What to Ask before You Buy Pet Insurance

Asking good questions before committing to an insurer can help you find the right policy for you and your pet. Here are ten questions you should ask when you get pet insurance rates.

1. Is the insurer stable and experienced? After you get pet insurance rates, look into how long your prospective insurers have been in business. Ideally, you want an insurer that's been around long enough to have insured the lifetime health of many customers' pets.
2. Does your insurer have trained and certified professionals? The companies that provide your pet insurance rates should employ a team of quality professionals who are certified and trained in their areas. Most of the best pet insurers employ a team of veterinarians, vet techs, and a large sales and service staff.
3. What does your vet think about the company? As your researching your pet insurance rates, you might want to ask your vet what her impression is of your prospective insurer. Most vets are familiar with the major pet insurance companies and can give you advice.
4. Does the company offer annual policies with fair renewal terms? Good pet insurance companies will guarantee your coverage, benefits, and premiums for one year. Look for policies with a one-year term when you are shopping for pet insurance rates. Also make sure that premium increases are based on your pet's age, not the number of claims filed. Watch out for companies that will increase your pet insurance rates on a quarterly basis due to the number of claims you've submitted.
5. Do you have renewable benefits? Some disreputable pet insurance companies will consider treated conditions as "pre-existing" upon policy renewal. Avoid these companies when getting pet insurance rates.
6. How are reimbursements determined? You want to get pet insurance rates from a company that is up-front about its benefit schedule and will not change its "reasonable and customary fees" at its discretion. For more information, please check out the reimbursement process page.
7. What are the coverage exclusions? Some policies exclude coverage on pre-existing conditions and certain breed-specific hereditary conditions.
8. Does the company provide unlimited benefits? Avoid companies that impose lifetime caps on policyholder benefits when shopping for pet insurance rates.
9. Is routine preventive care covered? You might receive pet insurance rates on policies that only cover sick or emergency medical expenses. You can help extend the life of your pet by getting a policy that covers routine preventive care.
10. Are you restricted to a veterinary network or required to pre-certify? Ideally, you want pet insurance rates from a company that allows you to see any vet you choose without having to pre-certify.