Originally posted on https://www.humane.net/2019/05/things-to-think-about-when-choosing-insurance-for-your-adopted-pet/

When you go to adopt a pet you should always be thinking about insurance, especially when they are a rescue. Think of insurance like a safety net to protect against unexpected cost the pet might incur. These include shots, vet visits, and any necessary operations like neutering. It is important to know what a good policy will include and how to get the best insurance for the right rate. While it’s key to do your research, here are some things you should think about when you are adopting a pet and need insurance.

What is the Price?

Since pet health expenses are not cheap, neither is pet insurance. The average policy last year was £279, and the average pet insurance claim was £793. However, claims can run into the thousands if your pet develops an ongoing condition. The worth of your insurance is highly dependent upon the likelihood that you will need to make a claim and how much the claim will cost.

If your pet is a rescue, you should take them in to get them checked out and see what the costs will be to care for the animal in the long-term. Then you will have a better idea of what insurance will cost. Older animals also cost more to insure, and need more frequent medical attention. Choosing to self-insure, meaning that you will take care of all expenses that your pet incurs, can be risky but beneficial.

What Kind of Pet is it?

The kind of pet you are adopting is crucial to how much your policy will cost. Since the vast majority of pet insurance policies taken out are for cats and dogs, it is easier to find insurers for them. But for smaller animals it is datable whether costly pet insurance coverage will be worth the short lifespan of animals like rabbits, hamsters, or gerbils. Birds and reptiles are difficult to insure because not many companies offer this service. For instance, venomous animals are not insurable, and you should look into liability insurance to cover any accidents that may happen with a poisonous pet.

What are the Risks?

According to the experts at the site MoneyPug, which is used to compare pet insurance, different pets come with different risks and therefore different insurance costs. For example, pedigree dogs can be more susceptible to congenital diseases, hereditary conditions, and other illnesses. They are also more likely to be stolen. Furthermore certain breeds come with their own genetic problems, larger dogs may suffer from joint problems, and older dogs may require increased attention. Bulldogs in particular can develop respiratory problems.

Is it a Rescue?

Rescuing a pet is a great thing to do, but all altruistic things come with their disadvantages. Insurance for rescue dogs help cover sometimes steep veterinary costs, but they are more expensive due to the uncertain nature of their well-being. If they have an accident or need medical treatment it will be covered, but you should do your research to find the best policy for your situation. For example, specifically designed rescue dog insurance is probably what you need.

Some insurance policies even cover dental treatment, but it all depends on the specific policy. While most rescue organisations will provide vet assessments to rehabilitate the pet before you adopt it and make note of any pre-existing health issues, doing your research to find the right rescue insurance will help in the long-run.

What does the Policy Cover?

Insurance companies cover different things, and each policy is more specific than that. You need to think about what you need your pet insurance to cover and pursue it for the most reasonable price. It is also important to determine if you need lifetime coverage, time-limited coverage, or money-limited coverage. These policies may cover accidental death, full treatment expenses, illnesses or injuries suffered while the policy is in effect. An accident in transit, loss or theft, accidental poisoning, and third party liabilities are also things to consider.

The way insurance companies come up with the price of your policy is to determine the age of the animal, the breed, its health condition, whether or not it is an exotic animal, and the location and climate conditions of the building where it lives. Whatever you need from an insurance company, you can find the most affordable option. With some research and deliberation, you can find the best insurance policy in no time.