Pet Insurance
Veterinary care is one of the best ways to give your pet a long, healthy life—pet insurance can help make that care more affordable. At Countryside Animal Hospital, we believe in empowering pet parents with tools that support their pets’ well-being. Learn how pet insurance works, what it covers, and how it can give you peace of mind.
What is Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance is coverage that helps you manage your veterinary costs. It’s actually a form of property insurance, which sounds strange since we certainly don’t think of our pets as anything other than furry members of our family. But it works similarly to an auto or home insurance policy and reimburses you for covered incidents.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance typically covers pets for injuries and illnesses. With Complete Coverage, you can take advantage of more robust coverage that includes:
- Hereditary and congenital conditions – These are conditions that are inherited or caused by birth defects, such as hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).
- Alternative therapies – There are many alternative therapies that can help pets recover from an accident or health condition, such as chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture. Complete Coverage covers these services when they’re used to treat a covered condition.
- Behavioral issues – Compulsive behaviors, such as fur pulling, destructive chewing, and excessive licking, can be harmful to your pet and disruptive to your family. The costs of diagnosing and treating these conditions are covered.
You can also add preventative care coverage to your plan at a low additional cost. This coverage will reimburse you for services that can help keep your pet healthy, such as annual wellness exams and dental cleanings.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
There can be differences depending on the plan, but most pet insurance works in the same basic way:
- Visit your veterinarian and pay as usual.
- Submit a claim online, through an app on your phone, or by email, fax, or mail.
- Get reimbursed for covered services.
When you’re comparing plans, be sure to read up on what’s covered and what’s not so there are no surprises later.
How Can I Customize My Coverage?
There are a few ways you can customize your plan with the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance program:
- Annual limit – This is the maximum amount you can be reimbursed during your plan year. We have $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000 options. We also have an unlimited annual limit for those who want the maximum coverage.
- Reimbursement percentage – You can choose to be reimbursed 70%, 80%, or 90% of your covered veterinary costs.
- Deductible – We have annual deductible choices of $500, $250, and $100. You only need to meet this deductible once a year, no matter how many times your pet is hurt or sick.
If you choose a lower annual limit or reimbursement percentage, you can pay a lower premium. However, this also lessens the potential cash back you can get during your plan year. By selecting a higher deductible, you will have a lower premium, but keep in mind you’ll need to meet a higher amount before you can start getting reimbursed.