Pet Health Insurance

As the bond we have with our pets grows ever stronger, the quality of care we are able to deliver to our pets is ever improving. Understandably, the cost of that care is rising and many people are looking toward pet health insurance to offset some of these costs. As with human health insurance, different companies offer various levels of coverage that have a wide range of deductibles, premiums and terms. And just like human health insurance, there are restrictions on what conditions, injuries and procedures are covered.

We hope to be able to help you choose the best high deductible plan for your pet with the assistance of a new certification program by AAHA named the seal of acceptance. At this time, only 4 companies have achieved that status: Trupanion, Purina Care, Petsecure and Pets Best Insurance (only Purina Care and Pets Best Insurance are licensed in Wisconsin).

Both pet owners and veterinarians have been concerned about insurance companies going out of business leaving pet owners stranded (over 30 have come and gone since 1982) and over priced plans that didn’t cover the types of injuries, diseases and needed regular preventative wellness like dentistry, that pets often need. Concerns about overwhelming paperwork, capitated fees and loss of control of care have thankfully dwindled since almost all pet insurance plans are indemnity or pay for service plans. Many of our clients have opted for their own pet savings account or using services such as Care Credit – both good options to handle those unexpected costs. 

Two interesting trends that I have noticed are some breed specific plans that are based on the types of diseases certain breeds get (e.g. hip dysphasia in Labradors or dental disease in others). Another is the presence of a body condition score on almost every claim form, a confirmation to the known fact that obesity in pets is a major health risk. In my nutrition seminars I often mention that keeping a pet at its ideal weight is probably the best pet health insurance you can “buy.”  Maybe ideal weight AND pet insurance is right for your pet. Please let us know if we can help you further.