Pet insurance is a valuable resource for you as a pet owner.
However, unlike renters and human health insurance, pet insurance has some limits and exclusions.
While not everyone is a pet insurance policy expert, it’s essential to know about your pet insurance cost and what it covers so it provides what you’re expecting it to when it matters most for your pet.
To get you up to speed, Homebody offers this comprehensive guide.
Throughout, you will learn the limitations and exclusions of pet insurance, ultimately helping you make informed decisions about your pet's healthcare needs.
Also, you will know about standard procedures and conditions not covered by pet insurance and the disadvantages of pet insurance.
By the end, you'll understand what to expect from your pet insurance policy. Plus, there is an FAQ to briefly answer questions if you don’t have time to read this guide thoroughly. Also, don't forget to learn about how to choose the right pet insurance.
While pet insurance offers coverage for various veterinary expenses, you need to note certain limitations and exclusions.
Here are some key areas that pet insurance may not cover:
If you are wondering what pet insurance does not cover, a pre-existing condition is one of them. These are health issues that your pet had before the start of the insurance policy.
If your pet has a chronic illness or condition before obtaining a pet insurance claim, it will be excluded from coverage.
To help you understand what pre-existing conditions are most commonly excluded, here are three easy-to-read tables for dogs, cats, and exotic animals:
A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to joint instability and potential arthritis.
Dogs may develop allergies to various substances, including pollen, food, or specific materials.
Common in breeds with floppy ears, ear infections can cause discomfort and recurring issues.
Dogs may suffer from skin conditions like dermatitis or hot spots, often due to allergies or environmental factors.
Dental problems such as periodontal disease or tooth decay are prevalent in dogs and can impact your pet's overall health.
A degenerative joint disease can develop with age or due to previous injuries.
Dogs may experience urinary tract infections or other urinary issues, especially in senior dogs.
An endocrine disorder that affects the adrenal glands and hormone production.
A metabolic disorder resulting from insulin deficiency or insensitivity.
A parasitic infection transmitted through mosquito bites affects the heart and lungs.
A group of conditions affecting the urinary system, including urinary blockages or bladder inflammation.
A progressive condition that impairs kidney function over time. It is more common in older cats.
Dental problems like gingivitis or periodontal disease are prevalent in cats, especially those with poor dental care.
An endocrine disorder caused by an overactive thyroid gland, leading to increased metabolism.
A common viral infection in cats that causes upper respiratory symptoms and eye issues.
Cats can develop asthma, leading to breathing difficulties and coughing.
Cats may suffer from allergies to various triggers, including food, fleas, or environmental factors.
A metabolic disorder resulting from insulin deficiency or insensitivity.
Cats may experience ear infections due to various factors, including parasites or allergies.
A degenerative joint disease that can develop in aging cats or those with previous common injuries.
Parrots
Feather Plucking - A behavioral condition where parrots excessively preen or pluck their feathers due to stress or boredom.
Rabbits
Dental Problems - Rabbits have continuously growing teeth, and dental issues such as overgrowth or malocclusion are common.
Reptiles
Metabolic Bone Disease - A condition resulting from calcium or vitamin D deficiency, leading to weakened bones in reptiles.
Guinea Pigs
Respiratory Infections - Guinea pigs are prone to respiratory infections, especially in inadequate living conditions.
Chinchillas
Dental Problems - Chinchillas have continuously growing teeth, and dental issues can arise if they are not correctly cared for.
Hedgehogs
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome - A genetic condition in hedgehogs that affects their nervous system, leading to loss of muscle control.
Ferrets
Adrenal Gland Disease - Ferrets are susceptible to adrenal gland problems, leading to hormonal imbalances and hair loss.
Sugar Gliders
Parasitic Infections - Sugar gliders, such as mites or intestinal worms, may contract parasites, impacting their health.
Snakes
Respiratory Infections - Snakes can develop respiratory infections, especially if their enclosure's temperature and humidity are inappropriate.
Tortoises
Respiratory Infections - Tortoises may experience respiratory infections, mainly when kept in cold or damp environments.
Pet insurance generally does not cover cosmetic procedures or elective treatments that are not medically necessary.
It includes procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping, or claw removal performed for non-medical reasons.
If you want to make your pet more appealing, pet insurance does not cover that. Sorry, buddy.
