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Having pet insurance in case your furry friend gets sick or is accidentally injured can make getting them the care they need much easier and less stressful. Unfortunately, choosing a pet insurance plan is more difficult than it seems at first. Below you’ll find a short guide explaining what to look for in a pet insurance plan to help you pick one that’s right for you and your pet.

1. What Coverage is Included

Choosing a plan with the right coverage is the most important part of picking a pet insurance policy. Some plans only cover emergencies, while others also include coverage for illness. The most comprehensive—and expensive—plans cover wellness, regular vet visits, shots, and even medication like flea and tick prevention.

Some insurance companies make it a bit more challenging or time-consuming to get access to coverage as well, while others make it a breeze. For example, many Spot Pet Insurance reviews confirm that the stated coverage is never questioned, delayed, or denied.

 

You should decide what kind of coverage you want from the beginning since it narrows your options and makes it easier to sift through the countless plans available.

2. The Deductible Amount

A pet insurance deductible is just like a health insurance deductible for humans; it’s the total cost you are responsible for paying before the insurance kicks in. Plans with a lower deductible often have a higher premium and vice versa, so make sure to consider the plan’s total annual out-of-pocket cost before choosing.

Most pet insurance plans have either an annual deductible or per-incident deductible. Annual deductibles are more predictable since you know the maximum you’ll have to pay upfront, and reimbursements start once you pay the deductible.

 

Per-incident deductibles are less predictable and could accumulate quickly if your pet needs multiple unrelated vet visits in a single year.

3. Coverage Limits

Coverage limits are like the opposite of deductibles; they’re the total amount the insurance company will cover. Coverage limits sound scary, but most plans set them at reasonable levels that you aren’t likely to reach unless your pet has several large procedures in the coverage period.

 

Still, it’s important to consider the worst-case scenario and choose a plan that has unlimited coverage or limits you’re comfortable with.

4. Discounts Available

Some pet insurance plans offer discounts if you buy coverage for multiple pets, which can provide significant savings for families with several furry children.

Other plans have incentives for keeping your pet healthy, offering bonuses for pets that don’t use the plan during the coverage period. Make sure you factor in these potential money-saving opportunities when comparing plans.

5. The Monthly Cost

The monthly cost seems like the easiest way to compare different plans, but it can be misleading. Monthly premiums can vary significantly between plans depending on how the plan is structured. Cheaper plans usually have higher deductibles, lower coverage limits, and fewer chances to earn discounts, so don’t let a low monthly premium sway you without considering the full picture.

photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/TzjMd7i5WQI

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