able to make smarter
decisions that will affect many lives - yours and your
family's peace of mind and monetary health as
well as your pet's quality of life.
3. AREAS OF COVERAGE DIFFER
Not all pet insurance policies are drafted equal so reading the fine
print and asking detailed questions of the pet insurance company
representatives is a must to protect your interests. The differences
can be subtle or significant but these differences can affect your
premiums and your specific benefits in case of using the insurance
policy.
For example, a budget insurance policy may only cover veterinary
bills including after-care services but not death from illness and
injury, theft or straying, and holiday cancellation. These areas
may, however, be covered in a premium insurance policy.
4.
You must then decide between a basic plan or a comprehensive
plan for insurance for pets. Keep in mind that you have to weigh
between the costs of paying the premiums and the benefits of
claims in case of illness or injury to your dog. You should also check
the exact coverage for the illnesses and injuries.
Be sure to check the exclusions as well. Hereditary abnormalities
and pre-existing conditions are usually not covered by pet
insurance so you are well-advised to establish an emergency
veterinary care fund for your pet to cover these cases.
5. ACCREDITED VETERINARIANS ONLY
In most pet insurance companies, claims can only be filed for
veterinary care delivered by accredited veterinarians. You must
then ask the company about the list of accredited
veterinarians, check whether your veterinarian is on the list, and
then make the appropriate action. You can either inform your
accredited veterinarian about the insurance plan or look for
another veterinarian on the list.
6.
But there are cases when emergency care is a must for your pet with said care
provided in a non-accredited facility. Your best steps are to inform the facility
about your insurance for pets, complete the forms and gather the documentary
evidence including the payment forms so that the insurance company can take
the appropriate action on your claim. Again, ask the insurance agents about this
matter so that you already have the right information on hand.
It must also be emphasised that you have the option of paying the veterinary bill
out of your own pocket, as is the case with Petplan. You can then submit your
claim for reimbursement to Petplan, process similar to property insurance.
Note: Pet insurance is actually considered a form of property insurance. Many of
its provisions, however, are similar to health insurance for individuals.
7. WAITING PERIODS DIFFER
Like all forms of insurance, waiting periods are in effect for pet insurance.
This means that you must also be aware of the exact dates when the
policy starts and ends.
Such awareness is essential especially in cases when a gap in coverage is
being determined. There are cases in insurance for pets when a gap in
coverage can mean the difference between being approved and denied
for a claim so be proactive about it.
Choose your pet insurance well and you and your pet will be better off for
it in so many ways!
Do you already have a Petplan dog insurance policy? If not, then get one
now!
8. Get a quote for your
dog, cat or horse today!
Call 1300 738 225
Visit www.petplan.net.nz
