How to Find the Cheapest Insurance for Your Horse

Cheap horse insurance can be good or bad. A good thing is that it can save some money; A bad thing would be if it were poor coverage or the company were unresponsive. Low payments alone don't necessarily mean the company or the policy is bad. It could mean just the opposite. If companies are run really well and have a very large number of clients. They could have lower rates with superior coverage. In this article, we'll be looking at the different kinds of insurance available and the reasons behind those differences.

Mortality insurance is one type. This, for horses, is similar in concept to life insurance for humans. Although horses are thought of and treated more as property than as living beings. So this type of insurance focuses more on financial reimbursement than on proper burial or disposal of the horse. Often, mortality coverage is available without buying veterinary coverage, but not the other way around as we shall see.

The second type, loss of use insurance, is pretty much what the name suggests. This type of policy reimburses the beneficiary in the event of the horse's loss of ability to perform the function for which it was purchased. This includes physical injuries and age, disease, but not the death of the horse. The criteria for determining this value and payouts and how and when they need to be paid out are the most complex. There are also many options on what to do with the useless animal. Sometimes the insurance company will take possession of the horse, sometimes not. There's no fixed rule.

Another type is medical/veterinary insurance.Very often, animals are euthanized, simply because the owners can't afford the veterinary treatments to recover an injured or sick animal. That is the purpose of equine veterinary coverage. This type of policy is often only created in conjunction with the mortality policy and cannot be obtained without it. It's easy to buy a mortality policy without medical coverage, but not the other way around. It can be done, but it's difficult and rare.

Mortality rates of are 2.5 to 4% of the assessed value of the horse. These numbers represent the total yearly payments for the policy. The value of medical/surgical coverage varies greatly, and is not based on the value of the horse. It is based on other factors such as local veterinary rates and the cost of surgical services. The requirements and formats of these policies are as varied as the companies who create them.

It can all become very complicated, and the best thing to do is consult with several agents and companies to get a feel for what's available as a whole before making any kind of decision on your own.

There's no reason to expect that getting low rates on your insurance means getting poor coverage.

Why Your Pet Needs Health Insurance

The question is really one of being prepared for the worst. You need pet health insurance and hope that you will never have to use it. To have pet health insurance and not need it is so much better than needing it and not having it.

Molly Bee was a very cute, lovable and absolutely wonderful West Highland Terrier. Coming into my life when she was 12 weeks old, I assumed the best for her since I was getting her from a reputable AKC breeder. I had no way of knowing what was in store for her. I was not prepared for the thousands of dollars I would spend in vain trying to save her life.

Molly Bee developed a hereditary condition that shut down her liver. It was so devastating that our good veterinarian told me her test numbers were higher than any he had ever seen. I prayed (and paid) until I could pray and pay no more. Molly Bee had to be put to sleep when she was but 18 months old. I was devastated and out thousands of dollars. Remembering the pet health insurance flyer I had read while at her doctor's office, I vowed to never go without pet health insurance ever again.

Following are six helpful tips on what you may need to know about this topic. Remember: To have pet health insurance and not need it is so much better than needing it and not having it.

Most people don't consider the breed of their pet, its disposition, whether or not that breed lives an active or sedentary lifestyle and how neighborhood children or other animals, both wild and domestic, may interact with their pet. Small children can pose a real danger, and that Rottweiler that lives down the street or that Coyote from the open space park can create a $1,000 vet bill with one bite of your Jack Russell Terrier.

1. Be sure to read the brochure!

Just like health insurance for humans, there are all kinds of plans to fit your budget. Most pet health insurance plans offer 80% coverage (a 20% deductible or maybe a $100 initial treatment threshold), which might rise along with your monthly premiums. For about $12.95 USD a month, you can insure your pet for most accidents and the costs associated with treating them in case of an emergency. You are likely to be better off paying as you go, or out-of-pocket, for routine pet health care, vaccinations and the like.

2. When does the coverage begin?

Often there will be a waiting period, usually 14 - 30 days, before your pet health insurance coverage begins. Make sure that your vet has well documented the good health of your pet at their last visit so that it can be said that there were no pre-existing conditions (or have that condition waived or insured). A good time to purchase pet health insurance is right after that visit to the veterinarian.

3. Can I choose my own veterinarian?

Most plans let you choose your own pet healthcare provider especially in the event of an emergency. I suggest that you confer with your veterinarian as to what insurance programs he or she accepts for customary or usual and emergency pet health care.

