We often hear from pet owners who are considering switching to Pets Best Insurance from another pet insurance provider. We’re always happy to welcome new dogs and cats into our family, and want to share that yes, you can change pet insurance providers at any time. Here are the top 5 things we recommend pet owners keep in mind when considering a switch to a new pet insurance provider.
1. Consider Your Pet’s Health History
If your pet has a serious or chronic medical condition, before enrollment or when switching to another pet insurance, remember, pre-existing conditions typically will not be covered. If your pet has a chronic or existing condition, be sure to inquire about future coverage before enrolling with a new insurer. Pre-existing conditions likely won’t be covered under a new policy or by a new pet insurer.
Most health insurance plans, however, like Pets Best Insurance plans, will allow for “curable” pre- existing conditions (like a broken leg) to become eligible for coverage in the future. One minor or inexpensive medical condition for your pet shouldn’t discourage you from enrolling or switching to a better pet insurance plan, since your pet will still likely be covered for future accidents and illnesses. Be careful, though, because some plans have extensive waiting periods, even for conditions Pets Best Insurance considers “curable”.
2. Understand How Your Reimbursement is Calculated
Veterinary treatment and costs can vary widely due to your pet’s size and age, not to mention complications, severity, where you live and how your pet responds to treatments. In other words, when it comes to pet care, one size does not fit all. You want a predictable and reliable method of payment for your claims – ideally a flat percentage of your actual vet bill – and not a benefit schedule or fixed amount depending on the diagnosis or treatment option, which will usually reflect lower prices than what you were actually charged. Whether you choose a plan with 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement after a deductible, be sure that the reimbursement level is based on your actual vet bill.
3. Check Out Their Customer Service
Take a few minutes to check out the pet insurance provider’s website and do a little investigation. Do they offer multiple ways to contact them or do they offer self-help capabilities like an FAQs page? As a customer, will you be able to manage your account online or through a mobile app?
Being able to speak to your insurer’s customer service representative or locate information quickly can be the difference between a great experience and a less than ideal one. Make sure their customer support, claim submission, and customer tools meet your needs. If you plan on keeping your insurance policy for any length of time you could end up using them.
4. Look for Easy Claim Payment
Choose a pet insurance that has a reputation for paying claims fairly and quickly. Your veterinarian or a friend who has pet insurance can be a good source.
Pets Best Insurance offers easy claims submission. You can quickly and easily submit claims from your Customer Account or from the Pets Best Mobile App, and we offer free direct deposit reimbursement.
5. Don’t Fall for Perks You Don’t Need
If a pet insurance plan is too robust with benefits you’re not likely to need, you may be paying too much for coverage. And if the plan is too expensive, you may be tempted to drop it after a while.
Be realistic about whether you really need the benefits you’re being sold. High annual limits can be comforting if you’re worried about long-term, chronic conditions affecting your pet, however, lower annual limits can still provide peace of mind and adequate coverage for a wide array of veterinary treatments. Ask your veterinarian about common pet health issues or work with a knowledgeable sales representative if you need help figuring out just how much coverage you need, and which plan will be the best fit.
Regardless of the decision you make, pet insurance can be a financially savvy investment when it comes to your pet’s health and budget. Pets Best is here to help you find the right policy at the right price. With customizable coverage and optional routine care you’ll be able to focus on getting the best care for your pet without worry about the financial burden.