Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Pet Insurance

We are often asked if we take pet insurance, and the answer is YES. But the process is a bit different from medical insurance for humans in that we do not "accept assignment", i.e. attempt to collect the claim from the insurer. The client is responsible for paying the charges, and then it is up to them to file a claim for reimbursement from the insurance company. We are happy to assist filling out the forms and will gladly sign them.

We don't make specific recommendations on insurance companies or policies, preferring to maintain strict neutrality to avoid any conflict of interest. We encourage clients to carry pet insurance and have brochures at the office for the three companies we know of that provide pet insurance plans:

Pets Best Insurance - http://www.petsbest.com/
ASPCA Pet Insurance - http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/
VPI Pet Insurance - http://www.petinsurance.com/

We strongly recommend that you either have an emergency savings fund to cover those unexpected medical problems, or a good insurance policy, and perhaps both. More importantly, be sure to do everything you can to prevent illness and injury in your pet: annual exam, appropriate vaccinations, high quality diet, dental care as indicated, spaying/neutering while young, indoor confinement, a cat-proof home, close attention to behavior, and prompt veterinary care in the event of any problems. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it comes to cats!