From Holding Protest Signs to Holding Rescue Puppies

This weekend I helped transport four adorable puppies with Paws on the Ground after spending the rest of the day mailing items from our recent fundraising auction, picking up a donation of supplies, and cleaning and readying crates for transport. Since the beginning of the year we have been working to help a local retail pet store offer rescue puppies for adoption. Here in Colorado we have a licensing and inspection program that oversees all aspects of pet care, both retail and rescue, and we have to be sure that we comply with their requirements. We had a total of thirteen puppies arriving from New Mexico, four going to foster and nine going to the store we are working with. The transport would not be possible without From Forgotten to Forever whose volunteers devote every weekend to long-distance driving with a van full of precious spared lives. The van has designated drop-off points and they have the process down to a science. A Facebook message thread keeps everyone up-to-date on their estimated arrival times, dogs are transfered, pictures are taken, and they are on to their next stop. Between our own volunteers and those from other organizations, we formed a small tribe of animal lovers in the parking lot, sharing stories, appreciation, and excitement about the adorable cargo soon arriving. Mostly, we can't wait to get our hands on those puppies!

I was delighted to get to take a litter of four girls (my favorite!) with beautiful markings (my favorite!), one of which even had an eye-patch (my absolute favorite!).The first dog lifted down to me from the transport van was the eye-patch girl, who we decided to call Panda. Her three sisters, Polar, Pippa and Pearl followed, and I got them situated in their travel crates in pairs. Although they won't have them for long, the puppies need temporary names to help us identify them in our database, record-keeping and spay or neuter appointments. I contemplated making a run for it with this stunning girl, but I had three more puppies waiting for a ride. The four girls cried and howled pitifully the entire way - it was heartbreaking and all I wanted to do was pull over and comfort them. I played some Prince for them and made my way to the store as quickly and carefully as possible. 

Once they were checked over and cleaned off (let's just say my car was NOT smelling very good by the time we arrived), the puppies were placed in their enclosures. These puppies have endured so much already, from being abandoned or even born in overcrowded shelters with little chance of adoption, to a long road trip that could be scary since they don't understand where they are going next. It's incredible to see how resilient they are, often going straight to playing in their new environment. The new arrivals always attract a lot of attention and I loved having the chance to educate about rescue and encourage adoption. Every time I go the store I talk with someone who tells me they are there because they heard about Paws on the Ground. Doing the right thing is good for business! A lot of people asked what kind these four were - they were listed as lab mixes on the transport, but I don't see that at all - any guesses?

Once they were settled in, I had a chance to observe the puppies' different personalities and get a closer look at them. Each of these four has the most exquisite eyes in different combinations of green and blue. One puppy has one blue eye and one half-blue, half-green eye! My little favorite proved to have the personality type I'm drawn to as well: observant and contemplative. While her sisters played, Panda say quietly in the corner taking everything in, or standing up and asking to be held when someone walked over. Often the rescue puppies are picked faster than those other puppies at the store, so I have no doubt that she will find her person soon, along with the eight other puppies we delivered. It's an extremely surreal experience being inside the store I spent almost six months protesting, joking with the owner and partnering to get these dogs out of danger and into loving homes. I couldn't have imagined last year that I'd go from spending my volunteer hours holding protest signs, to holding puppies that we helped save!

Paws on the Ground is now putting together an even bigger rescue effort, in conjunction with several other organizations across multiple states: a rescue flight with the potential to save up to 100 dogs. I'd be so grateful if you'd check out the GoFundMe page, donate and/or share if you can!

What to Look For When Reviewing Pet Insurance

Pets are important members of the family. They require care, which often includes medical care. Vet bills can become rather costly. If your pet becomes seriously ill or gets injured then you are stuck trying to find the money to pay for extensive medical treatment. insurance can help lessen the burden on your family's finances when your pet needs serious medical help. Choosing the right insurance for your pets can be done through looking at pet insurance reviews.

Pet insurance reviews will often point out certain aspects of the insurance coverage that are important. These reviews can tell you if the insurance coverage is worth the cost. You can learn what the insurance covers and if it would suit your pet's needs or future needs.

