Pet Health Insurance Review

It’s not hard to find a quality veterinarian in most cities. Rather, it’s the cost of veterinary care that is often prohibitive. Even a simple checkup can be pricey, and by the time you request vaccinations, heartworm treatments, and dental procedures, the bottom line can very quickly skyrocket.

This is where pet insurance steps in. A quality policy lessens the costs of routine care, minor injury, or major medical surgery.

Our Favorite Insurance Providers

• Embrace Pet Insurance – Embrace uses Lloyd’s of London, which has been underwriting insurance policies for over 300 years…a solid company indeed. Policies are highly customizable and you’re sure to find a suitable premium. The website is very informative and customer care is top notch. Their “Embracers” help you understand all details and will provide honest suggestions for your coverage (even if that means not buying a policy from them).
• QuickCare Pet Insurance – They claim to “pay a higher percentage of your claim” than competitors, although we haven’t been able to independently verify this claim yet. Nonetheless, QuickCare is a very popular health insurance provider with excellent customer service and attention to detail. I appreciate how QuickCare understands that–in a time of medical crisis–the pet owner’s attention will be focused squarely on the dog’s well-being. As such, QuickCare specializes in providing comprehensive, quality coverage to provide care & support in our times of need. Oh, and they also offer coverage for both Americans and Canadians!
• Pet Assure – Naming itself “the pet insurance alternative”, think of Pet Assure more like the Costco of pet health care, in which you pay a fee to join a network which then offers you products and services at discounted prices. Through your Pet Assure membership, you will save 25% on vet visits, up to 50% off pet supplies, and get premiere access to a lost pet recovery service which may be useful if your pooch is prone to slipping off the leash. Also, since Pet Assure isn’t technically  insurance, there are no exclusions, co-pays, or deductibles to fool around with. And if your dog has any pre-existing conditions (which would typically disqualify her from traditional insurance plans), Pet Assure will cover your pup. So while Pet Assure isn’t ideal for large vet bills associated with surgery and other major procedures, this service does provide many other benefits which you should seriously consider.

Check the Deductibles & Co-Pays

Shop Wisely

So, which company should you go with? And which specific policy? These questions ultimately depend upon your personality, temperament, and budget. And no matter which one you select, try not to sign up for the very first policy you see. Shop around, and never agree to a contract until you understand exactly what you’re getting.

• Read the Fine Print. What exactly is (and isn’t) covered? What about your pup’s pre-existing health conditions? These are critical questions because the insurance company may not cover future illness that stems from past injuries or conditions. Similarly, some plans don’t cover dogs after a certain age, so find out if the policy has an age restriction.
• Check the Deductibles and Co-pays. How much will you have to pay each month for the policy…what about when you bring your dog in for a checkup? If two plans offer a similar level of coverage, consider purchasing the policy with lower costs.
• Understand What is (and Isn’t) Included. Will you get checkups, heartworm tests, or dental care? What about prescriptions, bone-density scans, and x-rays? These preventative measures are vital in ensuring the ongoing health of your pup. Do you want your insurance policy to cover them, or would you like to save on the premium costs by paying for preventative care out of pocket?