What Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Just as human health insurance coverage varies by provider, so does pet insurance coverage. But there are some conditions, illnesses, accidents, and other items commonly covered by pet insurance for cats and dogs:

• Hereditary conditions, like heart disease, hip dysplasia, and certain cancers

• Chronic conditions, like diabetes and urinary tract obstructions

• Unexpected illnesses and accidents, like developing allergies, swallowing a foreign object, and ingesting a toxic food or substance

• Certain medications and supplements

• Surgeries, hospital stays, and physical therapy

• X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds

Common Exclusions in Pet Insurance

Before signing up for a pet insurance policy, it's important to understand what isn't covered so that you're prepared for these potential expenses or limitations.

Preventative Care

Many pet insurance providers focus only on covering unexpected medical costs, as these are much harder to budget for than wellness checkups and preventative care. With that said, here are certain routine care items that are likely not covered by a pet insurance policy:

• Regular veterinary checkups

• Vet exam fees and taxes

• Parasite prevention, such as flea, tick, and heartworm medications

• Spaying/neutering

• Vaccinations, including core shots and non-core shots

• Preventable dental problems due to missed cleanings

• Grooming services

Pre-existing Conditions

Most pet health insurance providers don't cover pre-existing conditions, meaning a condition, an illness, or an injury that a dog or cat showed signs of or was diagnosed with before their policy was activated. These providers only cover new conditions that pop up after the policy begins.

For example, if your cat developed an allergy when they were young, and years later you decide to get cat insurance, their diagnosed allergy would likely not be covered by the new pet insurance policy. This is why it's extremely important to sign up for pet insurance when your pets are young and healthy, ideally right when you bring them home, so that they're covered before any injuries or illnesses occur.

Breed and Age Restrictions

A dog or cat's breed or age may also be a factor in whether they receive insurance coverage. Some providers have breed-specific restrictions or don't cover pets over a certain age. This limitation is understandable, as older animals are more prone to developing certain health issues, so they're often more costly to cover. But this can be frustrating for many pet parents of senior dogs and cats.

The Benefits of Comprehensive Coverage

While pet insurance providers that do offer coverage for routine care may seem like the top choice at first glance, this extra coverage likely results in extra-high premiums. Routine, preventative care is easier to budget for (and is typically less expensive than unexpected treatments), so it's likely not a necessary factor to search for in an insurance provider.

On the flip side, too little coverage is cause for concern. Be cautious of lower-tier plans, such as those that only cover accidents. These plans are typically low-cost, but they don't offer comprehensive coverage for your beloved pet.

The best type of coverage is comprehensive coverage, including treatments and care for accidents, unexpected illnesses, hereditary and breed-specific conditions, chronic issues, physical therapy, and more. Additionally, it won't limit breeds or exclude older pets.

Why Our Coverage Stands Out

Now that you have a better understanding of how pet insurance works and what it does and doesn't cover, you're likely wondering which provider to choose for your furry companion. BMO Insurance, in partnership with Trupanion, offers pet insurance that stands out for its comprehensive coverage, transparency, and easy claims process. Here are just a few of the many benefits you can enjoy:

• A seamless claims process through VetDirectTM Pay (available with participating vets), where vets can often be paid within seconds

• Up to 90% of eligible costs covered

• No breed restrictions

• Robust coverage for all new and unexpected illnesses, injuries, accidents, and more, including breed-specific conditions

• No payout limits