There are many factors that you should be considering when choosing pet insurance. As you read pet insurance reviews make sure that you look at what people have to say about the following points:
Age of your pet: Look a provider that offers insurance to pets of all ages. It is ideal to buy when your pet is young because you will usually get better rates, but if you have an older pet you want to find a provider who offers insurance for them even if they have pre-existing conditions.

Your pets breed: With dogs, specifically, some breeds have specific medical conditions that may be excluded from a policy. You want to look around at pet insurance reviews to see if the type of pet you have or your pet's breed gets adequate coverage.

Veterinarians on the policy: Another important thing to note when reading pet insurance reviews is what veterinarians are covered and if you get to choose what vet you use. Some policies may dictate that you use a certain provider or limit you to only a few choices.

Coverage: A very important point is to consider the coverage under the policy. You should think about your pet's needs and if the policy offers you coverage that is suited to the medical care your pet may need.

Coverage area: When looking at pet reviews try to find reviews from people in your state. Not every insurance providers offers coverage in all states. You need to be sure that the insurance you get is valid in your state of residence.

Company reputation: One of the best things you can learn from pet reviews is about the company's reputation. Pay close attention to what people say about their experience in dealing with the company. Look for good reviews about customer service and look for people who are generally happy with the service they get from the company.

Finding reliable pet insurance is a good move if you are a dedicated pet owner. Pet's can be quite expensive over the years and a good pet insurance can really help you to keep pet medical expenses under control and ensure that you can afford to get your pet he medical care it needs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4149619

Is Pet Insurance Really Worth It?

In the 1980's pet insurance first came on the scene and for many pet owner's they were thrilled until they saw what was being offered and the limitations of these plans. There was only one company that offered insurance and it was only for extreme cases, such as if a pet had cancer and it paid very little of the treatment costs. Therefore, many pet owners were frustrated with the offerings and never looked into insurance for their pets again.

However, pet insurance has come a long way since its early days and while it is still relatively new, there are several companies that the consumer can choose from. Moreover, the coverage is much more comprehensive and even includes add-ons such as wellness, which means that the annual vaccinations and office exams can also be covered.

How does an insurance policy on your pet work? Simple. If you had to take your dog or cat in for an ear infection and it ended up costing $600 for treatment and medications, you pay the bill, then file a claim with your pet's insurance company. Depending on the plan, they typically have a deductible of $50 to $100 and then pay 80 to 90 percent of the bill. Therefore, if the plan had a $50 deductible and paid 90 percent of the cost, you would get a check back from the insurance company for $495. This a substantial savings for you, and many policies offer the wellness option that includes your pet's annual physicals, vaccinations, and many times heart-worm medications and tests.

Today, cheap pet insurance has advanced significantly so that you can make sure your pet is covered from babyhood into old age. Keep in mind that premiums are often based on the age of your pet and some companies will not insure your pet if it is over 10 years of age. However, if you have your pet insured, your insurance will not be canceled once the pet turns 10, which is why it is important to have them covered as early as possible.
You may be thinking with all the advancements in cheap pet insurance that it may be expensive, but the truth is, it is still very affordable and if you have more than one pet, you can get a percentage of a discount when you insure them at the same time. It truly is a great way to keep your finances protected and be able to make sure your pet gets the care they need, when they need it. Lastly, shop around for insurance, because some of them are very unique and may not be what you are looking for. However, with a bit of research, you will find the perfect plan that is cost-effective for you and protects your pet at the same time.

GuardMyPet offers a cheap pet insurance program benefits for your pet to give you peace of mind. Diseases and accidents are very costly with veterinarian charges, so we chose to offer our customers the most popular cheap pet insurance in the industry, and is available at affordable rates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5406552

How to Select the Best Insurance for Your Pet

As pet owners, it is only natural that we look after the health and welfare of our pets. In fact, it is one of the most important priority that entails being a pet owner. But it is no doubt that there will come a time that your pets will need medical attention such as when they become ill or be involved in an unfortunate accident. When that time comes that is an expense that lies over your shoulders. And those expenses comes at a very steep price. Fortunately, there are pet insurances that are offered for home owners who wants to protect themselves financially in times that their pets need medical attention. Some pet owners are downright apprehensive when it comes to the subject of pet insurance with the notion that it is unnecessary. But such notion is false because pet insurance prevents you from placing yourself into a hair-pulling situation, financially speaking. Having a pet insurance policy is an indication that you are a responsible pet owner. So how do you get the best insurance for your pet? Here are some tips to help you:

