By Joe Burnich
Is cheap dog insurance really the way to go? If you really care about your loved one then the answer is absolutely not! A lot of people base their search on price alone. This is a mistake and I say this for three reasons: First, your coverage is limited. Second, cheap pet insurance usually means poor customer service. And third, claims processing will be a headache. Lets cover these in detail.
First, buying cheap is the wrong move if the coverage is insufficient. For example, if your plan covers accidents only then you will be stuck with high bills when an illness occurs. The chance your dog gets sick is significantly higher than getting hit by a car.
To me, customer service is extremely important. Always call to ask specific questions about plan details or what if situations. When speaking to a rep demand a quick and professional response. Don’t stand for ambiguous answers or a lot of hold time. Normally cheap insurance equals questionable customer service. Here are three questions you must ask:
* What is and what is not covered?
* How long does it take to pay claims?
* Are there restrictions on genetic, recurring or preexisting conditions?
Lastly, there are countless stories about claims being rejected or delayed. Usually this happens when the buyer has failed to read the fine print. The cheap dog insurance policies usually are loaded with disclosures that buyers simply overlook. Examples would be restrictions based on genetic, recurring, or pre-existing conditions. Read every single word. If the verbiage is unclear or if it is hard to find on the website don’t buy it!
In conclusion, cheap dog insurance is not the way to go. Just make sure you read the fine print, ask customer service plenty of questions, and heed the adage, “You get what you pay for.”