Understanding Pet Insurance: A Complete Guide

According to a recent report from India, when 475 dogs were screened for gastroenteritis, 71.6% tested positive for one or more viral pathogens, including parvovirus, canine distemper virus, canine astrovirus, canine coronavirus, and adenovirus type 2. 

Every pet parent knows that diseases like diabetes, parvovirus, arthritis, and bird flu are common among their pets and how expensive their treatments are. However, the caretakers can be cautious of such unavoidable occurrences by adopting pet insurance. 

This blog is a guide to pet insurance, highlighting its coverage, exclusions, how it works, its types, factors to consider, and the best advice we have for you. 

What is Pet Insurance?

The replica of human healthcare insurance for pets is the entire concept of pet insurance. Pet owners receive reimbursement for unexpected expenses by attending to their pet’s veterinary care. 

What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Unfortunately, pets have to face misfortunes, no matter how safe and careful caretakers are with handling them. This insurance covers a range of common and most-needed medical expenditures incurred in a pet’s veterinary care. 

Generally included coverage: 

1. Injuries and accidents: It covers medical expenses incurred while diagnosing and treating minor to major accidents and injuries.

2. Illness and Medications and Prescriptions: It covers all the costs for treating diseases (rabies, foot-and-mouth disease, and canine parvovirus) and also covers the prescribed medicines. 

3. Preventive care (based on the plan): Habitual checkups, vaccinations, flea and tick treatments, dental care, and spaying or neutering. 

4. Emergency treatments and hospitalizations: Coverage includes urgent situations such as seizures, ingestion of toxic substances, and overnight care or recovery.

5. Diagnostic tests and surgeries: Tests like x-rays, bloodwork, etc., and necessary surgeries are included. 

Exclusion of Pet Insurance Coverage:

It is paramount to pay attention to the exclusions to avoid any surprises in the time of need. 

Common Exclusions: 

Cosmetical surgeries: Cosmetic surgeries like declawing, tail docking, ear cropping, hair removal and grooming, cosmetic surgeries after injury, etc., are not addressed under this insurance. 

Pre-existing conditions: If the pet already has any diseases or conditions like arthritis, heart disease, hip dysplasia, allergies, or chronic infections even before the start of the insurance period, it is not covered under the insurance policies.   

Breeding and pregnancy-related expenses: Delivery, checkups, and breeding costs are not covered by this insurance. 

Behavioural therapy: Therapies for aggression, destruction, separation anxiety, and phobias are not included but can be an add-on.  

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Just like any other insurance, pet insurance also follow the below process: 

1. The care giver has to pay monthly or annual premiums to maintain the policy. 
2. When the need arises, the pet parent will settle the payments related to their pet’s medical procedures. 
3. Later, they need to submit those bills as claims to the insurer.  
4. The insurer reimburses you for covered expenses (after the deductible)

Unlike human health insurance, most pet insurance operate on a reimbursement model rather than paying providers directly.

Types Of Pet Insurance Coverage

Though the insurance covers all the medical expenses, it differs according to the specific plan and the insurer. Some of the widely recognized plans are the following: 

1. Accident-Only Plans

This plan covers only accidents and is the most affordable one among the others; however, it does not include illness or preventive care. 

2. Accident & Illness Plans:

This is the most popular type among others, as it covers both injuries and illnesses. It may cover diagnoses, tests, treatments, and medications, according to the insurer. 

3. Wellness/Preventive Care Add-ons:

It offers coverage for vaccinations, tick prevention, yearly tests, and optional add-ons for routine care. Typically, it provides predetermined reimbursement amounts for each service. There are no waiting periods for preventive care. 

Factors to Consider for Opting for Pet Insurance:

• Pet’s age (older pets cost more to insure)
• Breed (some breeds prone to expensive conditions)
• Location (vet costs vary by region)
• Coverage level
• Deductible and reimbursement percentage

Key Recommendations for Pet Owners: 

• The most appropriate time to ensure your pets are young and healthy, as premiums are lower for younger pets.
• It is highly advisable to read the inclusion and exclusion to plan the future financial models
• The premium amount and the payment structure (annually or monthly) must align with your budget and income flow.
• Consider your pet’s specific needs before customizing the plan. 

CoverB: Your Insurance Provider in UAE 

CoverB has promptly mitigated their customers’ unexpected financial obligations through proactive and comprehensive insurance. We have been sensitive towards every existing condition, which will result in monetary losses, including your pet’s protection. And so, we have framed an all-encompassing insurance plan, which is customizable, affordable, and provides hassle-free claim processing. 

The expense incurred while protecting your pets can be pricier than the amount spent for humans, considering the complexity of the medical procedures. It is wise to opt for precautionary measures like pet insurance to safeguard your finances while you focus on securing your pet’s well-being.

Protect your beloved pet with CoverB, the trusted insurance provider in the UAE.

Get expert guidance and comprehensive coverage for your pet’s health and well-being.