Pet Insurance in Utah
What To Look for in Utah Pet Insurance Plans
Finding the right insurance can be stressful, however, so it’s important to understand some considerations to consider as you learn and explore. Costs vary significantly from company to company, but it isn’t necessarily about finding the cheapest plan available in Utah, it is about getting the coverage you need to take the best care of your pet, reducing your financial risk, and getting a fair price. Also, the price of any pet insurance policy you take out will vary depending on several factors, including your pet’s age, gender, and location.
Is Utah Pet insurance a good idea?
Our furry friends are members of our family, and just like any other family member, we want to ensure they're taken care of if something goes wrong. We never want to think of the “what if,” but having pet health insurance can help us prepare for the unexpected with our four-legged family members. Investing in pet insurance can be a great way to ensure that your pet is cared for if it requires medical attention. From minor illnesses to major medical emergencies, a pet insurance plan can help you manage vet bills and other related costs. But much like human health insurance, pet health insurance can be confusing. From coverage options to costs and exclusions, pet parents in Utah are best served to know exactly what to expect and look for before they invest in a pet insurance plan.
How Much Does Utah Pet Insurance Cost?
Have you ever found yourself surprised and stressed when your pet requires emergency medical care in Utah, but you're not entirely prepared financially? Unfortunately, accidents or illnesses can happen anytime, so you should have a proper plan to deal with them. Pets are a member of our family and rely on us for their well-being and health; they shower unconditional love and live as your companion, and if you are like most you want to do everything you can to ensure the health and wellness of your pet. Pet insurance may be more affordable than you think with costs that generally range from $15 to $30 for cats and $25 to $70 for dogs per month for base plans. Prices vary for the same insurance company depending on the pet's gender, age, breed and of course the type of coverage associated with the plan. And, of course, there are differences in premiums between companies as well, sometimes significant. That said, many providers offer customizable coverage which helps bridge the gap between the pet's specific needs and those you can reasonably afford.
Benefits Offered in major plan types
A comprehensive plan, also referred to as accident and illness, offers the most coverage and generally covers health conditions, illnesses, accidents, emergency care, diagnostics, behavioral, and potentially alternative treatments. Accident-only plans cover treatment, medication, and surgery related to injuries caused by accidents. Some examples are broken bones, injuries such as being hit by a vehicle, or unfortunate accidental poisoning. Finally, Wellness plans cover elements of routine health visits and care. They're typically reimbursements for care such as vaccines, flea/tick medications, parasite control, and dental cleanings. You can most often purchase wellness plans as add-ons to a base plan for plans that cover pets in Utah.
Factors that Impact Utah Pet Insurance Cost
Pet insurers review a handful of core variables in determining the prices they charge. One of the factors that determine the monthly premium is the breed of the dog or cat. Certain breeds are more predisposed to illness requiring treatment than others and this is in part due to their genetic makeup. Age is another factor that influences cost with older pets costing more to insure as they tend to generate more medical costs than younger pets. Unfortunately, if your older dog has a medical issue and you don’t have insurance, you are out of luck. The best bets are to start insurance at a younger age so you will have it when you need it and not be subject to exclusion based on a preexisting condition. Location also factors into the cost of pet insurance as treatment costs differ as do most things depending on where you live, so the cost to insure the same animal in Utah could be more or less than another area of the country.
The scoop on Deductibles
The deductible is a key component of insurance plans that is critical to understand. Simply, it is the amount you pay on your own before your insurance policy starts to cover anything. The deductible can vary based on your plan and can be either a “per incident” or “annual” type of deductible. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium but keep in mind, this may increase your out-of-pocket costs should you have to file a claim for treatment by your vet in Utah. So, it’s not purely about finding a plan with the lowest out premium, as those plans likely have higher deductibles and more limited coverage than comparatively more expensive plans from the same insurer. A per-incident deductible must be met for each “incident” or related group of claims. For example, if your dog has a knee issue and is treated, then the following week, breaks his leg, they would be considered different incidents, and each would have its deductible hurdle. An annual deductible by contrast is the amount for the entire year that must be spent before coverage initiates, regardless of the incident.