6 common mistakes to avoid while buying pet insurance

6 common mistakes to avoid while buying pet insurance

A pet’s overall well-being is every pet parent’s ultimate desire and objective. However, life is unpredictable, and despite one’s best efforts, a pet may require healthcare assistance for health conditions, accidents, and injuries. Pet insurance helps pet owners alleviate the financial repercussions of such untoward events through financial compensation. It is advisable to opt for pet insurance from a reputed insurance company. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while securing pet insurance:

Assuming that all healthcare services are covered
A common mistake by pet parents is to assume that an insurance policy covers all healthcare services and requirements. For example, some insurance policies may not cover pet pregnancy-related complications, while some may exclude dental checkups and procedures. Thus, it is important for pet parents to browse the list of healthcare services a pet insurance policy includes under its hood and zero in on a policy based on this factor.

Only considering the premium
Although paying a high premium may burn a hole in one’s pocket, insurance policies with low premiums may sometimes not cover all the essential healthcare expenses. In such cases, one may end up spending a much higher amount at the veterinary hospital in case of a health emergency that the policy does not cover. Therefore, one should not opt for pet insurance plans with low premiums but less services covered. The best bet is to compare the prices and services of insurance policies by different companies and pick the one that perfectly balances price with coverage.

Not considering add-ons
Any pet insurance policy typically offers certain add-ons. For example, many pet insurance policies do not directly cover preventative care and routine checkup expenses – they are generally a part of the policy’s add-ons, which require pet owners to pay a certain additional amount. Thus, one should check out these add-ons and consider buying the potentially useful ones while opting for a pet insurance policy.

Not checking the inclusions (list of hospitals)
Some policies may leave out premium veterinary hospitals, which may offer specialized services by veterinary experts. Consequently, during times of need, one may not be able to receive financial reimbursement for seeking treatment at these clinics and hospitals. To avoid such consequences, pet owners should go through the list of hospitals and clinics included in the chosen policy based on potential healthcare requirements.

Not buying pet insurance early on
Many pet owners delay buying pet insurance, assuming their pets are young and healthy and may not undergo treatments soon. However, even young pets require regular checkups by veterinarians to ensure good health. Also, they need to be vaccinated regularly and treated in case of any infections, allergies, accidents, etc. In such cases, pet insurance can help one save large amounts of money, which can be utilized fruitfully for various other purposes. Moreover, the longer one waits, the higher the premium amount. Hence, it is best to opt for a pet insurance policy as soon as one gets a pet home.

Not disclosing existing health conditions
While buying a pet insurance policy, it is important for pet owners to be honest and upfront about existing health problems their pet may be suffering from. Failing to do so may cause repercussions like claim denials and policy cancellations.

Popular Articles

01

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
Read More
02

5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

A joint or articulation is made from two bones that aid the body in movement. There are many forms of joint conditions, which, in many cases, arise from the wear and tear of bones. Arthritis is one of the major and most common health conditions in the country, and its intensity increases with age. Here are some common types of joint conditions that you need to know: Osteoarthritis With almost 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women aged over 60 suffering from osteoarthritis, it is one of the most prevalent joint conditions in the country. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilages that protect the ends of bones. It commonly affects joints of the spine, hands, hips, and knees. If left untreated, this wear and tear of the cartilage soon leads to bone degeneration, thereby affecting flexibility and range of movement. Treatment for osteoarthritis depends on its severity and the patient’s age. Mild symptoms can be treated through medications, physiotherapy, and changes in lifestyle, whereas moderate to severe cases may require surgical intervention. Spondyloarthritis Spondyloarthritis, also referred to as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in various joints. There are two types of spondyloarthritis—axial spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints in the chest, spine, and hip bone, and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, knees, and toes.
Read More
03

Tips to help you strengthen your immune system

Natural selection has transformed the way in which the human immune system works. While some human genes have evolved to become immune to certain diseases, others have not. This leaves a whole lot of people prone to certain diseases and disorders. That said, there are ways to boost the immune system, improve one’s diet, and lead a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few simple steps that you can take to strengthen the immune system: Ensure adequate sleep There are quite a few studies that prove the relationship between adequate sleep and the strength of the immune system. As an adult, you should ensure that you get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. A teenager should get eight to ten hours of sleep, whereas a young child should get at least 14 hours of sleep on a daily basis. If you have disturbed or no sleep, then you can improve your sleep cycle with these quick tips: Try sleeping in a room that is completely dark Get to bed at the same time every night. This will help regulate your sleep pattern Avoid using electronics that emit blue light before bed Maintain a diet of fruits and vegetables Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain essential minerals, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Read More