What is Pet Health Insurance?

Post by: Mika Sanson, Manager Marketing & Communications

 

Pet health insurance has been available in Canada for 20 years, but people still ask me 'Pet insurance? What is that?' when I tell them where I work. The concept behind pet insurance is simple; it is designed to help cover unexpected veterinary expenses for dogs and cats.

Almost everyone has had some experience with insurance, whether it be for their car, their home or personal injury. Just as you can insure your car against accidents, your home against fire, and yourself for medical or dental coverage, you can insure your pet for accidents, illness and routine health care.

As with other forms of insurance, there is generally co-insurance and deductible applied to the policy. With pet insurance, you pay your veterinarian at the time of service and are reimbursed by the pet insurance company when you file your claim.

Plans vary but generally cover fees due to accidents and illnesses such as hospitalization, diagnostics, prescriptions, surgeries and alternative therapies. Petsecure even offers coverage for dental and preventive care.

The difference in cost from one plan to another is largely based upon the amount of coverage the plan provides. Some plans may set lifetime policy limits where others have limits that renew annually. Additional coverage such as holiday cancellation and death benefits may also be available.

Be sure to compare pet insurance companies before you enroll and make sure you are researching coverage and not just looking at price - with pet insurance you truly do get the coverage you pay for!