Pet insurance: What all it includes and excludes

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With the right pet insurance policy, you can give your pet the medical care they need at the time of need. These plans are specially customized to offer veterinary expenses for your cat, dog, or any other pet. Not only veterinary expenses these policies cover several expenses ranging from third-party liabilities to OPD expneses. At the time of policy purchase, however, remember that the pet must be vaccinated. Moreover, all necessary vaccinations need to be administered during the policy period to ensure the settlement of claims.

Here is a low-down to what all is covered under a pet insurance policy

Hospitalisation and surgery expenses

In case your pet needs surgery or develops a health condition then your pet insurance policy will reimburse you for future covered incidents. “This cover allows you to claim the surgery expenses for treatment of dog by a qualified vet, up to a specified amount. It also covers pre and post-surgery expenses, Additionally, you can opt for a cover for the treatment of fractured limbs of the pet dog, subject to a limit,” said Swatantra Jha, a pet insurance specialist, at Ria Insurance Brokers.

The policy also covers hospitalisation expenses, subject to a maximum limit per day of hospitalization.

Terminal diseases and mortality benefit

Just like term insurance, you can also opt for this additional coverage which pays you a fixed sum if your pet, unfortunately, passes away due to an illness, an accident, from breeding, pregnancy or due to euthanasia prescribed by the vet. The mortality benefit cover also pays for the cremation or burial of your dog, up to a limit. The optional cover also offers a lump sum benefit if your pet gets diagnosed with any of the specified critical illnesses.

Long term care cover

The optional long-term care cover provides you a lump sum compensation if your pet friend is diagnosed with any illnesses that require long-term care.

OPD cover

If your pet gets injured due to an accident, or contracts specified diseases, the optional OPD cover pays the expenses.

Third-Party liability cover

As in motor insurance, where third-party insurance is a must, the time has come when pet insurance must be taken to protect the pet owner from unintentional damages and injuries to a third party in an accidental attack, bite or accident caused by the pet. “If your pet happens to be the cause of a mishap that results into an injury, death, disease or property damage of someone else, this add-on optional cover will insure the legal liability, it also protects you against the legal costs of defending a claim.  The Sum Insured is maximum upto  Rs 10 lakhs under this cover,” said Jha

Lost cover

If your pet goes missing the optional cover reimburses you up to the sum insured that you’ve taken. “This covers allows you to offer a reward of upto a limit to anyone who can help you find your pet.” said Jha.

Exclusions under pet insurance

– Pre-existing illness

-Wilful or malicious injury to the pet

– Injury or illness due to neglect or unskillful handling of the pet

– Loss or injury due to war etc.

– Death due to rabies, distemper, viral enteritis, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis, etc.