You’re the best pet parent a cat or dog could ask for. You’re always up for a good cuddle, you keep the treat cupboard well stocked, and you never miss a walk or belly rub. But how prepared are you to cover a hefty vet bill (or a whole pile of them) if your fur baby needs a little extra TLC?
This is where pet insurance comes in. Not only can it have your (pet’s) back in case of an accident or illness, but some policies even cover preventative treatments and dental care. Pet insurance can give you the financial means to choose the very best in veterinary care without having to worry about breaking the bank.
Want to know if pet insurance is right for you and your furry friend? Some of the most common pet insurance questions are answered here to help you decide for yourself.
What’s covered by pet insurance?
While pet health insurance plans differ by provider, they’re all designed to protect precious pups or cuddly kittens when they need it most. A few common coverages include:
- Accident and illness coverage for when the unexpected happens. This can include treatment for injuries, diagnostic services, X-rays, surgeries, overnight hospitalization, and more.
- Tests and medication to help Max get well when he’s feeling under the weather. This coverage can include medical exams, tests (like MRIs or CAT scans, for example), and even prescription medication.
- Dental coverage to keep Kitty’s pearly whites nice and healthy. This can include annual cleaning or unexpected problems with your pal’s teeth or gums.
- And benefits to support you, too. This can include coverage for kennel fees if you’re in the hospital and can’t take care of your pet, holiday cancellation coverage if you miss a trip because your pet needs emergency care, “lost pet” advertising if your pup goes on the run, and cremation or burial costs.
Some policies even include preventative care (like annual vaccinations and check-ups) and additional services like acupuncture, massage, and behavioural therapy.
What’s not covered by pet insurance?
Just like many personal health insurance policies, pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions — so if your cat or dog is showing symptoms of an illness before your coverage starts or during any waiting periods, be aware that treatment for that illness won’t be covered.
Other issues that aren’t typically covered by pet insurance include breeding, pregnancy, birth, and elective procedures like tail docking, ear cropping, spaying, and neutering.
What if my pet’s breed is prone to health problems?
Certain breeds of cats and dogs are more prone to health problems than others. But not to worry — pet insurance generally covers hereditary problems like hip dysplasia or ear infections as long as there are no symptoms before you register.
How much does pet insurance cost?
Just like your own insurance, the cost of your pet’s insurance will depend on many factors, including its age, breed, typical vet costs, and your chosen level of coverage. When your pet is in need of care, the last thing you should have to worry about is deciding between what’s right for your pet and what’s easier on your bank account. While some plans that come with higher limits, lower deductibles, or broader coverage may also come with higher premiums, you could find the extra coverage pays off in the long run. Canadians have a lot of pet insurance options — deductibles, copayment options, and premiums vary by provider — so consider the details of each plan and choose the type of coverage that’s right for your pet.
Your best friend deserves the best protection — and that’s why we’re proud to welcome Petline Insurance to the Economical family. As the first and only licensed insurance company in Canada to focus solely on pet health insurance, Petline has been providing innovative coverage options through its market-leading brand, Petsecure, for more than 25 years.
Want to learn more about the options available to you and your furry friend? Get a free pet insurance quote from Petsecure today.