- Are there exclusions or limitations by breed?
- Is there one simple plan or multiple plans with varying coverage limits?
- What are the policy limits for each plan offered?
- Are they per year, per condition, for the life of the pet?
- Are hereditary and congenital conditions covered? If so, are there limits on coverage?
- Does coverage change when visiting a specialist or emergency hospital?
- Is dental coverage included?
- Does it include disease or just accidents?
- Are all prescription drugs, supplements, and nutraceuticals covered? How about prescription food?
- Is there a coverage option for rehab or alternative therapies? What are the limits?
- Is wellness care (vaccines, flea, and heartworm prevention) an option or mandatory with the policy? Are wellness treatments dictated by a benefit schedule or can your veterinarian determine proper care? Are there limits?
- Does coverage change if enrolling an adult or senior pet?
- Does the provider offer direct payments to veterinary hospitals at checkout?
- If there are no direct payment options, what is the average time to receive reimbursements?
- Does the provider offer pre-approval to ensure coverage?
- What is needed to send in a claim? How long does it take to process?
- What are the customer service hours? Can you reach a representative after hours or during holidays if a condition is life-threatening?
- What are the waiting periods when you enroll? Are they longer for orthopedic, hereditary, or congenital conditions?
- How does the deductible work? Per condition, per year, per body part, or per condition and per year?
- How flexible are your deductible options? Are you given specific amounts, or can you adjust to best fit your budget? Can you change the deductible without affecting coverage?
- Can a previously covered condition become pre-existing upon policy renewal or if you change the limit or the deductible?
- Are there penalties for making changes to your policy?
- Are premium increases on a predetermined schedule?
- Are there additional fees to pay your premium monthly?
- Is there a minimum or maximum age for coverage?
- Is there a usual and customary charges clause or does the company pay from the invoice?
- Can your policy be canceled for any reason other than non-payment?
Jensen
