Pet Insurance

Choosing the best pet insurance plan for your pet means asking the right questions. Here are the top questions to ask when comparing plans for your dog or cat.

How to find the Best Pet Insurance

Your pets are part of the family and finding the best pet insurance plan for them is important. With so many companies out there, it can be difficult to decide which is the right one. ECIA Insurance has created a guide highlighting what to consider when you’re comparing pet insurance policies.

Is coverage restricted because of breed?

Certain dog and cat breeds are prone to genetic and hereditary conditions. For example, Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to hip dysplasia. Make sure the insurance company you choose won't restrict coverage because of your pet's breed.

What are the waiting periods?

All pet insurance companies have waiting periods, because they help prevent fraud. A waiting period is a set period of time from the purchase of the policy to when coverage begins, and this period varies from company to company.

Every company defines their waiting periods differently, but most include one for accidents and one for illnesses. Some, including Embrace, have additional waiting periods for orthopedic conditions specifically. ECIA can help you choose an insurer that is up front about their policy’s waiting periods and if there is a way to reduce them.

How are pre-existing conditions handled?

Pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, but some offer coverage for curable pre-existing conditions if a pet becomes symptom and treatment free for a certain length of time.

What about routine care?

Insurance is for the unexpected, so most pet insurance policies cover accidents and illnesses but not routine care (think vaccines, spaying/neutering, checkups, etc.). If you are looking for a plan that covers regular office visits and routine care, check if the company offers an optional wellness plan.

Are there annual or per-incident limits?

An annual limit is the max amount a pet insurance company will reimburse you for vet bills in one policy year. Annual limits vary by company, ranging from $2,000 to unlimited.

A per-incident limit is the max amount a pet insurance company will reimburse you for vet bills for that particular incident. For example, the policy may state it will only reimburse up to $5,000 for cancer in your pet’s lifetime.

A per-incident limit tends to be more restrictive, because a pet diagnosed with a chronic condition (like allergies, cancer, or diabetes) would meet the limit rather quickly and you would be expected to pay out-of-pocket for any care related to that condition after the limit is reached. An annual limit resets at each renewal, so you can continue to be reimbursed for your pet’s care.

Pets are part of the family. ECIA, understand how much joy you receive from pets. Contact us today to learn more about pet insurance and how it can help with expensive veterinarian visits.

If you want to apply your pet for Pet Insurance Coverage, you can apply several ways:

• By phone: (800) 624-8976, and one of ECIA insurance specialist will service your immediate insurance needs.
• Or, fill out a contact request form, and a ECIA team member will contact you the same day, or  worse case the following day.