Over half of Americans are pet owners, according to the 2007 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographic Sourcebook. The costs of keeping a pet are significant, given the fact that they can live 10 or more years. A large portion of the money spent is for food and routine veterinary care, but what happens when a pet requires more extensive care? Those costs range from a few hundred dollars to well over $1,000, which is often too much for many families to spend. A good pet health insurance policy can help.
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VPI Pet Insurance
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VPI offers coverage for exotic pets. VPI is affiliated with Nationwide Insurance?which specializes in auto, home, property and life insurance?and offers two types of comprehensive insurance plans to cover a variety of ailments: a Medical Plan and a Major Medical Plan. From broken bones to hip dysplasia and seizure disorders, the Major Medical Plan covers just about every pet ailment. The company also provides coverage for routine vaccinations, check-ups and other preventive measures in both the Medical and Major Medical Plans. VPI offers coverage to a wide range of exotic birds and pets, including ferrets, rabbits, amphibians, rats and potbellied pigs. As of 2010, the annual plan limits are $14,000 for the Major Medical Plan and $7,000 for the Medical Plan. The plans require a per incident deductible, which varies depending upon which one you choose. For example, a comprehensive medical plan for a 5-year-old, mixed-breed, medium-sized dog is approximately $50.00 per month. VPI̵7;s coverage extends across the globe, so once your pet is covered, he's covered no matter where you are in the world.
VPI Pet Insurance
P.O. Box 2344
Brea, CA 92822-2344
800-540-2016
petinsurance.com
PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance
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Purina now provides health insurance for your pet. Purina, a well-known provider of pet food and other products, now offers pet insurance. There are two levels of coverage: the PurinaCare plus preventive care, and the PurinaCare without preventive care. Vaccinations, annual exams, dental polishing, spaying, heartworm preventative and flea control are all considered preventive care. Each of the policies has a once per year deductible instead of a once per incident charge. Both policies cover major medical costs?hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, accidents, illness, diagnostics and hereditary conditions. The policies exclude most pre-existing conditions. There are yearly care limits, which are broken down per covered expense. For example, the maximum yearly limit for a dog̵7;s vaccinations is $250. The overall maximum limit per year is $20,000 for all services. Deductibles for both policies range from $100 to $1,000. The higher the deductible you choose, the lower the premiums. The plan also pays 80 percent of the cost of services after the deductible has been met. The plan holder is responsible for the other 20 percent. A comprehensive medical plan for a 5-year-old, mixed-breed, medium-sized dog is approximately $60.00 per month with an annual deductible of $250. PurinaCare is available in the United States and Canada. It is accepted by most veterinarians and clinics.
PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance
1-877-878-7462
purinacare.com
ASPCA Health Insurance
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By purchasing a policy from the ASPCA, you are providing help for thousands of animals. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an established advocate for the humane treatment of animals. The organization has been around for over 140 years, protecting animals' rights and providing new hope for abandoned and abused critters. Every plan purchased benefits the ASPCA, so when you buy pet health insurance through them you are helping to provide care for thousands of animals. Coverage is limited, and all policies are age-specific. The younger the pet, the wider range of coverage you will be able to select. Virtually all pets will qualify for the minimum coverage?a Level 1 policy?and the price is approximately $11 per month with a maximum yearly benefit of $8,000 and an annual deductible of $100. This coverage is a good option for pet owners on a budget. Accidents, such as a dog or cat hit by a car, are covered, but illnesses are not. For around $30 per month, accidents and most illnesses are covered. Only pets under 11 years old are eligible for the most comprehensive plans, which include wellness care along with accidents and illnesses. As an example, a Level 4 medical plan?the most comprehensive coverage?for a 5-year-old, mixed-breed, medium-sized dog is approximately $98.00 per month with an annual deductible of $100. ASPCA health insurance is recognized across America.
ASPCA Health Insurance
866-861-9092
aspcapetinsurance.com
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