Healdsburg Veterinary Hospital
Pet Insurance
At Healdsburg Veterinary Hospital, we understand that veterinary care can be expensive at times. Pet insurance serves as a valuable tool for pet owners to prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses.
Pet insurance helps cover the cost of veterinary care for your pets, providing financial protection against unexpected medical expenses. Whether it’s for routine check-ups, accidents, or illnesses, pet insurance can offer peace of mind and ensure your furry friend gets the care they need without breaking the bank.
Pet Insurance Providers
Some popular pet insurance companies include ASPCA, Embrace, Healthy Paws, Lemonade, Nationwide, Trupanion, FIGO, Spot and more. You can also check with your auto or home insurance provider to see if they offer pet insurance.
How Pet Insurance Works
Pet insurance is typically reimbursement-based. You pay for your vet visit upfront and then file a claim for eligible expenses. When choosing a policy, you’ll select a deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit, all of which affect your premium and coverage.
What Pet Insurance Covers
Coverage varies by plan:
- Accident-only: Covers vet costs for accidents like swallowed objects, bites, or broken bones.
- Comprehensive plan: Includes accidents and illnesses like allergies, cancer, surgeries, and more.
- Wellness plan: Covers preventative care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and checkups.
Pre-existing Conditions
Most pet insurance providers don’t cover pre-existing conditions, including diagnosed or symptomatic conditions. Some may cover curable conditions after a waiting period of 6-12 months if there’s no recurrence.
When to Get Pet Insurance
We highly recommend getting pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy. Please note that Healdsburg Veterinary Hospital does not handle insurance disputes or alter medical records for coverage purposes. However, we are happy to assist you with submitting claims along with the invoices and medical records to support them.
Waiting Periods
Pet insurance plans usually have a waiting period before coverage begins. For example, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses means you won’t be reimbursed for illness-related visits until after that period. The sooner you get coverage, the sooner you may be eligible for claims, including for pre-existing conditions.
Our veterinarians are always willing to have an open and honest discussion with you about the cost of the services that we provide. We are here to assist pet owners in making informed decisions and safeguarding the well-being of their cherished animals.