4. 6 million dogs and 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer every year. Will my insurance cover those costs too?

Be sure to read up on your pet health insurance plan to see just what is or is not covered. Often, your insurance policy will allow you to add certain coverage for additional premiums. Contact your carrier for further information.

5. Are there age requirements or restrictions for pet health insurance?

Yes, most plans do not cover the first eight to twelve weeks of your pet's life. Some plans are limited to pets up to age 12 (varies with the age of your pet at the time the insurance is bought) and have other limits based on the breed of your pet. Great Danes for example, usually do not live past about 8 years of age. And, I have had cats that lived to 20 years of age! Most policies place age and/or breed restrictions on their coverage.

6. But I have more than one pet! Can I save by insuring them all?

Yes, most plans offer a discount (often 10% per pet) when you insure your whole "family".

In closing, you need to carefully consider all options for health insurance for your pets. Having no insurance at all is just plain irresponsible. If your pet needs emergency care and you cannot afford that care, contact your local humane society or ASPCA for their help.

Remember that pet health insurance need not be expensive, is not limited to a single veterinarian, is not complicated to use, may provide coverage for general care or check-ups and may be applied for online!

In any event, we would be happy to answer your questions regarding this important decision. Send us an email or comment to this article and we will get back to you just as soon as possible.

Pet Owners Should Seriously Consider Insurance

Pets are similar to youngsters as all pet enthusiasts know. This is due to, very much like kids, you desire to be prepared to give your pet the best, whether it's nutrition, games, interest or attire. Pets also desire continuous attention which will cause them to become secure and interactive. And everyone is aware, similar to kids, that they are able to capture your love due to their actions.

One item that I began to consider right after I received my puppy Ivory (who is an enjoyable mixed terrier) is acquiring a pet insurance policy. A few might possibly wonder if the pet industry is manipulating pet owners or perhaps whether it is really the pet lovers by themselves who might be going too far. On the other hand, I personally believe that it makes sense.

Acquiring pet insurance is critical if you have a pet because it is expensive to take care of them. Because it definitely will cost you a lot to care for a wholesome pet over their lifetime, imagine what it's like if your pet becomes unwell or maybe hurt. Should the undesirable develop and your pet should get unwell, needs medical attention or even must be put in the hospital, then you certainly want to have the peace of mind of understanding that you have the assets that will cover the care that your own pet needs. The last thing you should have to think about while your precious pet is ill is how you can pay for the medical care of a veterinarian, or if you possibly have the resources needed to take care of a hurt pet.

These days, since it may seem from a quick overview that animal insurance policies and providers are set up similarly, it's essential that you invest time to examine them more closely before you purchase. Obtaining pet insurance takes the same level of interest you should put into selecting your medical plan for your loved ones. You also need to make sure that your veterinarian will accept the insurer and you include satisfactory protection pertaining to the items your pet may need. You want to be able to conduct a side-by-side comparison so that you can truly understand what you're really purchasing. And you need to opt for a company which has an existing dependable and reputable track record.

In my opinion, choosing the least expensive protection is not automatically the most effective. I had to clearly investigate the plan, consult the vet for several recommendations and opinions and carefully study the needs of our pet.

Is Pet Insurance A Waste Of Money Or A Good Idea?

You'll find veterinarians, pet owners, and financial experts on both sides of this question. I believe that the most helpful answer isn't "yes" or "no," but "it depends." It depends on your expectations and reasons for purchasing insurance for your pet. I'll explain what I mean:

Since the contract is between the pet owner and the insurance company, the pet owner must pay their veterinarian first and then get reimbursed by the insurance company after filing a claim. This usually isn't a problem until you're facing a large bill and you don't have enough money in the bank or available credit to pay your veterinarian.

So, unless you can afford to pay your veterinarian in full with either money in your checking or savings account and/or a credit card and then seek reimbursement from the insurance company, then pet insurance is a waste of money for you.

The only exception to this is if you purchase a policy from a company that will reimburse your veterinarian directly (instead of you) and your veterinarian consents to allow this to happen. Most veterinarians are reluctant to do this.

You purchase a policy that doesn't cover what you thought it did. Before purchasing a pet insurance policy, you must know what it covers and what it doesn't cover.

