As pet owners, I think we can all agree that the privilege of having our furry friends by our side is priceless. On the other hand, it’s important to understand that pet ownership comes with a price when you factor in food, maintenance, toys, and (gasp!) vet bills that can quickly go up, especially when we’re talking about multiple pets.
Pet insurance may help lessen the costs and provide support when our pets get sick or get into an accident. But how does pet insurance work if you have multiple pets? While many require a separate policy per pet, there are thankfully several pet insurance policies that cater to multiple pets as well, which can significantly lessen the costs. Let us get to know more about multiple pet insurance, how it works, and how it can benefit you and your furry companions.
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Content:
- How Does Insurance for Multiple Pets Work
- Types of Multi Pet Insurance
- How Much Does Insurance for Multiple Pets Cost
- How to Get Insurance for Multiple Pets
- Conclusion
How Does Insurance for Multiple Pets Work
If it is your first time getting pet insurance for your pets, you might be wondering - “What is pet insurance and how does it work for multiple pets?”. On the other hand, you may already have pet insurance for your 1st pet and are wondering how pet insurance for multiple pets works.
In getting pet insurance for multiple pets, the typical options are to either get a policy that covers all your pets or get separate policies for each pet. In multi pet insurance policies, annual deductibles and the amount of reimbursement may either be universal or may vary even if pets are under the same policy, but it also depends on the policy that you choose.
The filing of a claim is generally the same. Usually, you pay your vet for the expenses, and you then submit a claim to be reimbursed by the insurance company for the amount that is covered by the policy. You just have to declare as to which pet you are claiming the insurance for. On the other hand, there are pet insurance alternatives such as Petcube’s Emergency Fund where you don’t need to shell out money at the vet clinic. Rather, they pay directly to the clinic upon getting the bill from the vet so you won’t have to worry about the vet expenses while you care for your pet during pet emergencies.
Read more: How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Types of Multi Pet Insurance
There are different types of multi-pet insurance coverages, but the most common types include:
Accident Only Coverage
If you’re looking at pet insurance for emergencies, this type of multi-pet insurance covers pet emergencies involving unexpected accidents and emergencies. Note that accident pet insurance policies typically don’t cover other illnesses or conditions that are breed-specific.
Accident and Illness Coverage
This covers both accidents and illnesses that your pets may experience. It is the most common type of insurance coverage, which represents around 98% of all plans that the pet insurance industry has issued. Note that this type of plan usually doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions and preventive care.
Time-Limited Coverage
This covers both accidents and emergencies (usually in the course of 1 year). After which, it has to be renewed. Note that new conditions that your pet may develop may not be covered.
Maximum Benefit Coverage
With this type, there is a maximum amount that the insurer pays. This can be used to pay for emergency expenses for example. When the insurer has already paid the maximum amount, you have to pay the expenses that were not covered.
Lifetime Coverage
Multi pet insurance also has a lifetime cover. Often the most expensive type, the lifetime pet insurance policy has the largest scope as it covers any conditions that your pets may develop in the course of their lives. Note that the coverage will only apply if the condition is developed after the policy is secured.
When looking for pet insurance policies (or alternatives) for your pets, it is important to make sure that you understand the policy’s terms, conditions, and limitations. That way, you won’t encounter problems down the line. Finding the right balance of coverage and value for your pet’s needs is key.
The coverage of multi-pet insurance may vary depending on the company. Some may not offer discounts, but others do if you insure multiple pets. Some allow you to choose various reimbursement amounts and deductibles per pet, even if they are under the same policy.
Apart from standard insurance policies, there are also alternatives such as Petcube’s Emergency Fund for pet emergencies. Unlike traditional pet insurance that considers age, breed, and coverage range, the Pet Emergency Fund provides a universal plan for pet emergencies without discrimination and at affordable rates.
Read more: Pet Insurance for Cats
How Much Does Insurance for Multiple Pets Cost
If you’re looking at pet insurance policies, cost is an important factor to consider. So how much does pet insurance cost a month and how does it differ if you have multiple pets?
The cost of multi pet insurance will vary depending on several factors such as
- No. of pets - More pets incur higher total costs
- Age - When pets are older when the coverage starts, the cost is usually higher.
- Breed - Some breeds are more susceptible to certain conditions, and insurers often take this into account when pricing.
- Deductible - The lower the deductible, the higher the policy premium. The higher the deductible, the lower the policy premium.
- Reimbursement amount - Once you meet your deductible, many pet insurance policies will reimburse a percentage of the veterinary expenses remaining. Usually, the percentage options range from 70% - 90%. When the reimbursement percentage is higher, the cost of the pet insurance policy increases.
- Discounts - check if providers offer multiple-pet discounts. The normal percentage of discounts that insurers offer for multiple pets is 5%-10%.
- Location - Risks for injury as well as veterinary care costs also depend on where you are located.
It’s difficult to give a ballpark figure because the cost will depend on the various factors mentioned above. However, according to research by Market Watch, pet insurance would cost roughly $768 annually for dogs and $324 annually for cats. On average, it would cost around $49 per month. With the common 10% discount for multiple pets that insurers offer, this amount can go down by up to 10%. These values are based on information gathered from insurance providers across all 50 states in the US.
If you’re looking for an alternative to pet insurance, Petcube’s Emergency Fund is worth looking into when it comes to pet emergencies. For $29 a month, you get $3000 annually for pet emergencies for up to 6 pets, regardless of age, breed, or medical history. A subscription also gives you access to a 24/7 online vet service so you can easily consult with certified vets for first aid guidance and emergency triage.
Read more: How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
How to Get Insurance for Multiple Pets
To get insurance for multiple pets, the first step that you can take is to request a pet insurance quote. You may also call representatives of pet insurance companies to get to know more about the policies that they’re offering.
If you’re looking for alternatives, Petcube’s Pet Emergency Fund is worth considering. You may refer to their website or contact them for more information.
Conclusion
When buying pet insurance for multiple pets, carefully considering certain factors such as costs, coverage, and how the policies can benefit each of your pets is important. Pet insurance alternatives are also worth considering.
Ultimately, you want to invest in plans that are both pet and pet-owner-friendly. With careful consideration and suitable plans, you can save much on pet care costs while enjoying the company of your furry companions.
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