Pets can add a lot of joy to your life, but they also cost a lot to care for. Fortunately, affordable pet insurance can help you keep the costs down. With some careful research, you can find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
The most important factor in finding the best cheap pet insurance is determining what kind of coverage you need. A standard accident-and-illness policy will cover most unexpected illnesses, injuries and accidents. However, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for more expensive procedures like surgery or specialized treatment. Other factors to consider include deductibles, reimbursement levels and whether the insurer offers additional coverage like alternative care or exam fees.
Companies that offer more customization with their plans and services tend to have lower premiums on average. Pets Best is a great example, with three tiers of accident-and-illness coverage and two wellness add-on options. You can even get the option to pay your vet directly, which can save you money on deductibles and ensure that you don’t miss payments.
Another way to make pet insurance more affordable is to look for providers that allow you to pay for an entire year’s worth of coverage with a single payment, rather than paying month- or six-monthly. This will typically save you about 15%. Most pet insurance providers also offer discounts for active duty members, veterans and multiple pets, which can add up to significant savings.
Many of the cheap pet insurance plans we reviewed include a wide range of covered procedures and tests, including diagnostic tests (blood work, urinalysis, x-rays and CT scans) and treatments such as emergency and specialty care, hospitalization and surgery. They also often include prescription medications, a major area of expense for many pet owners. Other coverage available on some of the cheaper pet insurance plans includes dental cleanings, vaccinations and flea/tick prevention. Some companies only offer these plans as add-ons, while others include them in their base policies.
The ASPCA is another provider with a broad range of covered procedures and tests, as well as an extensive set of optional coverages that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. The ASPCA offers both an accident-only and an accident-and-illness policy, as well as two preventive care plan options. It also covers most breed-specific illnesses, such as hereditary diseases, chronic conditions and congenital defects. However, it excludes some pre-existing conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries (which can lead to lameness in dogs) or hip dysplasia.
Figo is another affordable option that provides extensive coverage for both accidents and illness. In addition to annual and lifetime coverage limits, it has per-condition deductibles in most states, which can save you money over time. Unlike most pet insurers, Figo doesn’t exclude any condition from its coverage that is curable and will only deny claims for those conditions once they are well-controlled. It also doesn’t exclude age-related conditions, such as arthritis, in its basic accident and illness policy. It also has several add-ons that can further cover costs, such as acupuncture and physical therapy. affordable pet insurance