Is pet insurance worth it in Florida?
If you’re a pet owner, pet insurance is considered a worthwhile investment for Florida residents. With several types of venomous snakes living in the state, they can pose a serious threat to pets. Coral snakes which are common in Florida can poison all kinds of pets and farm animals as well. You might also want to pay attention to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s warning to pet owners about the deadly bufo toad, which emits a milky-white toxin called bufotoxin. If this toxin comes in contact with your pet, it can be extremely harmful and life-threatening.
With the dangers in Florida, it is extremely valuable to you have pet health insurance in place. By purchasing pet insurance for your pet, you can help cover some of the costs that come with veterinary treatment bills for injuries and diseases. Emergency hospital visits, medications, and preventative care are also covered under a pet insurance policy.
What types of pet insurance plans are in Florida?
The major types of pet insurance coverage plans in Florida include:
- Accident-only policies: This plan insures coverage for any unexpected costs associated with an accident that is proven to be unintentional. Medical coverage for an accident may include emergency hospital visits, treatments, and medications.
- Accident and illness plan: This is a common pick amongst residents of Florida because it provides coverage for both accidents and illnesses. With this plan, you can receive coverage for the cost of veterinary bills, hospital visits, treatment, and medications associated with any accident or illness.
- Wellness plan: This plan is for preventative and routine care such as veterinary check-ups, heartworm tests, vaccines, among other wellness procedures. You can purchase a wellness plan separately or as an add-on to another pet insurance plan. They cover routine pet care such as vaccinations, and other procedures.
- Comprehensive plan: This plan is meant to cover all your basis including accidents, illnesses, injuries, and wellness care.
What does pet insurance cover and exclude?
In Florida, pet insurance companies cover expenditures from accidents to illnesses such as hip dysplasia, inherited problems, chronic conditions, and cancer. Other issues within this coverage include:
- Vaccinations: Most insurers cover annual vaccines against core diseases like rabies, canine distemper, and feline panleukopenia. Some also cover vaccinations for other conditions such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
- Treatment for illness or injury: This includes routine care and emergency medical treatment. This type of policy is also expected to cover x-rays, medications, and surgery.
- Preventative care: This would include wellness exams, routine lab tests, and nutrition counseling if you are seeking regular maintenance for your pet. Heartworm testing and flea/tick preventatives are also included.
- Diagnostic testing: imaging exams such as an ultrasound, CT scan, MRIs, etc.
The following is a list of exclusions you should be aware of when looking at pet insurance policies:
- Treatment or diagnosis of pre-existing conditions: Pet insurance will not cover the cost for treatment or the diagnosis of pre-existing conditions.
- Specific injuries and illnesses: Pet insurance will not pay for injuries or illnesses caused by abuse, neglect, self-mutilation, or any other intentional act on the pet owner’s part.
- Breeding, pregnancy, and whelping: Pet insurance does not cover expenses related to breeding, pregnancy, or the whelps (i.e., newborn pups) if the mother dog dies during pregnancy or the whelping process. This would include transportation costs to and from the veterinary clinic, medications, and surgeries related to whelping.
- Veterinary facility fees: If your veterinarian charges more than the fee agreed upon in your policy, pet insurance will not cover the difference.
- Elective veterinary procedures: Any elective veterinary procedures will not be covered by the insurer in a basic plan. Examples of these procedures include dental care, routine surgeries such as spaying (for females), neutering (for males), and declawing. However, many policies do offer an add-on option if you would like to have coverage for elective care.
How much does pet insurance cost in Florida?
Before calculating the price of pet insurance in Florida, the insurer verifies the price by considering the pet’s breed, age, species, and a few other factors. The type of plan you select also determines the monthly premium you will pay.
The type of pet plays a big role in determining the cost of pet insurance. Cats, for example, are typically less expensive to insure than dogs, as are birds, ferrets, rabbits, and reptiles. On average, a three-year-old Golden Retriever dog costs $35 to $45 per month to insure whereas a three-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat costs $20 to $25 each month.
What are the veterinary costs in Florida?
The veterinary costs in Florida is on the higher end of the spectrum due to the domestic and exotic pets you are allowed to own. The typical cost of veterinarian services for cats and dogs ranges anywhere from $1500 to $5000, depending on the requirements for veterinarian care. Also keep in mind, the quality of care, the medical equipment required for treatment, and the maintenance costs are all reflected in your veterinarian bill.
How to choose the best pet insurance in Florida
When you are considering a pet insurance policy, there are a few key factors that can help you with the process. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Compare quotes from several agencies: Comparing pet insurance quotes from several different insurance agencies is the best approach to discovering a policy that fits your pet’s needs and your budget. Once you’ve found a pet insurance company that meets your criteria, you can obtain a quotation by filling out a form on the company’s website. Insurance quotes will outline how much you will pay and what coverage to expect.
- Consider an insurance agent: You can consult a representative from an insurance provider or an independent insurance agent if you prefer to communicate with someone directly. This can help you with your research and an agent can point you in the right direction to help make the process easier.
- Customer reviews: Check what other customers in Florida have to say about an insurance agency you’re considering. Read reviews about the customer’s experience, their service, and how they handle their claims process. This will make it easier for you to come to a decision.