Veterinarian's advice: How to avoid stepping in IT with pet insurance

Courier Journal

While it's smart for pet owners to have pet insurance, not all companies and policies are the same, said veterinarian Jennifer Quammen, president of the board and public relations chairwoman of the Kentucky Veterinarian Medical Association.

"I generally advise clients to looks around," and be sure they understand what policies cover, such as wellness services, vaccines and emergency treatment, she said.

Phillip Koenig, co-owner of Silver Spoon Caterers and boxer lover, said he insures show dogs that he sends on the road with handlers. It's reassuring knowing that if there's an accident or illness, the handler can get right to a vet.

It paid off when one of his boxers sprained his leg and needed steroids and pain pills while traveling to a Chicago-area show, said Koenig, who lines up his insurance through the American Kennel Club.

Here are some tips from the American Veterinary Medicine Association:

►Talk to your veterinarian and research your options.

►The insurance provider should clearly spell out to you the details, including the limitations and exclusions, of coverage for routine and/or wellness care as well as emergency treatments and conditions that require extensive care. Find out how your premiums will increase as your pet ages or if you make any claims.

►Check on add-on options to provide any specific coverage, such as dental care and travel insurance that might suit your needs.

►Find out how the companies define and handle pre-existing conditions (diseases or conditions your pet already has – or has had – prior to purchasing the insurance plan).

►In some cases, insurance providers will not insure a specific pet or breed of pet, or may limit the number of pets you can insure, if the pets are considered "high risk."

►All of the charges, including copays, deductibles, add-on charges and other fees, should be clearly explained to you so you fully understand the policy and its limitations.

►Pet insurance plans are generally reimbursement plans. You pay the bills up-front and are reimbursed by the insurance provider. Ask the insurance provider how claims are processed as well as the time frame for reimbursement. If you're concerned about covering the expenses up-front, ask your veterinarian about payment options that will work for you in case you need to make arrangements. Understand your options ahead of time so you don't have the stress of trying to make payment arrangements during an emergency.

Grace Schneider: 502-582-4082; gschneider@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @gesinfk. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/graces.