What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance can provide peace of mind for pet owners, knowing that they are financially prepared for unexpected healthcare expenses. However, it's important to understand what exactly your pet insurance policy covers and what it does not cover. In this article, we explore the different aspects of pet insurance coverage to help you make the right decision.
Which Vet Fees Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance typically covers vet visits for unexpected accidents or illnesses. This includes consultations, examinations, and any necessary diagnostic tests or treatments. When it comes to vet visits, pet insurance can provide peace of mind for pet owners. Knowing that the cost of non-routine veterinary care can be covered to help alleviate financial stress and allow pet owners to focus on their pet's well-being.
This can include diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, hospital stays, and specialist consultations. The extent of coverage may vary depending on the specific policy and provider you choose. More comprehensive cover like Lifetime Pet Insurance can help protect against new illnesses or injuries with a yearly set vet fee that resets annually.
For example, if your furry friend gets into a scuffle with another animal at the park and ends up with a broken bone, pet insurance can help cover the costs of X-rays, surgery, and follow-up care. This can help provide you with peace of mind in what can be a stressful time for you and your faithful pet.
Illnesses can also be covered by pet insurance. Imagine your beloved cat suddenly starts showing signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. Concerned, you take them to the vet, who diagnoses them with a urinary tract infection. With pet insurance, the costs of the vet visit, diagnostic tests, and necessary medications can be covered.
It's important to note that most pet insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. When it comes to pet insurance, ‘pre-existing’ means any illnesses or conditions that your pet had before the policy was purchased. This exclusion is in place to prevent pet owners from purchasing insurance after their pet has already been diagnosed with a serious condition.
Additionally, you may find certain providers may exclude hereditary or congenital conditions from coverage. These are conditions that are inherited or present at birth. With Everypaw, as long as they are not a pre-existing condition which occured whilst covered by another policy, we can cover hereditary conditions. Before purchasing, it's always a good idea to check with your provider to understand their specific coverage limitations.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Routine Visits?
While pet insurance is designed to provide financial protection for unexpected accidents or illnesses, it is important to note that routine visits are not typically included in the coverage. Routine visits are considered essential for maintaining your furry friend's overall health and well-being and are, therefore, expected expenses that pet owners should plan for. This also means that anything deemed cosmetic procedures, such as caps, fillings, and implants, typically won't be covered.
At Everypaw, Routine and preventative treatments, such as vaccinations, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic surgery, cleaning and descaling of teeth, spaying, castration, routine, removal of dew claws, parasite control treatments, grooming and nail clipping are not included within our policies. Find out more in-depth about exactly what is covered in our policy documentation.
It's also worth noting that even if your pet insurance policy does not cover routine visits, it is still highly recommended to prioritise regular check-ups and preventive care for your pet. These visits allow vets to detect any potential health issues early on, which can ultimately save you money in the long run by preventing more serious and costly conditions.
Additionally, routine visits provide an opportunity for veterinarians to assess your pet's overall health, provide necessary vaccinations, and offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, and other aspects of pet care. By investing in routine care, you are actively contributing to your pet's well-being and ensuring that they lead a happy and healthy life with you.
How Much Do Vet Appointments Cost?
The cost of vet appointments can vary depending on various factors such as the location, the services provided, and the specific condition of your pet. Vets may charge up to £40 as a consultation fee with any fees for treatments then added on top of this. For example, if your family cat has been involved in an accident and needs an X-rays, treatment and rehabilitation, the costs could be significant.
If something unforeseen like that occurs, you naturally want your focus to be on getting your beloved companion out of pain and back to fitness as soon as possible rather than dealing with the stress of arranging the finances. Unless you’re able to put aside a savings fund for your pet, a comprehensive pet insurance policy is the best way to protect against unforeseen costs.
Can I See a Vet for Free?
Whilst pet insurance won’t provide coverage for 100% of all vet visits or medical care, it can certainly help reduce the financial burden of unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind knowing that you can provide the necessary care for your furry friend without major financial strain.
Find out more about coverage with Everypaw’s easy-to-understand pet insurance guides. You can also find out everything you need to know about training, nutrition and more, over at All Things Pet.