For example, if you have a female dog that you purchase a policy on when she's a puppy and you breed her, but she has complications when whelping and has to have a C- section, it's very likely it won't be covered. Why? Because pregnancy related expenses is a common exclusion in most pet insurance policies. I've actually had a client tell me, "I can't believe this isn't covered. That's why I bought the insurance!"

Suppose you buy a policy for your Labrador Retriever puppy and when she's 2 years old, she's diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Unless you bought a policy that covers hereditary conditions, you will pay out-of-pocket for that problem the rest of the dog's life.

You should always read a sample policy if one is available.

You purchase a policy with limits that are too low so that you end up paying a substantial amount of your veterinary bills out of pocket - especially the large bills. Isn't this the reason you bought insurance - so you won't have to end up doing that? Many pet owners purchase a policy with the lowest premium and hence also with the lowest limits. The best policy is always the one that gives you the lowest out-of-pocket expense including the premium should you have to file a large claim.

You purchase a policy with the expectation that you'll get more money back in benefits (reimbursements) than you pay in premiums. You may or you may not. Pet insurance isn't an investment or a forced savings plan, but a risk-sharing vehicle.

The bottom line is that unless you know how pet insurance works and how to choose a company and policy wisely, pet insurance could indeed turn out to be a waste of money for you.

Equine and Farm Insurance - Why You Should Insure Your Horse and Farm

Just as you protect your home and its assets, there are many reasons to insure your farm and its property. While horses represent loved animals among many owners and their families, they can also be large financial investments. From illness and injuries to liability issues, below are the different types of equine/farm insurance and a few reasons why you should consider investing in them to protect your horse and farm:

Equine Health Insurance helps finance surgeries and other major medical expenses. Like their riders, horses can also suffer from unexpected medical issues, and the cost of surgery can be unaffordable. Horse medical insurance will help you avoid a financial burden in the unfortunate event that your horse becomes challenged by medical issues or requires major surgery.

Equine Mortality Insurance can help you cope with the death or theft of a loved horse. The emotional burden that results from the loss of a loved animal is difficult enough to handle alone, so having to worry about suffering a significant financial loss as well will only make matters worse. Although your horse and its sentimental value may never be replaced, horse life insurance will help ease the pain by reimbursing you for the death or theft of your horse.

Farm Liability Insurance is needed to reduce liability risks involved in your horse operation. An equine liability policy is required for activities like boarding, training, horse shows, and riding instruction. Regardless of whether you offer daily riding lessons or occasionally care for a friend's horse, it's important to protect yourself with farm or equine liability insurance.

Farm Property Insurance covers your barn, sheds and machinery associated with the farm. Although farms are often connected to homes, a standard homeowners insurance policy doesn't always cover a barn and its contents. Consulting your independent insurance agent to ensure that your barn and its assets are protected is a great place to start.

Loss of Use Insurance protects against your horse's loss of value. While many people consider their horses valuable friends regardless of their skill levels, a disabling injury suffered by a horse intended to perform in horse shows or races can be financially troubling. Loss of use insurance will protect your horse in the unfortunate event that he/she suffers a disabling injury.

Whether you purchased a pony to fulfill your daughter's birthday wish, or invested in a skilled horse to compete with, there are many reasons to protect yourself and your horse with insurance.

A Look at Insurance for Pet Rabbits

Purchasing an insurance policy for your rabbit friend is not as common as getting one for a cat or dog. However, you can purchase your beloved companion insurance if you want to be covered in case something happens. Before you purchase the actual insurance, first you will need to visit a vet and find out if the breed of the rabbit you own is prone to certain genetic illnesses. Certain breeds have a high risk of developing some specific illnesses and you should make sure you are covered if and when that day comes. In addition, this piece of information will help you when you are purchasing the insurance policy, as you will know what to look for.

Most insurance companies do not provide a specific policy for rabbits. However, almost all companies offer coverage for exotic pets. Therefore, if your insurer presents you with such a plan, make sure that you read the agreement carefully and see whether the policy will provide you with the necessary coverage for your companion. As always, when you are looking to purchase insurance, shop around and get at least three or four quotes so you can compare the offers. The process of finding a suitable insurance company for your rabbit is actually very easy nowadays, thanks to the Internet. Simply search for rabbit insurance or exotic insurance in your area and you will surely find a couple of companies that can provide you with some quotes.

