The Key Questions

As with any financial decision, there are some important questions you need to ask before shelling out the money. Here are the ones at the top of the list when it comes to deciding on pet insurance (some may sound suspiciously like the ones you ask for your own insurance!):

• Does the policy cover illness, accidents and surgical procedures like the removal of swallowed objects (a common problem!)?
• Can you use your own veterinarian, rather than one from a network list?
• Does the policy include after-hours coverage?
• How long has the company been in business, and is it licensed by your state's regulators?
• Does the company offer a discount for multiple-pet coverage?
• Can you automatically renew your policy at the end of the year?
• What is the annual premium, and what determines that premium?
• Are there deductibles you must pay before coverage kicks in?
• Are there limits on preexisting conditions and hereditary defects?
• Are there co-pays for office visits, prescriptions, etc.?
• Is there a yearly cap on benefits?
• What is the dispute process if you have a problem making a claim?

The Bottom Line

Our friend Warren thinks that, with all of the advances and the increased cost of pet care, pet insurance is surprisingly affordable for the average pet owner, making it worth looking into.

We agree. It's a very personal decision affected not only by your finances but also by the extent to which you will go to pay for your pet's care. Start by asking your veterinarian for suggestions on which company he or she recommends. Also, be sure to read the information and any potential policy very carefully before signing it.

We also recommend giving these companies a call or visiting their web sites to gather information:

• Veterinary Pet Insurance (888-899-4874)
• Embrace Pet Insurance (800-511-9172)
• PetCare Pet Insurance (866-275-7387)

Do your research, and you should have no trouble sniffing out the best possible decision for you and your pet! Also be sure to check out Warren's web site, www.thepetshow.com.

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