Many pet insurance policies do not cover routine wellness exams, vaccinations, flea prevention, or other routine preventive care measures.
These expenses are typically part of your responsibility as a pet owner to maintain their health.
However, you can get routine preventative care if you purchase full coverage or negotiate a customized pet insurance plan.
It depends on the insurer, so get a quote with Homebody to find the right insurance plan now!
Most pet insurance plans may not cover certain preventive medications and nutritional supplements, such as heartworm preventives or joint supplements.
These items are often considered part of the routine care and maintenance of a pet's health, so check your policy’s fine print to see what’s covered versus what’s not.
Although many pet insurers might take a while to respond, the case differs with Homebody - sharp response to correspondence.
Some pet insurance policies may have exclusions for specific chronic conditions. These conditions may be excluded from coverage, or coverage may be limited to a particular period. Examples of chronic conditions include allergies, diabetes, or arthritis.
The waiting period is a common misconception about pet insurance coverage: Even if you purchase a policy, it doesn’t go into effect immediately.
Most pet insurance policies have waiting periods before coverage begins. Any illness or condition that develops is considered a pre-existing condition and will not be covered during this time.
Waiting periods range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the same insurance company, provider, and policy.
While pet insurance can help offset the cost of veterinary care, there may still be substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Deductibles, co-pays, and coverage limits apply to all claims, so you’ll need to calculate how much you’ll need to have on hand if vet bills start to rack up.
Ok, pet insurance isn’t all doom and gloom. It is not all rosy.
It’s one of the most affordable and valuable things you can have for your beloved pet. The only catch is you have to know how to wield the power of pet insurance well. Don’t worry; it’s super easy, especially with Homebody!
Now that you know what pet insurance doesn’t cover, it is time to know some of the best practices you should follow to ensure that pet insurance works for you and your fluffy loved ones:
Before enrolling in a pet insurance policy, thoroughly review the terms and conditions, paying particular attention to exclusions and limitations.
Luckily, Homebody has already done that in this guide, so you’re ahead of the curve for most pet lovers!
Essentially, you’ll want to understand what is covered and what is not, including pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, and certain chronic illnesses.
Knowing your policy details will prevent surprises when it comes time to make a claim (kind of like the “presents” your dog or cat brings you when you’re least expecting it).
If your pet has pre-existing conditions or a history of specific health issues, choose a pet insurance plan offering coverage for these conditions.
Some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions altogether, while others may impose waiting periods before they become eligible.
As a general rule, the more likely your pet is to need medical attention, the higher the premiums and other costs will be.
Are you still on track, or have I lost you?
While budget constraints may tempt you to opt for a basic plan, consider investing in comprehensive coverage for your pet–the slightly higher premiums are certainly worth it from a financial perspective.
Comprehensive coverage protects your furry loved one from various unavoidable health issues.
Comprehensive plans often cover accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and chronic diseases, providing peace of mind and complete protection for your furry friend.
Many pet insurance providers offer optional riders or add-ons to enhance your policy's coverage (often under “custom coverage”).
These add-ons may include wellness care, dental coverage, or alternative therapies such as acupuncture.
Assess your pet's specific needs and lifestyle to determine if these additional options are worth considering to supplement your primary policy.
The sooner you get pet insurance, the better. Start your pet's insurance coverage early to avoid potential exclusions due to pre-existing conditions.
Insuring your pet at a young age, preferably before any health issues arise, ensures they are covered for future medical needs.
Only after your pet is older or has developed health problems may lead to coverage limitations or higher premiums. Just to it.
Most pet insurance policies do not cover routine wellness exams, vaccinations, or flea prevention.
Budget separately for these preventive care expenses, as they are essential for your pet's overall health but may not be included in your pet insurance company or coverage.
Choosing veterinarians within your pet insurance provider's network can lead to cost savings and smoother claims processing.
Verify that your preferred veterinarians are part of the network, or consider switching to in-network providers for routine care and non-emergency service.
The best medicine is prevention, and even your grandparents know this. Routine check-ups can help detect and address potential health issues early on, avoiding exclusions due to pre-existing conditions in the future.
Regular visits to the veterinarian also demonstrate responsible pet ownership, which may reflect favorably on your insurance coverage.