• Before you go around looking for the best pet insurance, you need to aware of your budget first. Determine how much are you willing to allocate for your pet's insurance. This step definitely helps in funneling down your options. Sometimes you may need to be flexible in case you see a good insurance deal, but in general it is recommended that you stay within your budget.


• We all know that the matter of insurance can be quite complex, so be sure that you orient yourself with how pet insurance policies work. Terms and conditions such as the services that the insurance policy will cover are also worth knowing. Will it include veterinarian visits? Vaccinations? Surgery? It is best that you know the options that are available to you.


• When it comes to the matter that concerns your pet, it is best that you consult with an expert. For starters, you could ask for advice regarding pet insurance from your veterinarian. Maybe they can give some insights on what's best for your pet or they could make a good referral or recommendation.


• Don't go up rushing to the first insurance policy that you come across. It is recommended that you take a look at several insurance policies. This is so you can make comparisons with regards to the details of these insurance policies like coverage, rates and other services. This step gives you the ability to make a more informed decision and to make sure that you are getting the best pet insurance available. Just make sure that the services that you prefer or need is actually offered in your final choice of pet insurance.


• The best way for you to know if a particular insurance policy is for you is to visit the office of the insurance company personally. Make an appointment and listen to what they can offer for your pet. This should be a perfect time as well to ask whatever inquiries that you have.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6171435

Insuring Your Dachshund Puppies Healthy Life With Pet Insurance

You may not be aware of them all, but there are many benefits of pet insurance. Insuring your dachshund puppy can be one of the best decisions you make as a pet owner. Some of the biggest benefits of pet insurance are the significant savings on emergency medical treatment, discounts on routine veterinary checkups, and just simple peace of mind for pet owners knowing that your dachshund puppy will be taken care of in the event of an emergency or accident.

Pet Insurance for Emergencies:

The protection that pet insurance provides against medical expenses from accidents, emergencies, illnesses, and other unforeseen occurrences is definitely one of the most important benefits of insuring your dachshund puppy. As you may unfortunately know, visits to the veterinary emergency room can easily cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, leaving you in a financial bind. That is why it is so important to insure your pet. A good health insurance policy is one that covers surgeries, hospitalization, x-rays, lab tests and fees, chemotherapy, and prescription drugs. Having such a plan in place will save you a significant amount of money if an emergency arises in your beloved dachshund puppy. As with most insurance plans, 100% of emergency medical expenses are not covered, but there are policies out there that reimburse at a rate of 80% or more. Just do your research to find the best insurance coverage and plan for your pet.

Pet Insurance for Routine Checkups:

Another very important and helpful benefit of pet health insurance for your dachshund puppy is coverage of routine checkups and preventive procedures. As you will find, many pet insurance providers offer this type of coverage in the form of 'wellness plans.' Wellness plans are great because they are often available as stand-alone policies for pet owners who would like some insurance, but are not quite willing to commit to one of the more comprehensive policies. Wellness plans may include provisions for yearly physicals, shots and vaccinations, dental exams, and blood screens, and some even cover treatments for flea and tick control. These types of plans are very beneficial and help your dachshund puppy lead a longer and healthier life.

Peace of Mind with Pet Insurance:

Another great and important benefit of carrying pet health insurance is the peace of mind it gives to you, the pet owner. The medical bills associated with long illnesses or horrible accidents can quickly add up to astonishing amounts. In the midst of those emotionally trying times, pet owners are often faced with big decisions....whether to pay for an expensive procedure that may or may not save your dachshund puppy's life, or euthanize him. As much as owners love their pets and see them as part of the family, it is not always a financially responsible decision to pay for certain medical procedures. It is at those times, that a pet health insurance policy can be a true miracle. Since most emergency operations are covered by comprehensive insurance policies, you do not have to torture yourself over whether or not you should pay for a particular surgery or procedure in an attempt to save your dachshund puppy's life. Having the right pet health insurance policy, will give you peace of mind, knowing that the insurance company will pick up the tab for most of the medical expenses accumulated in these vital situations.