Normally, most people expect these kinds of insurance policies to be more pricey than the regular cat or dog insurance. However, if you take your time and compare the quotes you receive you will find affordable insurance that can provide the coverage your rabbit needs. The costs for the insurance policy may differ from the quote you receive online or over the phone. Furthermore, if your rabbit is an outdoor pet, then you should expect to pay more for the insurance policy. There are several rabbit breeds out there and this is why you should look for a policy for your specific breed, if you want to ensure your pet is safe. In addition, not all insurance plans provide coverage for routine check-ups and vaccination, even though your pet is required up-to-date vaccinations in order to qualify for coverage.

Overall, you should search for a policy that can cover all the hereditary diseases specific for the breed of rabbit you have and that can cover routine care as well.

Where to Get Pet Insurance

Before we talk about where to get pet insurance lets first discuss what pet insurance is & why you should have it.

Pet insurance is just like any other insurance in that it protects you, as the pet owner, from any unforeseen circumstances whereby you might have to pay out a lot of money that you didn't expect. Whilst you may think it's obvious that you should have medical insurance for your pet to cover any vets bills what about other circumstances that you should insure for?

Well, have you thought about what would happen to your pet if you were taken ill & had to be hospitalised? Who would look after your pet or pets? What about if you were about to take a holiday but your pet became ill & needed urgent medical care? What if your pet caused damage to another person's property? What if your pet was stolen? Or strayed & didn't return? All of the proceeding scenarios, whilst not immediately obvious, are situations that you should have insurance for.

There are other not so obvious eventualities that you should insure against, the best way to ensure you cover as many situations as possible is to pick out a few insurance companies & read their policy benefits, by doing this you should be able to make a comprehensive list of what you should have cover for. The reason for picking more than one company is that different companies will offer cover for different situations, you want to make sure that you have all areas covered that apply to you & your pets unique situation, after all we & our pets are all different.

So when you have a comprehensive list of the cover you would like then it's time to think about where to get pet insurance. Maybe in searching for policy benefits you have already found some places to get quotes, great, what should you do next? Simply really, just treat your pet insurance search like you would any other insurance search. Go to 2 or 3 price comparison sites, don't forget to look out for polices that fit your individual circumstances as well as looking for a competitive policy. Then go to at least 2 direct insurance companies to check out their cover as well.

When thinking about where to get pet insurance bear in mind a few things; cheap is not always best & make sure you have enough, but not too much cover. Also remember that comparison sites are not independent, they will feature companies that give them good commissions which may not be the best companies for you. Narrow your preferred list down to 2 or 3 companies based on price & cover that fits your needs, then research the actual companies to see what other customers are saying about them;

• Is it easy to contact the company when you need to? • Is the claims procedure easy to understand? • Does the company have a dedicated claims manager to help you? • What is the company's record for paying out claims? • Will you get NCB ( No Claims Bonus ) if you don't make a claim? • Will your pet continue to be covered in "old age"?

You can do all this research yourself online, or you could use a broker who will do all the work for you, you should still know exactly what you want to be covered for, or you could ask around your friends, family & work colleagues for recommendations based on their experiences.

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Purchasing Pet Insurance

1) Not getting a quote from and researching all pet insurance companies.

How do you know you purchased the best available policy for your pet if you don't look at all your options? There are about a dozen pet insurance companies in the United States, and although it will take time to obtain quotes and research all of them, it's still doable. While no choice is 100% foolproof, you'll make a wiser choice by being thorough in your research.

2) Selecting a policy with a low per-incident and/or annual maximum.

It can be tempting to select such policies because the premium is usually lower than for policies without a per-incident limit or with a higher annual maximum. A seriously injured or ill pet can end up with a bill of $5,000 to $10,000 and potentially even more. Studies show that most claims that pet owners file are much lower than this, but pet insurance is all about risk management to protect you from the more expensive bills. If you need to lower the premium for a policy with more comprehensive coverage, the best way to do that is by selecting a higher deductible if the company allows you to customize your policy.

3) Selecting a policy that doesn't cover chronic conditions.

These are problems e.g. diabetes, cancer, arthritis, etc. where treatment is expected to last beyond the current policy term. Some pet owners have been surprised when they renew their policy and a chronic condition isn't covered because it is considered a pre-existing condition during succeeding policy terms. Ideally, you want to purchase a policy from a company that covers these conditions in future years and up to the full limits of the policy just like any other condition. Some companies have lower limits for chronic conditions and/or offer it only as an add-on rider for an additional premium.

