What Pet Insurance Will Not Cover?

Pet owners generally take insurance for their pets to deal with unforeseen medical costs. You need to be fully aware that what your pet insurance will cover and what it will exclude to avoid disputes, while claiming the policy. 

If you own a pet, you need to know that pet insurance does not cover certain things. Below is information on certain things that a pet insurance might not cover.

Exclusions:

1. Age: Pet insurance plans have few restrictions regarding age of pets, while granting health cover. Many insurers cover pets that have reached the age of six weeks at least. There are more restrictions on older pets. Insurers do not offer cover to pets ageing more than eight years. Insurers even avoid giving insurance to certain breeds that are fewer than five years.

2. Breeding: Most of the pet insurance plans have no coverage for breeding, which arises from pregnancy.

3. Alternative therapies: While certain pet insurance plans offer restricted covers for therapies such as herbal medicines, hydrotherapy, homeopathic, physiotherapy or acupuncture, others might fail to offer such covers. If you feel the pet insurance plan you buy has to cover these therapies, then it is advisable to read the terms and conditions of insurance carefully.

4. Diet food: Your pet insurance might not offer cover on clinical foods prescribed by veterinary surgeon. It might even restrict the time for claiming the policy. Pet insurance, usually does not reimburses for clinical diets, which the veterinarian prescribes for your pet for weight loss.

5. Flea control: Pet insurance normally does not cover routine healthcare such as worming tablets, flea control, grooming and castration, neutering and de-matting. So look for this in your pet insurance policy.

6. Pre-existing illness: While you reveal facts about your pet’s health to the insurer, you need not hide anything. See to it your pet is in good condition, while you apply for a pet insurance. The insurance does not cover any pre-existing illness in pets.

7. Hereditary problems: Where cover for hereditary problems are concerned, different pet insurance plans have their own programs. These plans might not offer covers for disorders such as hip dysplasia and heart disorders.

8. Injuries: Pet insurance does not cover accidents that involve spending a huge amount on the treatment. Besides, minor injuries, for which you need to visit the veterinarian many times is not covered by pet insurance.

9. Spaying: Insurance companies refer this as an ‘elective’ treatment. Hence, they do not cover it often.

10. Kennelling: Instead of covering the kennelling costs, pet insurance companies offer cover on hospitalisation costs.

11. Special Vet: You might need a better vet to treat your pet, which might be above your normal expenses. If the cost is within an acceptable limit, then the pet insurance companies might bear it.

Overview:

Back to Articles