Pet Insurance
 AHCC strongly advocates Pet Health Insurance. Sometimes the cost for certain procedures or generalized care can cost a bit more than expected, especially for certain breeds. Pet health care can seem on the surface to be exorbitant because we as humans can be insulated from the extremely high cost of health care through the use of either private or group medical insurance. Unfortunately, this is one of the areas that the veterinary field hasn't been able to compete with the human side as of yet. We can provide the same level of care with much of the same technology; however, until more people make pet insurance a priority, we will continue to lag behind human medicine in this area. The more people that sign up for pet insurance, the more we can all keep costs under control while continuing to provide high quality care. The more interest there is for pet insurance, the more market forces will be at work providing a broader choice of insurance carriers and helping to keep monthly insurance premiums in check through good old fashioned competition. A guide to selecting the best insurance for your pet. Why Pet Insurance?Pet owners must be prepared to take on the financial responsibility of maintaining a pet’s health and well-being. An unexpected illness or accident can take a toll on your finances. Public demand for optimal pet care has advanced veterinary emergency medical procedures and treatments. This has in turn increased the costs of veterinary care. While medical expenses are often covered for humans through insurance, most pets are not so fortunate. Pet insurance provides a sense of security for pet owners by ensuring that they will have help paying for unexpected veterinary expenses. Factors — Consider This: Your Budget Are you financially prepared to pay for extensive veterinary care? Monthly payments and emergency funds If you are unable to meet large, unexpected veterinary expenses you may wish to purchase a more extensive policy. Specific Breeds Do you own a breed that is more susceptible to certain illnesses or conditions? Make sure that these conditions are covered by your policy. You may have to pay a higher premium for certain breeds. Pet’s present and past medical history Many insurance companies will not cover pre-existing or recurring conditions or they may limit the number of claims they will pay for these conditions. e.g., chronic ear infections, garbage eater, car chaser. If this is an adopted pet with no known past medical history you may want a broader coverage policy. Pet’s Age Does the insurance company base their rates on the age of the pet when the policy was started? Does the rate increase as the pet ages? Life Expectancy Younger pets may be more susceptible to accidents and injury. Older and obese pets may be more subject to certain illnesses. Where you live Outdoor pets are more subject to accidents and exposure to disease and parasites. Rural animals are more subject to injury from wild animals. You may want a higher coverage for outdoor pets. Species you wish to insure Some insurance companies only cover cats and dogs. Make sure the provider you choose covers your type of pet. Which Company Offers the Best Policies? AHCC does not endorse any one company. Everyone’s needs are different. Before you purchase Pet Insurance, research what is available and what best fits your needs and budget. A good website to research is www.petinsurancereview.com. Current US Pet Insurance Providers AKC (866) 725-2747 www.petinsurancepro.com ASPCA (866) 861-9092 www.ASPCApetinsurance.com Embrace (800) 511-9172 www.embracepetinsurance.com Hartville (800) 799-5852 www.hartvillegroup.com PetCare (866) 275-7387 www.petcareinsurance.com Petfirst (866) 937-7387 www.petfirsthealthcare.com Petplan USA (866) 467-3875 www.gopetplan.com Pets Best (866) 929-3807 www.petsbest.com Purina Care (877) 878-7462 www.purinacare.com Trupanion (800) 569-7913 www.trupanionpetinsurance.com VPI (888) 899-4874 www.petinsurance.com Frequently Asked Questions What is Co-Insurance? Co-Insurance is the portion of the costs that you will have to pay. If your policy has a 20 percent co-pay, you would have to pay 20 percent of any total bill. What is a Deductible? A deductible is the predetermined amount that you would be responsible for before the insurance starts to pay. There is a lot of variation between insurers, ranging from $0 to $500.00. For some companies you can select the amount of deductible you desire. Deductibles also vary from an annual to per claim. Will my Pet be Covered Out of State or Country if on Vacation? Coverage while you travel varies with the insurer. If this is a concern, be sure to check with the company before you purchase. What Kind of Insurance Coverage is Available? Many companies have a basic plan which covers illness and injury, Within the basic plan, you can often select your desired deductible amount and whether or not you desire their standard plan or a more superior plan, which would cost more but also provides maximum coverage. In addition to the basic plan, most companies offer add on’s, such as:
What Questions Should I Ask the Insurance Provider?
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Animal Health Care of Kent is located at
(Formerly West Valley Animal Clinic) 22815 68th Ave South Kent WA 98032 Kent Phone: 253-520-7000 Convenient hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Friday:10am to 4pm (extended hours by appointment) up to 7pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 4pm. Closed Wed & Thurs. Employment Opportunities |
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