It can be helpful, but important to know the facts of your policy
Published in the December 25, 2013-January 7, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
In the past few years, pet insurance has become a growing industry. As pets move from the role of a household companion into a family member, more pet owners are becoming concerned with the ability to provide their pet with the best possible care with fewer financial constraints. Pet insurance can be beneficial in helping cover medical expenses as long as you understand how the system works.
Policies/Tiers: Insurance companies will do their best to cover only what is explicitly cited in your policy. There are usually several tiers which will cover different types of procedures or exams. Some cover preventative care ((including wellness exams, vaccinations and routine labs), other basic medical and some will cover surgery. You do, however, have to read the description of each tier to ensure you are choosing what you want. Equine insurance typically has tiers that include major medical, surgical, loss of use and mortality.
Pre-existing conditions: Once your pet has been seen for a condition, it will be excluded from coverage. Any conditions that may be related to a previous condition will also be denied. You will get the most benefit from any insurance if you purchase the policy when your pet is a puppy or kitten and has not yet been seen for any medical conditions.
Genetic conditions: Many insurance companies have exclusions for conditions that are genetic or common in specific breeds. You must read the policy very carefully to see if any of these exclusions apply to your “healthy” pet simply based on breed alone. Congenital conditions may be excluded once they are noted in your pet’s file, such as luxating patellas, and are often identified on your pet’s initial wellness exam.
Insurance exam: Most insurance companies do not require insurance exams prior to obtaining coverage for dogs and cats. Equine insurance companies do require exams of the horse prior to coverage.
Payment: Most, if not all, insurance companies for animals operate on a reimbursement basis. Be prepared to pay in full at the time service is provided. It may take several weeks or more to obtain reimbursement after the insurance company has reviewed your pet’s records. It is not unusual for companies to request patient records prior to determining eligibility for benefits.
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in Biology, Biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont. She graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. Raised in the Bay Area, she returned to continue practicing both large and small animal medicine. Outside of the profession, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children.
