Types of Pet Insurance

Generally speaking, there are three major types of pet insurance policies,

1. Comprehensive
2. Accident only
3. Wellness

Comprehensive

As its name suggests, comprehensive pet insurance is the most robust and covers illnesses, accidents, and other health conditions. Specifically, this type of coverage generally includes diagnostic veterinary exams, diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries and specialized care, emergencies and hospitalizations, swallowed objects, skin, eye, and ear infections, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, many diseases, and orthopedic-related treatments. It may also cover certain hereditary or congenital conditions and some alternative treatments such as acupuncture or chiropractic care. The level of coverage and specifics around what is what is not covered varies depending on the insurance provider and the type of pet.

Accident Only

Accident-only pet insurance is a type of pet insurance that covers accidental injuries, such as broken bones, cuts, or poisoning, and medications and surgeries related to an accident. This type of policy does not cover illnesses or other health conditions that are not the result of an accident. Accident-only policies tend to be less expensive than comprehensive pet insurance, but they offer a limited level of coverage. The exact coverage and cost for pets can vary depending on the insurance provider and the type of pet.

Wellness Coverage

Wellness coverage for pets is a type of pet insurance that provides reimbursement for routine and preventive care expenses for your pet. This can include things like vaccinations, routine check-ups, dental cleanings, and flea/tick treatments. Wellness coverage is typically an optional add-on to a comprehensive pet insurance policy, and it can help offset the cost of regular veterinary care for your pet. Some policies may also provide coverage for certain diagnostic tests and preventive treatments, such as heartworm tests and parasite control. The exact coverage and cost of wellness coverage for pets can vary depending on the insurance provider and the type of pet.

Exclusions

It is very important to understand what types of treatments and care is excluded from coverage. Major categories of exclusions or coverage limits include the following:

Waiting Period: It is common for insurance companies to have a waiting period prior to treatments being covered. These typically fall in the 14-30 day range.

Pre-existing conditions: These include any health condition that is part of your pet’s medical health history and medical records prior to getting coverage. These include Bilateral conditions, which refer to conditions that can happen to both sides of your pet’s body like ligament and hip issues.

Hereditary and congenital conditions: For example, some dog breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and coverage could be limited or excluded depending on the breed. Some carriers will cover these instances if your pet is problem free for a certain period.

Preventable Illnesses: If your pet is not vaccinated for a preventable disease such Kennel Cough, and viruses like canine Influenza, Papillomas, and Parvovirus.

Age: Some carriers have age limits which can limit coverage. For example, not covering dogs before they are 8 weeks old or older than 14 years.

Elective and Cosmetic Procedures: Examples include tail or ear cropping, grooming, etc.

Birth/Death: Pregnancy and Death-related costs are typically excluded from coverage.

Dental Treatment: This is typically not covered unless part of a supplement to base coverage.