As you can see, there are so many advantages to insuring your dachshund puppy. The benefits of pet insurance are tremendous and will leave you with great peace of mind. It is very important for you to do your homework prior to signing your pet up for insurance though. You should always carefully review the exact terms of the health plan you are considering, as coverage varies greatly from policy to policy and from provider to provider. It is crucial that you as the owner, become very familiar with the terms of your dachshund puppy's insurance policy before a health crisis arises. Doing so, will help you be prepared to make informed decisions about treatment options for your dachshund puppy.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6228869

Cat Pet Insurance: Deciding If It Will Benefit You and Your Cat

As you may know, cats make wonderful pets. They come into our lives and become companions and beloved friends. For most cat owners they become a special part of the family. They're always there sitting on the window ledge, sleeping on the couch or welcoming us home hoping for some playtime and a treat. We love our cats and they love us back in their own special way.

Our cats mean a lot to us and we can't imagine anything happening to them.

We feed them nutritious food and treats, give them fun toys to play with and watch them as they grow from a playful kitten to lovable, curious cat. We spend our days enjoying each other's company without really worrying about anything unexpected happening.

We've always had cats around. We were the happy owners of four cats up to a year ago. We have two cats now. The unexpected happened to us. Unfortunately we weren't prepared since we thought our cats were well taken care of, well loved and would always remain healthy.

When they became sick, it was too late. What they had was untreatable but we tried anyway and in the end we were left with a huge Vet bill and no cats. The loss of two cats was tough enough and the Vet fees only compounded the situation.

If we had Pet Insurance it might have made dealing with everything less stressful by giving us one less thing to worry about. Do you think an Insurance policy for our cats would have been a benefit to us? Most likely.

Owners that dearly love and care for their cats should consider buying a cat health insurance policy. But what are the benefits? Is it something you must have in order to avoid having the same thing that happened to us, happen to you?

We put together some thoughts that helped us decide whether having Pet Insurance would benefit us and our two remaining cats. These ideas may help you make the same decision for you and your cats.

What are the Long Term Benefits of Pet Insurance?
Depending on the plan you select the cost may seem too high to warrant buying Pet Insurance. It might be better to put some money aside for emergencies. It is an additional expense on your part but it can pay for itself later on down the road. You can also look at it as an investment in the safety, protection and health of your cat.

Like all insurance, cat pet insurance is something you need but hope you never have to use. It's a preemptive measure that you should consider taking early on in your cats life to be able to handle any unfortunate situations, which brings us to our next point.

How soon should I buy Health Insurance for my cat?
It's never too late as long as your cat is in good health. As a rule it is best to start looking for a plan when your cat is young and healthy. This way you can take more time to learn about cat Pet insurance and find a plan that works best for your needs.

If you do buy a policy you can be assured that whatever happens, your cat will get the care they need in a timely manner. In the case of sickness, or even an accident, you know that your cat will get the best medical attention. Having pet insurance will also provide peace of mind knowing that your pet is safe.

What benefit does it have to offer cat owners?
cat insurance provides financial protection for many cat owners and health protection for their cats. Everyone can sleep better at night knowing that they won't need to worry as much about sudden surprises that can inevitably lead to large Vet bills.

Money becomes less of an issue with the right policy and you can focus you attention on your cat. You'll also be able to act without any hesitation and get your cat to the Vets quickly for immediate medical attention.

Is pet insurance worth the cost?
Purchasing a pet health care insurance policy is a great idea from a financial standpoint. This may not be too apparent in the beginning but Vet bills can add up and become expensive. By investing in a cat health care insurance plan, you are protecting yourself from the risk taking on any unneeded debt.

Without pet insurance for your cat money can become one of the main deciding factors when choosing the right medical attention for your cat. Unless you have the funds available you may run into trouble if you simply can't afford treatment for your cat?