4) Selecting a policy that doesn't cover hereditary or breed specific conditions.

You might be surprised just how long the list can be when considering these conditions. Every company has its own list and it usually varies from company to company. Some companies make the list of what they consider hereditary conditions available while others don't. As with chronic conditions, some companies cover hereditary conditions just like any other condition and up to the full limits of the policy while others either have lower limits for these conditions, make coverage optional for an additional premium, or don't cover them at all.

5) Not reading a sample policy.

Never purchase a pet insurance policy without reading a sample policy. You have to read the fine print. Most of the companies have a sample policy available for viewing on their website. If not, call or email them to get a copy. I've seen clients get upset when a claim is denied, but upon reading their policy, the exclusion was right there in black and white. Therefore, also read your new policy as soon as you receive it in the mail. If it's not what you thought you bought, you can usually cancel your policy within 30 days and get your premium refunded if you've not filed any claims yet.

6) Not reading reviews.

I usually don't purchase anything of significance (even a headphone from Amazon) without reading a bunch of reviews. Why pass up the opportunity to hear from people who've actually used the product and/or dealt with the company? Since some of the pet insurance companies have been around for many years, they may have well over a thousand reviews. And since pet insurance companies change their policies from time to time to stay competitive, you should concentrate on reading the more recent reviews e.g. the last couple of years.

7) Not requesting a medical record review.

Unless you are insuring a new puppy or kitten with no known previous medical problems and whose first examination with your veterinarian resulted in a clean bill of health, it is wise to ask the company you're purchasing a policy from to review your pet's previous medial records and let you know up front if there are any pre-existing conditions that will be excluded from coverage. You will usually only have to send them the last year or two of your pet's records.

This is usually done during or immediately after the underwriting process and waiting period for the policy to become effective. You may not think your pet has ever had a previous problem, but you might have forgotten something you casually mentioned to your veterinarian during a visit that he or she could have made a note of in the record - even if it wasn't treated at that time. What the company decides is pre-existing is what counts regardless of whether you and/or your veterinarian disagree with them. Most companies will eventually request your pet's medical record anyway when you file a claim. It would be better to know early rather than find out later after you've paid months to years in premiums that something is considered pre-existing and not covered.

Pet Insurance Comparison For the Best Pet Insurance Plan

When performing a pet insurance comparison, looking for the best amongst a huge number of plans is somewhat difficult. Pets are typically considered as family members and so it is necessary for you to search for the best insurance plans available.

When shopping, you will often find that the pet insurance plans available are usually the same as insurance which people have. The insurance policies are featured with yearly premiums. The deductibles also depend upon the age and health condition of the animal. There are a number of pet care insurance plans which match your individual pet's health condition. When considering all these things, it can be hard to make a good comparison.

You can provide the insurance for your pet after making your plan comparison. There are some points that have to be considered when making an insurance comparison. First, you have to select the right insurance companies. Actually, pet insurance has been around for over 25 years, so when selecting best insurance companies, you have to look for the companies that have been offering insurance for many years and have good pet plans available. You have to keep in mind that your pet's health is in your hands. While completing your insurance comparison, you have to consider the coverage of the pet insurance plans. You have to select the company which can provide coverage for your pets even at the time of chronic conditions such as diabetes or some type of cancer or allergies. Even coverage in case if your pet needs any type of dental treatment or pet prescription medicines.

Companies that insure animals should know what they are talking about. If they are in the market, they should boast veterinary experts on board and as their employees. If they are able to identify the different problems of your pets, they can help with whatever medical treatment may be required. This is probably the biggest factor for making a pet insurance comparison.

The plans for pets should not restrict your option of hospitals or the veterinarians where your pets can receive treatment when any emergency comes. Along with all the other points, you have to consider this when making your comparison. This is because there are certain insurance companies who limit the options for the customers and they also ask you to receive treatment for your pets only in the hospitals that they recommend.

The plan you choose will need to be available for your pet after the approval and issuance from the insurance company. It is also better to avoid any plan which will make you wait a certain period of time before it is effective. The plan should be ready when after you make the first payment. The most important thing which you have to consider when making a comparison is whether the insurance company will return the remaining premiums should you want to cancel the insurance policy. All of the premiums which you do not use should be reimbursed to you by the company. These are the most important factors to be considered when looking for any kind of animal insurance comparison.

