How to Find Full Coverage Pet Insurance

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If you've been exploring pet insurance options for your dog or cat, you might already be familiar with full coverage pet insurance. This type of insurance covers a wide range of unexpected veterinary costs, giving you peace of mind that your pet is well protected.

Understanding what full coverage includes and finding the right policy can feel overwhelming – but don't worry, we're here to help! Keep reading for the lowdown on full coverage pet insurance and how to find the best plan for your furry friend.

What Types of Pet Insurance Plans Are Available?

Pet insurance provides financial support for pet owners facing unforeseen veterinary bills and health-related expenses. There are a few primary categories of coverage available:

• Accident. Provides financial support for veterinary care due to unforeseen injuries.
• Illness. Provides support for medical treatments related to illnesses, diseases, and any changes in your pet's normal health.
• Accident and illness. Combines both accident and illness coverage to provide a broader range of protection.
• Wellness. Typically includes routine care like vaccinations, health tests, and dental check-ups. This type of plan is sometimes called "preventive care" coverage and is usually available at an additional cost.

What Is Full Coverage Pet Insurance?

Full coverage pet insurance is designed to handle a variety of medical situations. This includes accidents, illnesses, and often breed-specific and congenital conditions.

Full coverage plans are generally accident-and-illness plans that include additional benefits like cancer treatment, alternative therapies, and behavioral therapies. Essentially, these plans aim to cover most unexpected medical expenses that could arise during your pet’s lifetime.

Here's a quick overview of what full coverage pet insurance typically covers:

• Accidents and injuries. Unexpected injuries like broken bones, cuts, and ingestion of foreign objects.
• Illnesses. Various illnesses, including chronic conditions, infections, and diseases.
• Breed-specific and congenital conditions. Conditions common to specific breeds or hereditary issues.
• Cancer treatment. Cancer diagnosis, treatments, and follow-up care.
• Emergency and specialist care. Emergency visits and specialist consultations.
• Hospitalization and surgeries. Time spent in the hospital and operations.
• Behavioral therapies. Consultations and treatments related to behavioral issues.
• Alternative therapies. Options such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and physical rehabilitation.

Common Exclusions in Full Coverage Pet Insurance

While full coverage plans are more comprehensive, they do have exclusions. That's why it's essential to thoroughly examine your policy details to understand what's covered and what's excluded.

Here are some typical exclusions found in full coverage pet insurance:

• Pre-existing conditions. Any medical issues your pet experienced prior to the start of the policy.
• Cosmetic procedures. Operations that aren't needed for health reasons, such as tail docking or ear cropping.
• Routine wellness care. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive treatments, unless you have a Wellness add-on.
• DNA testing and microchipping. Some plans may exclude genetic testing and microchipping.
• Breeding costs. Expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, or giving birth.

Costs of Pet Insurance

The price of pet insurance can vary widely due to factors such as the age, species, and breed of your pet. In addition, your location can affect the cost of insurance. For example, you'll often pay a higher premium if you live in an urban area that has higher-than-average veterinary costs.

The type of plan you choose can also affect the cost of pet insurance. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average monthly premium for accident and illness coverage is $56.30 for dogs and $31.94 for cats. Accident-only plans are cheaper, averaging $17.01 per month for dogs and $9.68 per month for cats.

How to Choose the Best Plan

As mentioned earlier, choosing a full coverage pet insurance plan is a great way to manage a wide range of veterinary costs that may arise during your pet's lifetime. But what do you need to know when selecting a plan? Here are a few simple tips that can help you make a more informed decision:

Start Early

It’s generally best to enroll your pets when they're young and healthy. Younger pets usually have lower insurance premiums and more comprehensive coverage choices. By insuring your pet at an early age, you can prevent complications related to pre-existing conditions, which may be excluded from coverage in the future.

Choose a Reputable Provider

Selecting a reliable provider is essential. Look into the company's standing and experience in the pet insurance industry. Check out customer feedback, especially the latest reviews, to gain a current understanding of their service quality.

Read and Understand the Fine Print

Reading and understanding the fine print of your pet insurance policy is essential. Familiarize yourself with key terms like waiting periods, copays, and annual vs. per-incident deductibles. Understanding these aspects can help you steer clear of typical mistakes and confusion in your coverage.

Customize Your Policy

Every pet is different, so their insurance should be too. Adjust your plan to match your preferences by choosing coverage limits, deductibles, and copay options that work for you.

Speak to Your Vet for Advice

Your veterinarian can be a valuable resource when choosing pet insurance. They can provide insights into common health issues for your pet’s breed and recommend coverage options that best suit your pet’s individual health needs.

Seek Out Savings

Make the most of any discounts that might be offered, like those for insuring multiple pets or using certain payment methods. Additionally, some companies provide pet insurance as part of their employee benefits, so it's worth inquiring with your HR department.

Which Pet Insurance Policy Is Right for You?

Finding the right pet insurance can feel overwhelming, but with some research and planning, you can discover a plan that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind.

Full coverage pet insurance offers extensive protection and can be a great option if you want more comprehensive care for your pet. Remember, the best policy is one that fits your pet’s specific needs and your budget – so make sure to do your research and choose wisely.

Interested in learning more? Click here to review quotes and policy details from our trusted pet insurance partners!