Buying pet insurance for your cat is your way of expressing your love for your pet by looking out for his or her well being.

Cat pet insurance will effectively reduce most money concerns when it comes to providing care for your cat. Depending on your cat's coverage you may not have to worry about paying a high premium.

There are many cheap pet insurance plans available out there that you can also consider when searching for a policy. Be sure to do you research as best you can and understand all of the features before deciding if pet insurance will benefit everyone concerned.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6361922

Pet Insurance Reviews - Is Cheap Pet Insurance the Best?

Health insurance is something almost everyone has, or strives to have. In addition, many people also get pet health insurance as well. Animals are a very important part of most families just like the rest of the family members and sometimes even more. Most people don't realize that there are now many options out there for pet health insurance and most are much more reasonable and affordable than what we have available for ourselves.

Most pet health insurance policies cover all basic needed services such as spaying and neutering, de-worming, shots, and basic tests such as leukemia testing. Most of these pet health insurance policies offer different tiers to choose from depending on the age and specific needs of the pet. Rather than having to pay outright and break your pocket book for needed vet visits these policies enable you to make low monthly payments, and not owe anything at the time of the visit.

When checking out pet insurance reviews, going for the cheap pet insurance may or may not be the best idea depending on your pets needs. The cheapest pet insurance usually only covers the basic needs of the pet for example; vaccinations, de-worming, etc. When going through a pet insurance review make sure you get the level of coverage that is most accommodating to your needs as well.

Below is a list of the different kinds of coverage pet health insurance usually offers to aid in finding and selecting the best pet health insurance plan for your animals needs. Unfortunately pets just like people get health issues, and it's just heart breaking when this happens and you're not prepared or able to get your pet the help they need. Similar to our health insurance depending on the type of visit there may be added expenses that may need to be paid, but those can normally be taken care of at a later date in easier to pay monthly installments along with your pet insurance costs. This makes properly caring for your animals a lot more feasible.

When Does an Individual Not Need Pet Insurance?

This is a tricky question. For some, the cost of caring for a pet may be unjustified if the finances are above the individuals needs. In addition, some may feel that smaller pets, ie; rats, mice, frogs, etc. may not be the best candidates for pet insurance and the pet insurance cost may not be justified. This is also determined on an owner-by-owner basis and is strictly up to the pet owners discretion.

Another time when pet insurance is not needed is when a pet owner is completely capable of paying the vet bills without strain at any given moment. Many people have very healthy pets and only want to pay when the pet is sick or in need of treatment. This is completely o.k. for plenty of individuals. In general, pet insurance is for those who don't want to pay a lump sum, but find it more affordable to pay ahead of time and be covered when the time is right.

Unfortunately there are many individuals that don't take their pets to the vet at all. This can lead to undiagnosed illnesses, and a lower quality of health. For example, it's very important to take your cats in for leukemia testing as it has become a common fatality among the feline society. Most kittens also require de-worming and de-fleeing which is very important to their health and development. We are offering here resources to some of the cheapest pet health insurance so that everyone can find a plan that can work for them and their pet.

The benefits for having pet insurance are abundant though unfortunately it may not be financially feasible for everyone at least it is to most. Below is an example of what a tiered plan may offer:

-Leukemia testing and shots

-de-worming

-de-fleeing

-spaying and neutering

-rabies vaccination

-heartworm testing

-fecal exam

-coronavirus vaccinations

-canine and feline distemper vaccinations

-Treatment and medication for illness

-Treatment and medication for injury

-Annual physical exam

*A plan like this would normally run you anywhere from $25 to $35 a month per pet.

This is an example of a well rounded option for a plan that includes wellness as well as continuing care and accidents which could be most important as they account for the larger bills and can never be planned for. There are also plans lower than the above. one such as this that is just strictly accidental coverage, which may be a good option for some as well that are not so much concerned with the costs of routine visits but are with the possibility of accidents. There are also of course plans higher than this as well that offer additional services to the plan, but for most this would be sufficient.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1993838

Cheapest Pet Insurance Plan Tips and Pet Health Insurance Reviews

Out of all the different kinds of insurance plans available, pet health insurance is probably one of the least commonly advertised types of coverage. To many of us, our pets are an integrated member of our family and we treat them as if they were our children or an old best friend or companion. Many people consider buying pet insurance plans in order to protect the ones they love whether it be a dog, a cat, or exotic animal. So is it wise to go with the cheapest pet insurance policy or is cheap pet insurance not going to provide the kind of protection you need for your pet?

