Recent revelations in scientific research have provided pet owners with the means to now save their beloved family pets from injuries and diseases that would have caused the pet to be euthanized in the not so distant past. The sad news is that when the unthinkable happens and a pet life hangs in the balance most pet owners find that they are unable to afford the often staggering price of the treatments which can range from $3000-$10000 and some cases even more, and are forced to euthanize their pets anyway. It is in these instances those pet owners wish they had the foresight to purchase a pet health insurance policy.

Pet health insurance is similar to human health insurance.

Pet owners who purchase pet health insurance plans from pet health insurance companies do so for a variety of reasons. They might be intrigued by the idea that they will be able to save on their pets annual trip to the vet or they might just be worried that if a serious health crisis develops they wont be able to afford the treatment,

Pet owners can pick from a variety of plans such as pet fatality/mortality insurance, major medical insurance, and basic medical insurance (policy names may vary from company to company.) Many pet health care insurance companies offer the option of a variety of additional riders to complement the pet health care insurance plan.

Mortality/fatality pet insurance is similar to human life insurance. The owner pays a premium every month the pet is alive in any event of its death the owner is reimbursed a predetermined amount of money. While the mortality/fatality insurance does not take the sting out of losing a beloved family pet it may help of any additional medical bills that accumulated at the end of your pet’s life. Many owners use the check to assist with purchasing a new family pet. One thing owners should be aware of when they possess a mortality/fatality pet insurance plan is that most companies require that the owner contact them before the pet is euthanized. They will often ask to speak to the veterinarian in charge of your pet’s case.

Basic medical health insurance typically covers veterinarian expenses such as accidents, non-elective surgeries, hospitalization, and illnesses. One popular insurance company offers a plan that pays from cuts to cancer up to $1000; most pet owners use this plan for emergencies only. Pet owners are advised to purchase a pet health care insurance plan as early in their pet’s life as possible. Many insurance companies and veterinarians point out that most freak accidents happen in the early years of a pet’s life. Owners should be aware that most pet health insurance plans do not cover genetic dis-orders that develop in certain breeds and some of the more expensive surgeries. Most insurance plans also will not touch pre-existing conditions.

Horse owners may want to consider purchasing a loss of use policy for their horses. A loss of use policy pays if the horse is injured so badly it is no longer able to be ridden or bred, but is not so badly injured to justify euthanizing the animal.

Before getting a pet people always weigh up the financial implications in terms of ‘sustaining’ the animal – how much it will cost to feed, cost of vaccinations and toys, but it is seldom acknowledged that pets get into accidents and contract diseases, which unfortunately can cost quite a lot of money in vets bills. A rabbit with dental problems can cost over £200 to treat, while a dog with a skin condition can cost over £500. When you add up the cost of anaesthetic, x-rays, surgery, medication, hospitalisation and bandages for a dog with a broken leg, you could come to a grand total of £1000!

While we love and will do the best for our pets, there is no doubt that many of us would feel the pinch if we had to pay out an unexpected £1000! There is no pet NHS, so bills for their treatment come out of your pocket every time, unless of course you have pet insurance. Pet insurance is something that you hope you will never need but it takes away this stress, and if you do need it, it will definitely feel like one of the best purchases you ever made.

Each policy plan has different levels of coverage but most will provide cover for the following:

* Veterinary Fees – for illness and injury, including hospitalisation and referral;
* Death Benefit – nothing can replace a loved pet, but the purchase price of the pet will be refunded if death occurs through illness or injury;
* Holiday Cancellation – if your pet has life saving treatment or goes missing up to 7 days before your holiday commences;
* Boarding Fees – if you are hospitalised for 4 days or more;
* Theft/Straying – purchase price of your pet will be refunded;
* Advertising/Reward – if your pet goes missing, cover is provided for local advertising and a reward;
* Third Party Liability – if your pet causes damage or injury and you are legally liable.

It is best to research different pet insurers as you can then select the plan most suitable for both you and your pet’s needs. There are exclusions which you should check for such as: flea control, neutering, and the cost of treatment for pre-existing conditions. There are also some types of dogs which cannot get insurance, such as guard dogs, racing dogs, working dogs or dogs registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Dogs can be insured after their eighth week of age but it is good to be aware that many insurance companies will only start to insure dogs before their 8th birthday – it is difficult to get coverage after middle age.

The internet is easiest and quickest way to shop for pet insurance, and can reduce your premium!