Pet Insurance Coverage for Vet Visits

If you have pets at home, you probably think of them as family members and provide them with the best of all things. It might include comfort, care or wellness. You might also feel like providing your pet with the best health care facilities, but these days, because of high expenses, it is quite hard to afford such services. If you have a pet, you know how important it is to take them for regular vet visits, and moreover, there could be emergencies as well. Many times, you might stop yourself from taking your pet to the vet for minor issues due to the high cost involved.

A pet insurance coverage with a wellness plan might assist you in covering the fees of routine veterinary visits, including tests and preventive care. Wellness plans, also referred to as routine or preventive care coverage, are optionally available on your pet insurance policy. Usually, you pay a premium for the plan, after which your insurer will reimburse you for the charges related to regular vet visits as well as the cost of physical assessments.

What does a pet wellness plan cover?
Pet wellness plans are designed in such a way that they cover the expenses of preventive care, in accordance with the Insurance Information Institute (III).

• Regular physical exams, like annual check-ups
• Flea and heartworm prevention
• Vaccinations

A few plans may also provide coverage for:

• Dental care
• Preventive surgeries, such as spaying or neutering

Study your policy cautiously or check with your insurer to recognize which procedures are included in your pet’s routine care plan. In case your pet insurance does not cover dental care, you may be able to purchase optional insurance for cleaning or dental work.

Which parts of the vet bills do a pet wellness plan cover?
The coverage provided by pet insurance for the payment of veterinary bills depends upon the pet insurance plan that you might have taken. Most pet medical insurance policies include premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and limits, all consistent with the III. As per III, one can pay the premium for a pet wellness plan, and then, pay upfront for routine veterinary care. Later on, the insurer may reimburse you for a percentage of your vet payments for preventive care.

Are there any other pet insurance options available?
Usually, a pet health insurance plan might offer three basic types of coverage, including coverage for pet wellness. According to the III, the other two types of pet health coverage options are:

• Basic health coverage: It might help in covering the expenses of veterinary care after accidental injuries, poisoning or sickness.
• Comprehensive coverage: This type of insurance coverage might help in covering the vet’s expenses during accidental injuries, emergency conditions, and illnesses. Moreover, it can also cover other costs such as vet visits, prescriptions, lab fees, tests, and X-rays.

In case you need to explore more pet insurance coverage options, you can consult an insurance agent who will assist you in selecting a plan that fits your needs.

What things might not be covered by pet wellness plans?
Your pet health insurance coverage might have exclusions or things that will not be covered by your plan. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), a few exclusions might include:

• Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions
• Care related to pregnancy and birth
• Grooming and claw or nail trimming

Note that there can be regulations for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, and few providers can also have age limits for insurance. Study your pet coverage policy or check with your insurer to recognize what types of treatment and conditions are not a part of the plan. Another suggestion is to check the coverage and ensure that it is available for your pet, as many insurers only extend such plans for cats and dogs.