Tips for finding the right pet insurance
Many of the large insurers now also offer animal insurance, but with different benefits, coverage levels and premiums. In view of the fact that dogs and cats do not get very old, but can cause high costs within their lifetime, the thought of such a pet insurance is definitely worthwhile. The following tips can help you find the best individual insurance:
- Compare premiums
The premiums are very different depending on the provider. However, you should not only look at the pure premium, but relate it to the benefits. Very high benefits with extensive coverage of many diseases naturally result in higher premiums. Also important: with some insurance companies, the premium increases with the age of the animal. - Note the maximum coverage
Many insurance companies set a maximum amount per year as coverage. However, if the dog needs very costly treatment, this maximum amount is usually reached quickly. If the insurance then does not cover any further costs, these must be paid by the animal owner and also pay the premium for the year in question. - Consider deductibles
Many animal insurers set a deductible, which is calculated either as a percentage or as an absolute value. Usually the deductible is 10 percent of the treatment costs, but it is sometimes increased to up to 40 percent. Even if the premiums are low, a high deductible is a contra-indicator for this insurance. Some insurance companies also require that the insured bear the costs up to a fixed annual contribution. - Keep an eye on total costs
The total cost should take into account all deductibles, premiums and coverage offered by the insurer in question. Only from the connection performance? Cover? In the amount of the premium, a conclusion can be drawn about the usefulness of the individual animal insurance. - Note waiting periods
In most cases, the animal insurance cannot be used immediately, but a waiting period must be observed. This is the time a pet owner has to wait before insurance will cover a claim. Important: If the animal's health problem already existed when the insurance was taken out, this is usually not covered. Depending on the illness, the waiting period can be longer and up to three months. - Special services
While the usual treatment costs are usually covered, this is usually not the case with vaccinations. The insurance companies partly contribute to the costs, but do not cover them completely. This also applies to alternative medical treatments that the pet needs. Some insurance companies set an amount of around CHF 500 per year for this, while others only participate in homeopathic treatments.
In order to find the right pet insurance, all of these points should be compared. The attitude of the animal owner is also important: In the event of illness or an accident, do I really want to try everything to help the animal? How do I feel about TCM, homeopathy and alternative treatment options? Would behavior therapy be an option for my animal? The right insurance package can be put together from all of these considerations.
Conclusion: The best pet insurance requires a comprehensive comparison
The follow-up costs after purchasing a pet are important for most pet owners. A case of illness or an accident can quickly lead to immense costs, which are best covered by animal insurance. In view of the large number of providers, a comprehensive insurance comparison that includes both the services offered, the exclusions of benefits and coverage as well as any waiting periods is worthwhile.
