Looking for pet insurance? We can help!
Pet insurance is a valuable and proactive financial resource that:
What Should You Know?
Age
Insuring your pet at a younger age lets you secure coverage before any pre-existing conditions arise, providing lifelong protection. As pets age, they become more susceptible to health problems, and early insurance helps you avoid exclusions or higher premiums linked to age-related conditions.
Breed
Certain breeds are more prone to developing specific medical conditions. It’s important to understand the risks associated with your pet’s breed before selecting the appropriate level of coverage.
Gender
Gender is not a major factor in determining insurance coverage or premiums. However, some insurance providers may offer optional coverage for gender-specific procedures, like spaying or neutering.
Coverage
Coverage is crucial to ensure your pet’s medical needs are fully protected. It refers to the range of medical expenses and treatments that the insurance policy will reimburse.
Deductibles
The deductible is an important factor, as it determines how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage begins. A lower deductible means less upfront cost when filing a claim, but it may lead to higher monthly premiums. Conversely, a higher deductible results in lower monthly premiums but requires you to pay more before the insurance covers expenses. Evaluating the deductible helps you strike a balance between your budget and risk tolerance.
Waiting Period
The waiting period is the time you must wait after purchasing a policy before certain coverage takes effect. Insurance providers usually implement waiting periods to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure policies aren’t bought solely for immediate treatment of pre-existing conditions.
Since each pet insurance company provides varying coverage options, it’s crucial to research which company and plan align best with your needs. There’s a policy for nearly every pet and family, so be sure to explore your options. At McGehee Clinic for Animals, we typically recommend a policy that:
Common Diseases for Common Breeds
French Bulldogs
• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
• Eye issues (Conjunctivitis, Cherry eye, Corneal ulcers)
• Allergy/Skin dermatitis
• Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Medial Patellar Luxation
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Eye Issues
• Caudal Occipital Malformation Syndrome
• Heart disease
Labradoodle
• Allergies
• Skin/Ear infections
• Hip dysplasia
• Neoplasia
Golden Retriever
• Eye Issues
• Caudal Occipital Malformation Syndrome
• Heart disease
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pet Health Insurance like Human Health Insurance?
Since pets are legally regarded as property, pet insurance is classified under Property and Casualty insurance and works as indemnity insurance. This is similar to how home and auto insurance operate.
Pet health insurance also follows a reimbursement model, meaning that pet owners usually pay the veterinary bill upfront and then receive reimbursement once the claim is processed.
Unlike human health insurance, there are no network restrictions, so you can visit any licensed vet in the U.S. that you choose.
What is the best time to get Pet Health insurance?
It’s important to get pet insurance as soon as you bring your pet home—the earlier, the better. The main reason is simple: no pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions. If you wait too long, you’ll end up paying more, even if you already have a policy. I recommend securing coverage before you even take your pet in for their first exam.
How do Pet Insurance Providers know if your pet has a pre-existing condition?
Most pet insurance companies will ask for a veterinary exam or a review of your pet’s medical history before providing coverage. They will request all medical records from any vet who has treated your pet. These reviews are designed to identify any pre-existing conditions that won’t be covered by the policy.
Where can I use my insurance? Are there networks like Human Health Insurance?
Most plans allow you to use your insurance at any licensed vet in the U.S. and sometimes even in Canada. Since the process is reimbursement-based, you pay your vet bill upfront and then submit the invoice to your insurance for reimbursement. There are no network restrictions, so you can visit your preferred vet without any concerns.
What is the difference between an Annual Deductible and a Per Condition/Per Incident Deductible? Which is better?
For instance, with a per-condition plan, if your pet is treated for vomiting, then later for a broken nail, and again for an ear infection, each of these would be counted as separate conditions. This means you would have to meet a new deductible for each one before receiving any reimbursement. These plans can be frustrating, as it’s impossible to predict how many times your pet might need care in a year, or when reimbursement will kick in. That’s why we recommend opting for a policy with an ANNUAL deductible instead.
Do I have to submit my own claims to my insurance?
We’re happy to handle the submission of your insurance claims for eligible visits directly to your insurance provider. Claims are typically submitted within two weeks of your visit, and you can track the progress through your provider’s online portal. However, if you prefer to submit your own claims, we’re still here to assist you in any way we can.
What if my claim is denied?
If your claim is denied by the pet insurance provider and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. We’re here to assist you with all aspects of your insurance needs, including claim appeals. We can review your claim and Explanation of Benefits, and if necessary, help you file the appeal with your insurance company.
Insurance Red Flags to Avoid
- Plans with a PER CONDITION or PER INCIDENT deductible
- Plans that follow a BENEFIT SCHEDULE (set annual benefits per condition) instead of reimbursing a percentage of the invoice
- Plans with LOW reimbursement percentages (<70%) or LOW annual limits (<$20,000 annually)
- Plans that are not actual insurance, but rather membership programs offering discounts at participating hospitals
Pet Insurance Resources
If you’re new to pet insurance and looking to explore various companies and plans, use the links below to discover several options that might interest you, or get expert recommendations from those familiar with the industry.
Pawlicy Advisor (provides personalized insurance recommendations)
This is a great resource to get personalized insurance recommendations and compare companies side by side.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a pet health company that provides pet insurance plans for accidents and illnesses, along with a unique wellness package called Preventive Essentials. While not technically insurance, this optional add-on offers refunds for essential wellness services when included in your Pumpkin insurance plan.
Got questions about pet insurance? The Pet Insurance Pawcierge by Pumpkin is here to offer personalized advice! McGehee clients receive exclusive access and a priority phone line to a team of insurance experts and pet specialists through Pumpkin’s concierge service.
Embrace Insurance
Embrace has comprehensive coverage with wellness options and even offers dental coverage up to $1000. They also have a unique diminishing deductible feature to their plans. This means each year you don’t receive a claim payment, they decrease your deductible by $50.
Pet's Best Insurance
Pet’s Best offers comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, with flexible options including wellness add-ons for routine care. Their wide range of plans and coverage options make it easy to find the right coverage at the right price.
Trupanion
Trupanion is a per condition insurance that covers both accidents and illnesses. Physical exams are not covered. There is a deductible amount for each condition. Once the deductible is met for a specific condition then you typically are covered at 90% for the rest of the pet’s life if that condition is recurring at any point. No per incident limits, no annual limits, no lifetime limits. They also have Vet Direct Pay which means you don’t have to pay for the visit and wait on reimbursement.
Insurance disclosure from Pumpkin: Pumpkin pet insurance plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), and are produced by Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN#19084749). Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states.
Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108. Please see http://americanpetinsurance.com/to review all available pet health insurance products underwritten by APIC. Current customers, please refer to your declarations page to determine the underwriter for your policy. Pets Best is a Synchrony Health and Wellness solution.
Pet health insurance administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency, LLC is underwritten by one of the licensed insurers of American Modern Insurance Group, Inc., including American Modern Home Insurance Company d/b/a in CA as American Modern Insurance Company (Lic. No 2222-8), and American Southern Home Insurance Company. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, underwriting review, and approval, and may not be available for all risks or in all states. Rates and discounts vary, are determined by many factors, and are subject to change. Wellness Rewards is offered as a supplementary, non-insurance benefit administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency in the United States. © 2022 American Modern Insurance Group, Inc.
Trupanion is a registered trademark owned by Trupanion, Inc. Policies vary by state and are subject to applicable waiting periods, deductibles, co-insurance/payout percentage, and exclusions such as pre-existing conditions. Certain coverage or treatment may require the purchase of additional riders. Products, discounts, and rates are subject to change. See the full policy for full terms and conditions of coverage.
