With the cost of veterinarian bills rising every year, some people simply cannot afford to sufficiently take care of their pet's health. Because of this, many pet owners are opting for pet insurance to cover the health of your pet.  If you are thinking of buying a pet insurance policy, here are 10 things to keep in mind: 

Age 

The age of your pet is an important factor when purchasing pet insurance. Pet insurance typically covers pets from the age of 6 weeks. Many insurance companies will also not insure pets older than 8 years. But if your pet already has coverage before the age of 8, the policy will continue beyond this age. 

Deductibles and co-pays 

Similar to human insurance, a deductible applies to pet insurance. A deductible is the amount you have to pay out of your pocket before the insurance pays out. Generally, the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium and the choice is up to you. The premiums will also be based on the breed of your pet, age, and any pre-existing conditions. 

Insurance plan types 

A comprehensive pet insurance plan covers a wide variety of services, including vaccinations, annual check-ups, spaying, neutering, medications and other veterinary services. And while a comprehensive insurance plans covers a lot of conditions and medical related problems, a basic plan may only cover illness, injury and emergency services.  

Covered services 

Most pet insurance plans will cover certain services like office visits, accidents, illness, hospitalisation, prescription medication, X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans. A comprehensive insurance plan will cover these plus things like physical exams, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, prescription flea control and heartworm protection. 

Benefit limits 

Most insurance plans have a specified limit on how much they will pay out for a certain illness, accident or service. Any services beyond this limit will mean you have to pay out of your pocket.  

Choice of vets 

Depending on the policy you will be restricted on which vets you can use. Some pet insurers will have contracts with certain vets. If you want to keep your current vet, first check if he/she is part of the network. 

Discounts 

There are certain discounts available on various pet insurance plans. Some insurers offer a 5-10% discount on your premium if you have more than one pet on your policy.  

Waiting period 

Like human insurance, there is a waiting period before the pet insurance pays out. However, cover for emergencies usually begin immediately. 

Exclusions 

There are certain conditions or services that your pet insurance will not cover, so it is very important to go through your contract accurately. These usually include hereditary defects, pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, special diets and grooming services. 

Claims 

When you want to claim from insurance, it is important to contact your insurer immediately as there is usually a time period within which you must make a claim. Save all your invoices from your pet as procedures for filing claims differ from one insurer to the next. 

Author bio 

This article was written for Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance and offers tips on purchasing pet insurance