Horse Insurance - Protecting Your High Investment Assets

It's a universal truth that owning a horse is quite expensive, as a horse can cost you thousands of dollars, based on what kind of horse you desire to own and where you purchase it from. There are times when the cheaper horse might turn out to be more expensive, if they lack proper fitness. Thus, it's always better to pay a little more and buy a healthy horse, as it's going to be more beneficial on a long run.

Besides, there are many costs involved like food, vet visits, grooming, transportation, stabling, showing and others. The total cost would add up to anything equal to having a newborn baby in the house. Money is just a part of owning a horse, as there are several things that you'll need to consider for it to survive.

You need to take responsibility of their day to day care, exercises and interaction, which is very important aspect of owning a horse. It is a huge commitment and could become a liability if the owner does not have enough passion for a horse. You need to spend time with the horse right from the pony days, start training and regularly exposing it to riding lessons.

During the training there are possibilities that the horse may incur injury or may damage the property. This calls for having a good horse insurance, which covers you for your valuable animal, serious injuries and loss of property.

You can get yours horses covered by contacting any of the local equine insurers. However, before you choose an insurer, you must make sure the company is government certified, has enough number of experiences and educated staffs in this particular area. You can look for horse insurance policies over the Internet. There are a lot of insurance service providers who offer coverage at a good deal.

There are a variety of horse insurance policies like control, care and custody coverage, which are very popular among the animal owners. Usually, such an insurance policy covers up to $10.000, but has a set limit on the loss of equipments. On the other hand, the most popular and common kind of insurance is the commercial liability policy. This policy covers animal from $300,000 to $1 million of liability.

There is always a portion of the claim that is not covered by the insurer. This amount is called the deductible, which needs to be paid by the owner before the policy is applicable. You'll end up paying less amount of premium every month, if your deductibles are very high and vice versa. Each and every policy has different rules and thus, it is recommended that you do your homework right before buy any insurance coverage.

Pet Insurance for Your Cat - 3 Key Questions to Ask Before You Decide to Buy

Buying pet insurance for your cat? It may sound like a totally unnecessary luxury that only the very rich can afford. If you are trying to decide whether or not you should get cat pet insurance this article should help you.

Our cats are an important part of our family. We enjoy each others company and our kids love them dearly. Like the good pet owners we are, they are well taken of and we hope that nothing bad will ever happen to them. Nutritious food, clean drinking water, and a safe environment where they can play will keep them happy and healthy. Unfortunately, even if we look after them properly, our pets - just like people - can get sick or become injured from an accident.

If your cat ever became seriously ill and needed medical attention, the Vet and prescription costs could become quite expensive. Insuring your cats' health can help you provide proper care when they need it without seriously affecting your pocket book.

Making the decision of whether to buy a pet health insurance policy for your cat can be made easier by asking yourself these 3 key questions.

1. What are the advantages if you decide to buy pet health insurance?

The most important advantage is your peace of mind. Worrying about financial affairs in addition to worrying about your cat may put you under a lot of undue stress. The feeling of not being able to provide your cat with proper care just because you cannot afford it can be devastating.

Many pet care insurance plans can cover up to 100% of vet bills, and include coverage options for accidents, illness and routine care, such as vaccinations and regular check-ups. With the many policies available, it's best to choose one with the coverage that suits you and your cats needs best.

2. What are the disadvantages of not buying a pet insurance policy?

It may seem expensive but the advantage of being able to help your furry friends when they need it far out weighs the cost. As long as you set a budget for your cat's pet insurance policy you won't end up with one that costs an arm and a leg.

Most insurance companies will require you to first pay any vet or medical costs and then be reimbursed afterwards. It may be difficult to wait a long time for the payment so review the pet insurance policy you're planning to buy to see how long it will take to process a claim.

Coverage related to something such as a hereditary disease for example, may be excluded therefore it is essential that you understand what the policy covers. Some pet health policies may include payment limits that are very low and other policies will not cover certain treatments.

3. How do I find the best pet insurance for my Cat?

Looking for the best pet health insurance for your cat starts with accessing your Cat's needs. Make a note of your cat's current physical condition, their age and any other special needs. Once you know what your Cat needs you can start looking for a policy that is a good fit.

