Insurance

Is your furry friend protected? Many people don’t think they need pet insurance until life strikes. Northlake Animal Hospital is happy to offer you our comprehensive wellness plans (client wants these two words to link to the wellness plans page) which are an excellent option for preventative care. However, if your pet needs emergency care or extensive treatments, insurance will be one of the most effective ways to ensure that your pet’s care will never be delayed because of finances. Our team is ready to provide valuable knowledge about the insurance marketplace and explain why pet insurance is a worthwhile investment.

Why Does My Pet Need Insurance?

Pets need insurance for the same reasons humans need insurance – you simply can’t plan for the unexpected. Accidents and diseases can happen at the most inopportune time and facing a hefty medical bill can be daunting. We’ve seen many sad cases in which pets were denied the care they need because the procedures were too expensive. With pet insurance, your pet will be taken care of no matter what happens.

Benefits of Pet Insurance:

• Financial support for unexpected veterinary bills. Some insurances even pet your vet directly which means you don’t have to worry about paying the money up front.
• Excellent care for your pet regardless of the medical situation
• Some insurances allow you to customize your plan
• Plans for pets of all ages

Which Pet Insurances Do You Accept?

There are many options for insurance companies, Northlake Animal Hospital is proud to accept two of our preferred providers:

Trupanion

Trupanion has grown to become one of the leading pet insurance providers in the country. Not only do they offer excellent benefits, but this company also allows you to customize your plan by choosing your deductible and some plans even provide 100% coverage for unexpected veterinary bills with no deductible.

Another benefit of Trupaninon is that they offer ‘direct pay’ to clinics to simplify the billing process, this means that when your pet receives treatment, you would only be responsible for the deductible and co-insurance the same day. This way your pet can receive the care they need and you would only be responsible for a small payment on the day of the treatment.

What Does Trupanion Cover?

• Accidents
• Dental
• Exams
• Behavioral issues
• Preventative care
• Prescription diets
• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Cancer treatment
• And much more!

ASPCA

ASPCA is one of our preferred providers because of their wide range of coverage options and their commitment to getting pets the care they need. This company offers the most coverage out of any other pet insurer while keeping monthly premiums at affordable prices. If you want to learn more, visit their website at aspcapetinsurance.com for more information.

What Does ASPCA Cover?

• Accidents
• Dental
• General illness
• Behavioral issues
• Prescription diets
• Medication
• Testing and exams
• Hospital stays
• Cancer screenings and testing
• Surgeries
• And much more!

Why Is Getting Pet Insurance Better Sooner Rather Than Later?

Emergencies don’t have a schedule, they just happen. Waiting to get insurance can expose you and your pet to a difficult situation. The sooner your pet is covered, the better. Another reason why you should consider getting pet insurance soon is that many providers have a waiting period if your pet has pre-existing or congenital conditions.

Questions You Should Ask When Considering Pet Insurance

Coverage

• Does my insurance have breed exclusions?
• What is the coverage limit?
• Are hereditary conditions covered and are there limitations to their coverage?
• Are visits to a specialist or the emergency room covered?
• Is dental included?
• Which prescription drugs, food, or supplements are covered?
• Does my insurance cover rehab or alternative medicines?
• Does the coverage change depending on the age of the pet?

Claims

• Does the provider offer direct payments?
• If no direct payment options, how long does it take to receive reimbursement?
• Does the provider offer pre-approval?
• What is the claim process and how long does it take?
• What are the customer service hours and dates of availability?

General

• How long is the waiting period after enrollment and are they longer with pre-existing conditions?
• How does the deductible work?
• Do they offer flexible payment options for a deductible?
• Does changing the limit of the deductible change the coverage?
• Will I be penalized if I change my policy?
• Are there scheduled premium increases?
• Are there fees to pay your premium on a monthly basis?
• Is there a maximum age for coverage?
• Does the company pay for invoices or are there customary charges?
• Can a policy be canceled for any other reason, not including non-payment?

Have More Question About Our Insurance Policies?

Our team at Northlake Animal Hospital is equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide you through the pet insurance process. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us and a friendly member of our staff will walk you through every step of the way!