BREAKING DOWN INSURANCE TERMS
Pet insurance can be confusing. We’re here to help you understand what you’re signing up for.
Pre-Existing Condition
A pre-existing condition is any condition that was diagnosed before the policy started or during the waiting periods. This includes any condition for which a veterinarian provided medical advice, the pet received treatment for, or the pet displayed signs or symptoms consistent with the stated condition.
How pre-existing conditions work
If your pet is already injured or ill before a policy is purchased or during the policy’s waiting periods, that condition will not qualify for coverage by any pet insurance provider. The good news is your pet will be covered for any future, non-related injuries or illnesses under your pet’s policy.
Waiting Periods
The waiting period is the time between when your policy starts and when coverage begins. Waiting periods vary based on the type of coverage in your policy.
What are my waiting periods?
The below waiting periods begin from the policy effective date and can be viewed on the declarations page of your policy document.
- Accidental Injuries: 3 days
- Illnesses: 14 days
- Cruciate Ligament Events: 6 months
How waiting periods work
If your pet gets hurt, sick, or suffers a ligament injury during the applicable waiting period, that condition will not be covered and will be considered a pre-existing condition since it occurred before the coverage start date. The waiting periods reduce fraudulent claims and keep premiums at an affordable rate.
Annual Limit
The annual limit is the maximum amount that the policy will pay in any annual term.
How annual limits work
Let’s say you selected a plan with a $10,000 annual limit. That means Odie will cover up to $10k in eligible claims within one policy year and will reset on the policy anniversary date.
Co-Insurance
The co-insurance is the amount you pay out of pocket for before the application of your chosen deductible.
How co-insurance works
As an example, let’s say you selected a plan with a 90% reimbursement. Odie will reimburse up to 90% of all eligible charges, leaving you with only 10% out of pocket.
Deductible
The annual deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket towards the cost of veterinary treatment, after your co-insurance has been applied. Your deductible will reset on the policy anniversary date.
How annual deductibles work
Let’s say you selected a $250 annual deductible. This is the amount you will pay out of pocket before your plan begins to reimburse you. Once you’ve hit your plan’s deductible, you won’t have to pay it again until your policy renews.