Insurance to Help Your Injured or Sick Pet Friend
Coverage
The policy may cover selected accidents such as burns, lacerations, poison ingestion, bone fractures, and motor vehicle accidents. In general, policies include both accident and illness benefits. The coverage amount varies depending on the incident. The comprehensive coverage usually includes a number of illness categories, including infectious diseases, endocrine problems, and digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems, and others. Some policies also include boarding kennel fees and accidental death. Other policies are specifically designed for older pets and their specific needs and medical problems. These policies cover chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, seizures, stroke, and others. In addition, there are policies that cover emergency expenses, including recovery costs and veterinary fees.
Insurers
There are many insurers in Canada, offering basic and comprehensive coverage. Companies such as Pet Care, CAA Pets, and others offer dog and cat insurance to help customers meet unexpected expenses. There are no restrictions on which clinic or veterinarian to visit, whether a specialist, alternative therapist, or veterinarian. The policy covers prescription medications and food, hospitalization, treatment and diagnosis, CAT scans, MRI, laboratory tests, and veterinary visits.
While some insurers are local companies, others have branches in British Columbia, Ontario, and other territories. The policies vary from one company to another but usually cover medical devices, behavioral therapies, and veterinary services. Depending on the coverage, the policy may include specialist referral, surgeries, alternative therapies, and nursing. In addition, the policy may cover alternative therapies such as physiotherapy, massages, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, chiropractic services, acupuncture, and others. The maximum amounts and premiums vary. Some companies even offer discounts to customers with more than one pet. For example, you will get 15 percent off if you have 6 or more pets. Some companies also offer free extras and perks to attract new customers. These include expenses such as emergency treatment abroad, cancelled travel, and emergency boarding fees.
When it comes to behavioral therapies, insurers usually offer policies that cover treatment of eating disorders such as coprophagia, preventive and correctional devices, puppy classes, obedience classes, and more.
Cat Coverage
Cat coverage is also offered and includes treatments, hospital stays, prescription medications, surgeries, and unexpected expenses. Some companies cover up to 90 percent of the costs under the policy. Extra coverage is also offered for damages that are caused by your cat. In addition, most companies cover the burial and cremation costs for cats that have suffered an injury or accident.
Limitations and Premiums
There are some limitations and restrictions to consider. The coverage for preexisting injuries and medical conditions is usually limited. Likewise, there are restrictions on the age of your pet. Some companies offer policies for pets aged 8 weeks to 14 years. Many companies offer an instant quote online based on information such as gender, type of pet, breed, whether your pet is neutered, age, and others. You can choose from different breeds such as American Eskimo, Akita, Labrador Retriever, Japanese Terrier, and others. The premiums are paid on a monthly basis. Note that insurers pay claims only if your pet is vaccinated against rabies, parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and influenza. Cats must be vaccinated against rabies, calici virus, rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia. Treatment against external and internal parasites must be administered as well.
The policy usually excludes vaccinations, dental cleanings, flea treatment, and other types of preventive care as well as exam taxes and fees. The optional coverage usually includes illnesses and accidents that occur during breeding and those relating to queening and whelping. Some conditions are not covered under the basic plan, including illnesses due to contaminated water, degenerative joint problems, arthritis, and others. Muscle or soft tissue inflammation that occurs when playing, tripping, slipping, running, or jumping is not covered under the basic policy.