When shopping for pet health insurance a.k.a. veterinary insurance, it is highly suggested that you go over and review all your possible options when looking in to a new policy. You can find a multitude of pet insurance reviews online and visit the insurance sites directly to get a feel for what kind of policy works best in your favor. It is highly not suggested that you go with the first one you find, but instead do your research before hand.

Each type of veterinary insurance companies provide different types of coverage, co-payment and costs which can make a significant difference when choosing the right type of pet health insurance to match both you pets needs and your wallet. Some pet insurance plans have small co-pays while requiring a higher monthly deductible and some policies may cover pre-existing conditions while others do not. Some plans offer extremely cheap pet insurance plans but lock you in to using only specific care facilities that are in conjunction with the pet insurance company. These are all extremely important to keep in mind when looking for vet policy that meets your needs.

As a general rule, the more you pay upfront, the less you'll have to pay when a vet emergency arises. Depending on your consistency of income and your level of buying power at any given moment may sway your decision on whether or not to get the cheapest pet insurance plan or go with one in which requires more upfront payment.

Various aspects or your pet may also affect your choice in policies and options for different types of pet health insurance plans. The gender, age, breed, genetic history and pre-existing conditions may be considered when deciding on which plan you'll want to invest in. For example, if you don't foresee your pet having any health problems, they are extremely healthy and still have a lot of years ahead of them, then it may be in your best interest to go with a cheaper pet health insurance plan. Adversly, if your pet is older, has had a history of health issues or a genetic predisposition to certain health problems like hip dysplasia, then going with a more than inexpensive coverage plan may be better suited for you and your pet.

The fact of the matter is that generally speaking, most all insured pet health plans are on the cheap side so you'll most likely won't break the bank when choosing a specific plan. Your decision should be based on your pets health and care needs and your financial disposition in order to get the most bang for your buck. In today's day and age, things like pet health care may seem like something not of necessity, however it can definitely save you time, money, stress, anxiety and heartache when your dog, cat or exotic animal needs professional medical health care.

Pet Insurance - Getting the Best Insurance Possible for Your Pet

If you are an animal lover, then the welfare of your pet is important to you. The most common pets are dogs and cats and they are affectionate animals. As part of your family set-up, they deserve the same high quality treatment that you afford other human members of your own family. It is therefore important for you to learn how to choose a good pet insurance company in order to cater for their well-being. With increasing medical costs for both humans and animals, it is the only way to make sure that the highest quality of medical care will be provided without denting your wallet.

For every pet, it is important that they receive what is known as an annual exam. This exam costs quite a significant amount of money. This is because plenty of resources will be spent during the exam to check your pet for anything that may be out of place within the body. It is during the exam that veterinary doctors will be able to ascertain if there are any tumors or cancerous cells that are present within the body as well as what to do in such a case.

Catching medical complications early will enable your pet to enjoy a high quality of life for a long period. When you have pet insurance, you will always be able to attend these annual medical exams for your pet without giving any check or scan amiss, something that may be the difference between life and death for your beloved animal.

While you may be able to anticipate some illnesses in your pets due to congenital deformities or hereditary conditions, it is impossible to anticipate allergies or pet poisonings. When poisoning occurs, your pet will need emergency and high quality treatment that will most likely be effective within the first few hours after the poisoning has occurred. The same conditions apply for severe allergies that may prove to be fatal. Without pet insurance from reliable companies such occurrences will end up being fatal and you will lose your beloved animals simply because there is no money for treatment.

Before you get the services of an insurance company, you need to check pet insurance reviews for that company. This way you will know what to expect as well as the quality of services provided by the company once treatment and checkups are needed.