Many insurance companies allow you to choose between different levels of pet insurance coverage. Some cover accidents only, while the more expensive policies will cover accidents, illness as well as routine and preventive care. If you can afford the more expensive coverage, the insurance may cover other costs such as alternative therapies, vaccinations, or teeth cleaning.

These 3 questions will help you to decide if Cat Pet Insurance is something you should buy for your Cat. If it's something you don't need right now, maybe you can think about it again in a few months or maybe a couple of years down the road. Although it's best to get it earlier than later on, only you will know when the time is right.

Pet Insurance and Pet Wellness Plans

The holistic approach advocates treating the whole pet plus promoting wellness first to prevent sickness later. Just like people have a wellness plan pets need one too.

Animals can have many of the same diseases as humans including diabetes, kidney, liver and heart disease, thyroid problems and cancer. As you know pets age faster than humans. Do you remember how you figure your dog's age in dog years - one of our years is seven years for a dog? Since you take your pet to the vet once a year for an annual check up that is like taking them once every seven years. So when you do go for the check up you need get all the important information.

Your pet should get routine diagnostic testing consisting of a complete blood cell count and a serum chemistry profile. These results will give the vet information regarding specific organ functions and your pet's overall health. Wellness testing helps find disease in the early treatable stage and helps your vet get a baseline measurement to detect subtle changes over time. Plus the vet should take a complete history of your pet's activity and behavior and give, a thorough physical exam. Wellness plans are a bit different depending on your pet's age. Many vets are now offering specific programs geared toward senior dogs.

Though this all sounds great, the question many of us have is how do we pay for all this? We are not alone. According to the Bayer 2011 Veterinary Care Usage Study (recently published on Market Wire), the high price of vet care often overrides an owner's loyalty to their veterinarian.

The study shows that 26 percent of pet owners surveyed are now trying to find ways to save money on veterinary care and would consider switching to a practice that was more affordable.

With that said, almost half of the pet owners surveyed replied that they would bring their pets to their vet on a more regular basis if the practice offered a monthly-billed annual wellness plan.

Fortunately there is a way to make a wellness plan economical. Some of the pet insurance companies actually offer some type of Wellness Rewards plan. Though it is not insurance; it's more like an allowance (with bonus cash) that you can spend towards routine care such as wellness exams, preventive surgery and prescription diet food.

You make payments monthly so you are never hit with that huge bill for the routine check-up. Plus vets say it really does help extend your pets life and improve their quality of life as the preventive care helps them catch the bad things early on.

Pet insurance has come a long way and some of the policies now cover such things as chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathic, holistic, veterinary orthopedic manipulation (VOM) and massage therapy, hydrotherapy and rehabilitation. According to claim histories pet insurance companies report that vets are using alternative therapies to treat such conditions as: post-operative pain from orthopedic illness or injury, cancer, allergies and skin issues and epilepsy.

So if you want to protect your pet and not have to worry about having to lay out a lot of cash unexpectedly consider purchasing a pet insurance plan that also includes a wellness program.

Got A Pet? Read Why Pet Insurance Is So Important For Your Pet And Your Finances

Anyone who owns a pet shouldn't be surprised at how expensive some forms of treatment for their pets can be. In fact prices have risen in the last few years and that is why investing in veterinary pet insurance is crucial. For more than 20 years now insurance to protect your pet has been available in a variety of different forms yet still many pet owners fail to take any out.

As you will discover this form of insurance is very similar in many was to the type of insurance that we take out to protect ourselves against medical costs. Of course just like medical insurance for humans how much you pay for yours will depend on the level of coverage you take out. But you can still find veterinary pet insurance that is affordable and will easily fit within your budget constraints.

Of course we all love our pets and that is why we would like to take out the best cover possible for them. The reason that they would spend more on this type of insurance is simply like them they want to ensure that their pet receives the best possible care possible. Okay these policies do cost considerably more but then they don't only cover the costs of the treatment required but any on going or long term care needed after the initial treatment has been carried out.

However there are some things that you can do to help bring the costs of this insurance down. Firstly you can choose to increase the amount that you pay towards (excess) any treatments that your pet may need. Just by increasing your excess payments from say $100 to $200 could provide you with quite some big savings.

Another thing you can also do is look for veterinary pet insurance where they allow you to pay it in installments. Although you are paying less each month for the insurance you will of course end up paying more overall as the insurers need to cover the costs the banks charge for such payments to be allowed. But it will be worth knowing that should anything untoward happen to your pet you are covered.