WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT INSURANCE FOR PETS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Get a quote for your dog, cat or horse today!

Call 1300 738 225Visit www.petplan.net.nz