It is very important to insure your pet. The process of getting your dog insured involves you comparing different types of pet insurance. This can be a challenging process especially if you are not aware of what each insurance policy covers. Before you start assessing different insurance policies and comparing them, you should identify a product type that is most appropriate for you. This means that it should be affordable and good for your dog. Pet insurance companies like Bivvy offer different categories of pet insurance policies, discussed below are some of them. 

Time Limited

This insurance policy allows you to make a claim for an eligible medical condition. However, the claim is only valid up to a specified period, with every new condition covered up to a maximum of 12 months. After this period, the limit is reached and the policy will no longer cover that condition. In simpler terms, it is excluded from future claims and becomes pre-existing. Therefore, after the period of 12 months, or at any moment the financial limit is exceeded, you will be liable for any extended treatment. Many people see this as the main disadvantage of time-limited insurance policy. 

Accident Only

This is a type of pet insurance that offers cover for vet fees. However, this is only applicable when a sudden and unexpected injury occurs within the policy period. This is a lower-budget option that is suitable for covering minor accidents or health issues. It is important to note that time and financial limits are still applicable on the policy terms. 

Maximum Benefit

Many people consider this policy a mid-budget option. These policies usually cover every new medical condition up to the financial limit. This applies for as long as the insurance policy is still active— there is no time limit on the policy terms. You could claim it several times for specific conditions, year after year. After the attainment of the financial limit, however, the condition automatically becomes pre-existing and is removed from future claims. 

From this point henceforth, you will become liable for costs. It is also important to note that if your claim extends beyond two policy years, you will have to pay for each year separately. The policy excess might be higher for older pets, the same applies to the insurance premium. This is because such pets are more likely to get medical attention. 

Lifetime

This is regarded as the premium option. Lifetime insurance policies offer the most detailed and comprehensive cover for your pet. Just like its name suggests, this insurance policy covers your pet for their lifetime. However, you have to renew the policy yearly. Under this policy, every arising medical condition is covered up to the financial limit. Once the limit has been achieved during the policy year, the cover stops for the condition until it has been renewed. 

Upon renewal, the lifetime limit is fully reinstated and your pet will continue to be covered for its entire lifetime. It is important to note that not all policies are the same. There are some lifetime policies that might not actually cover your pet for their whole life. This mainly depends on the general health and age of your pet. Notably, older pets might have an increased policy rates as well as the insurance premium.

What Else Can Pet Insurance Cover?

Apart from the coverage discussed above, there are other things that pet insurance can cover. Discussed below are some of them.

Accidental Damage and Third Party Injury

You might face legal action if your dog causes damage to another person’s property. It is even worse when your pet injures another person. Given that the pet cannot face charges, you as the owner could be considered responsible for compensation and repair costs for the damaged item. For instance, if your pet bites somebody, you could be taken to court for their actions. In your pets insurance policy, third-party liability cover is sometimes included. 

The extent of the coverage it offers can differ from one policy to another. This is why it is important to go for an insurance cover that is adequate for your requirements. It is important to note that third-party liability cover is not available for cats. This is because, before the law, cats are considered reasonable and cannot cause serious harm to people. Accidental damage cover is, however, available to both dogs and cats. In most cases, it comes with different exclusions and stipulations. 

Medical Bills

Given that vet fees are the primary reason for taking pet insurance, it is important to understand how far your insurer is willing to go in helping you with the associated costs. When comparing pet insurance policies, determine whether the insurer covers examinations, consultations, medications, tests, scans, hospitalization or surgery of your pet. Some policies are so detailed that they cover mouth problems of your pet. 

Conclusion

Getting pet insurance is crucial for the well-being of your pet. The information discussed in this article will be crucial in helping you choose the right policy for your pet.