Maintain up-to-date and detailed medical records for your pet. Comprehensive records can streamline the claims process and provide evidence of your pet's health history, especially if they develop a new condition requiring medical attention.
As a tip, keep your documents digitally and physically organized. If there are digital documents, print them; vice versa, digitize any physical documents so you have a handy reference when dealing with the claims process.
Even with pet insurance, avoiding out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, co-pays, or annual limits, is impossible.
Create a pet emergency fund to cover these unexpected costs and ensure you can provide immediate care for your pet when needed.
While you may be paying $20 in premiums, setting aside an equal amount in a savings account will be helpful when paying out of pocket.
At Homebody, we are committed to creating a better renting experience for you (a pet owner) and your friend (pet).
Our current and upcoming services are designed to save money, providing flexibility and protection for everything you cherish–especially your furry ones!
In addition to pet insurance, Homebody offers valuable supplements to enhance your renting experience:
At Homebody, we believe in empowering our pet owners and renters with knowledge and information.
Our website is equipped with plenty of resources where you can find educational content on various topics.
From renting, insurance, pet health, and more, we want you to make informed decisions for anything insurance-related.
You can benefit from the more extensive coverage and a seamless insurance experience by combining Homebody's renters' insurance with our other offerings.
Homebody strives to be your trusted insurance partner throughout your rental journey, from protecting your rental space to safeguarding your pets and vehicles.
Homebody offers exciting plans to expand our insurance offerings as we grow, including home insurance, motorcycle and illness pet insurance plans, jewelry insurance, and more.
We aim to provide comprehensive coverage options catering to your unique needs and lifestyle. By bundling multiple insurance policies with Homebody, you can simplify your insurance management, receive consolidated billing, and unlock additional discounts.
We know you love to have all the benefits for yourself, but it is important to understand what is not covered, too.
Limitations and exclusions related to pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, routine wellness care, and certain treatments may apply.
But the good news is that if you’ve read up to this point, you’re well on your way to having your pet insurance policy cover your loved ones’ needs.
Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, which are health issues or injuries your pet had before getting pet health insurance.
It also may not cover elective procedures, cosmetic surgeries, or preventive treatments like vaccines and routine wellness exams.
No, pet insurance is specifically designed to cover veterinary expenses and emergency care for your pets and does not provide coverage for human health insurance.
Yes, many pet insurance plans offer illness coverage, which covers medical expenses related to illnesses, infections, or chronic conditions your pet may experience.
Accident and illness coverage is a common feature in pet insurance policies. It helps protect your pet from unexpected veterinary expenses resulting from accidents or sudden illnesses.
Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, so it's essential to find a policy that suits your pet's specific needs if they have any existing health issues.
Pet insurance costs, such as monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, are the pet owner's responsibility and are not covered by the policy.
Some pet insurance plans offer additional wellness coverage, which covers preventive care expenses like vaccinations, routine exams, and dental cleanings.
However, not all pet health insurance plans include this option.
Some pet insurance providers offer the option to insure multiple pets under one policy, making it more convenient and cost-effective for pet owners with multiple furry companions.
Pet insurance quotes usually estimate the monthly premium, deductible, and potential reimbursement rates based on the coverage options you select for your pet.
Yes, pet insurance can cover prescription medications necessary for your pet's treatment, helping to offset the cost of medication prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.
No, pet insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures, as it is designed to focus on essential medical treatments for your pet's health and well-being.
During waiting periods, specific conditions may not be covered by the policy. Knowing these various waiting periods and the associated terms and conditions is essential when purchasing pet insurance.
Some pet insurance plans may cover veterinary exam fees as part of the policy's coverage, but this varies depending on the provider and the specific policy you choose.
Standard exclusions in pet insurance policies include pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, cosmetic surgeries, blood tests, and specific treatments not deemed medically necessary for your pet's health.
Yes, pet insurance can be beneficial in covering expensive vet bills, especially for unexpected accidents or serious illnesses that may result in high veterinary costs.
Pet insurance typically does not cover the costs of routine wellness exams, which include vaccinations, dental cleanings, and other preventive care services. These are usually considered part of wellness coverage, which may be optional in some policies.
Many pet insurance companies often cover CT scans, especially when medically necessary for diagnostic purposes.
However, reviewing your pet insurance plan's specific policy terms and conditions is essential to confirm whether CT scans are covered and any associated limitations or requirements.
