When it comes to health coverage for your dog or cat, you can be sure to get what you pay for. This makes it important to look for the right policy and not just the cheapest. Buying the wrong option could lead you to difficulties in switching to a better product in the future. The hassle of doing so can be tiring and costly, so you should know beforehand what to look for prior to signing any agreements. Here are the four factors that should play a huge role in your decision-making.
 Treatment and Veterinarian Options
You should be aware that there are some plans that have benefit schedules. This can limit what kind of medical care your pet will receive and from whom they can receive it. For instance, some policies do not cover alternative treatments such as herbal medicines, acupuncture and homeopathy. As much as you might want to give such holistic therapies a try, they could end up as an additional expense with the wrong coverage. So, opt for one that can give you more freedom, including the choice to visit any licensed veterinary specialist or emergency clinic you prefer.
 Pre-existing Conditions
This is when your canine or feline already has a diagnosed health issue, be it diabetes, allergies, cancer, urinary tract infections or orthopaedic injuries. These are currently covered by only select providers. Even if there are no pre-existing conditions to worry about, it is advisable to read through the terms of the pet insurance plan carefully. Why? This is because some insurers will not continue to provide cover in the situation your furry friend develops a condition.
 Deductibles
There are several types namely per condition, per illness, per incident and annual. Compute for yourself which would work best with your financial standing. Just like with your own human health coverage, policies with greater deductibles will cost you less in monthly premiums. However, they will make you pay more of your own vet bills if your cat or dog needs an expensive surgery or some other treatment. You have to figure out how much you can afford to pay out-of-pocket in case of a serious incident.
 Other Limitations
If there’s one thing you should do before you sign anything, it’s that you should read the fine print thoroughly. It is not uncommon for a plan to no longer cover your pets when they reach a certain age or when you do not keep up with their vaccinations. Make sure you understand all of the conditions of the contract. Also, turn to insurers who provide lifetime or renewable policies. That way you won’t be caught off-guard no matter the situation.
 While there are some people who have decided to pay their veterinary bills out-of-pocket, it could be a wiser financial decision for you to get pet insurance. Not only will you have the peace of mind that medical expenses will be covered, you could even enjoy freebies or reimbursements. Just take the time to familiarise yourself with the different plans from your chosen provider so you can find the best fit for your furry friend and yourself.