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.