You strive to provide the best possible care for your pet—but unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergencies may force you to choose between your pet’s needs and your wallet. Pet health insurance can help protect against unexpected costs, so you can feel confident about your pet’s care—no matter what happens. Our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team answers your most urgent pet insurance questions to help guide you through the details you must consider when deciding on the best policy for your pet’s medical needs and your wallet.

Question: What is pet insurance?

Answer: Pet insurance is a health insurance plan designed to offset medical expenses, enabling you to ensure your pet has access to high-quality veterinary care. Pet health insurance is similar to humans’ private health insurance—wherein the policyholder pays a monthly fee (i.e., premium) and an annual deductible (i.e., a predetermined dollar amount before insurance coverage begins) to maintain and access their plan’s benefits. 

Q: What pet conditions does insurance cover?

A: Coverage varies by policy and provider, so you must consider your pet’s needs before you begin shopping for pet insurance. Coverage levels generally include:

  • Accident and illness — This coverage type insures unexpected costs for new (i.e., not pre-existing) conditions, including emergencies, injuries, illnesses, and diseases. Qualifying diagnoses may include hereditary conditions, being hit by a car, cancer, bloat (i.e., gastric dilatation volvulus [GDV]), thyroid disorders, fractures, intestinal obstructions, eye and ear infections, and more.
  • Accident only — This limited policy type covers only accidental conditions such as falls, fractures, toxin ingestion, or lacerations. While generally more affordable, accident-only insurance does not provide benefits for medical conditions or diseases.
  • Add-ons or riders — Most insurance providers offer supplemental insurance options to customize your pet’s accident and illness policy. Common add-ons include preventive or wellness care, recovery and rehabilitation, dentistry, behavioral issues, and cancer treatment. 

Q: How does insurance pay for my pet’s care?

A: The pet insurance industry continues to grow and evolve, with many new companies opening each year. Most large pet insurance providers offer reimbursement or direct pay:

  • Reimbursement — Reimbursement-based policies require you to pay your pet’s initial veterinary expenses before submitting an insurance claim. Although turn-around times are relatively quick (e.g., a few days to weeks), some pet owners experience a temporary financial strain. 
  • Direct pay — Trupanion is the first pet insurance company to offer direct pay at select veterinary hospitals, minimizing pet owners’ out-of-pocket expenses. Policyholders can file their claims immediately after their pet’s appointment—while they are still at the veterinary hospital—and pay only their portion of the bill (i.e., copay), while Trupanion pays the balance directly to the hospital. 

Q: Will I have to transfer my pet’s care to a different veterinary hospital?

A: Because pet health insurance providers do not work within networks, insured pets can receive care at any veterinary facility at any time—including general care facilities, emergency centers, veterinary teaching hospitals, and veterinary specialists.

Q: What should I look for in a pet insurance policy?

A: Pet insurance details can overwhelm you. Although our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team does not endorse any particular pet insurance provider, we do recommend beginning your search with Trupanion. As one of the largest and oldest pet insurance providers, Trupanion provides unparalleled benefits, including veterinarian direct pay, no payout limits, and 90% coverage for eligible conditions. 

To ensure you choose a policy that is the right fit for your pet—and your wallet—we suggest you request quotes from several insurance providers, read their sample policies, and check out policyholder reviews. Other considerations include:

  • Adjustable premium and deductibles — Customizing these options ensures your pet’s insurance premiums stay within your budget.
  • Waiting periods — Know the amount of time you must wait before filing your pet’s first accident, illness, or orthopedic injury claim. 
  • Exclusions — These may include your pet’s age, reproductive service needs, and pre-existing, bilateral, or hereditary conditions.
  • Easy claim filing — Easy filing and quick approval processes ensure you are reimbursed as soon as possible.
  • Annual or lifetime payout limits — Payout limits are the dollar amount the insurance company will reimburse you. Annual limits reset each year, but when you reach your pet’s lifetime limits, coverage ends. 
  • Hereditary or congenital condition coverage — Before signing on the policy’s dotted line, ensure the company covers any health problems to which your pet’s breed is predisposed. 

For a complete guide to selecting pet health insurance, check out the North American Pet Health Insurance Association Buyer’s Guide.

Q: Will insurance cover my pet’s chronic health issues?

A: Pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. However, you can still purchase health insurance for your sick or senior pet, because companies are willing to reimburse you if your beloved companion experiences an unrelated accident or illness. 

Q: When is the best time to insure my pet?

A: We recommend insuring your pet when they are young, before health conditions develop that could reduce their coverage options or raise your premiums. Verify the policy’s age limits—young and old—to determine your pet’s eligibility, and note any restrictions such as a coverage reduction after a certain age. 

Pet insurance requires some initial research and consideration, but the first time you experience your policy’s benefits—such as being able to focus on your pet’s care and recovery rather than worrying about the expense—you will realize the investment is worthwhile.

Life is full of uncertainty. However, insurance can help you avoid choosing between your pet’s care needs and your wallet when your beloved companion experiences unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergencies. If you would like additional information about the benefits of enrolling in a pet insurance plan, or the time is right for your furry pal’s veterinary checkup, contact our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team.