What is Pet Insurance?
How does it work?

It is our job to help you not only get the best value from your spend when you visit, but to find ways that help you to take the best care of your pets within your particular budget. 

 

Pet insurance can help by offsetting some or most of the costs of diagnosing, treating and managing your pet's illness or injury.  As an animal hospital in Gainesville and Newberry Florida, we want you to know the best options:

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Coverage:

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• The pet insurance policy should clearly spell out the details, including the limitations and exclusions, of coverage for routine and/or wellness care as well as emergency treatments and conditions that require extensive care. Find out how your premiums will be increased as your pet ages or if you make any claims.

• See if your desired insurance provider offers add-on options to provide any specific coverage (e.g., dental care, travel insurance, etc.) you may want.

• Find out how the insurance provider defines and handles pre-existing conditions (diseases or conditions your pet already has – or has had – prior to purchasing the insurance plan).

• In some cases, insurance providers will not insure a specific pet or breed of pet, or may limit the number of pets you can insure, if they consider them "high risk."

• You should be allowed to choose the veterinarian who will provide veterinary care for your pet.

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Payments:

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• Ask if the provider offers a policy that provides multiple-pet discounts.

• All of the charges, including co-pays, deductibles, add-on charges and other fees, should be clearly explained to you so you fully understand the policy and its limitations.

• Pet insurance plans are generally reimbursement plans – you pay the bills up front and are reimbursed by the insurance provider. Ask the insurance provider how claims are processed as well as the timeframe for reimbursement of your expenses so you know what to expect. If you're concerned about covering the expenses up front, ask your veterinarian about payment options that will work for you in case you need to make arrangements. (It's best to find out your options ahead of time so you don't have the added stress of trying to make payment arrangements on an emergency basis.)

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Our friends at Pawlicy Advisor have created a public marketplace that allows pet owners to compare pet insurance providers and help them find a plan that works for their pet, lifestyle, and budget. Click their logo below to learn more:

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