You can compare pet insurance rates online.This way you can determine the monthly premiums that you need to pay as well as the reimbursement percentages offered to you. When you do this you will be able to get the insurance package that you can afford to pay comfortably.

Apart from the cost of insurance, comparisons enable you to get information on customer care services provided as well as coverage levels available. If you want pet insurance companies that will help you cover even chronic illnesses for your pets then this information will help you make the right choice. It is important that the knowledge you acquire on insurance of your pets come from unbiased websites that have a good reputation. That way, your decisions will provide the most accurate solutions to your pet problems.

My goal is to assist pet owners to make the best choices when looking to buy insurance for their pet. I Compare, Review and Rate Pet Insurance Plans to make it easier for consumers to choose the best pet insurance.

This information can be used by consumers to help them make the best possible Compare Pet Insurance choices that suits them and their pets. I hope you find this resource useful.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7237773

Pet Insurance and the Meaning of Policy Terms

Pet insurance policies can be difficult to understand if you are unfamiliar with the meaning of the terms they contain. Many policies are written with jargon that is difficult to understand which can prevent you from knowing exactly what you are getting for your money.

Deductibles, co-pay, exclusions, pre-existing; the list of terms goes on. Understanding what these terms mean before you start looking for a pet health insurance policy will help you to avoid any frustration or confusion.

Here then are the meanings of the more common terms in pet insurance policies. The next time you read through the features of a pet health insurance policy, you'll have a better understanding of what everything means.

By knowing the meaning of each term, you'll be able to ask intelligent questions, make informed decisions and ultimately buy the right policy for you and your cat.

Let's get started.

Descriptions of Pet Insurance Policy Terms

Deductible
The term 'Deductible' is fairly straight forward. You've probably heard of the term deductible from car insurance. If you don't have a car or are new to insurance, here is what it means.
A deductible is essentially the money that is deducted from a Vet bill or a charge for medication. It's the part of a claim that you are responsible for paying.

There are two types of deductibles in pet insurance; the annual deductible and the per-incident deductible.

The best way to explain what they mean is by example. Let's say your Cat, Simone, is going to the Vet to be treated for an infection. After everything is done including the blood work, treatments, medications and visits to the Vet the total costs are $1800.

Luckily you have pet health insurance and won't have to take a second job to pay for the costs. The deductibles on your insurance policy determine how much money you will have to pay. The remaining amount will be paid by the insurance company.

First there is your annual deductible. Let's say its $500. Next is the per incident deductible which is usually around $100. Your total deductibles come to $600. The remaining balance of $1200 dollars is paid through your insurance policy.

The next time Simone has to go to the Vet during the same year all you need to pay is the per-incident deductible and your policy covers the rest.

Once you've fully paid your annual deductible, you're good for the rest of the year. With your annual deductible fully paid, you'll only need to pay a per-incident deductible on any new claims made during the remainder of the year.

Per-Incident Deductible
A per incident deductible is the amount that you pay on a claim for a specific incident. Depending on your insurance policy you may need to pay a per-incident deductible.
Let's say your Cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease. The first time he goes in for treatment you will pay a per-incident deductible. If the treatment continues you will not need to pay another per-incident deductible since it is part of the same incident.

Benefit
If your pet dies during the term of your pet insurance policy, you will receive a benefit from the insurance company. This is a lump sum paid out to you that covers any related expenses such as the burial or cremation of your beloved pet.

Claim
A claim is a request made to a pet insurance company for any Vet expenses, treatments and or medications for your pet. Your pet insurance policy will have a list of the items you are able to claim for. Check your pet insurance policy to see the expenses you are able to claim.

Most claim forms are available on the insurance company's web site. Once you have downloaded and printed the form, simply fill it out and mail it in.

The amount of time it takes your insurance company to process a claim and send out a payment varies from company to company. Check with your insurance company to see when you can expect to receive a payment.

Co-Pay
A co-pay is a small fee that is paid each time you visit your Vet. Any additional expenses will be paid through your pet insurance policy. A Co-Pay is usually around $20. and must be paid before any other pet health insurance payments can be made.

Exclusions
Exclusions are items that your policy will not cover. Exclusions can be anything from specific diseases and ailments to the Vet you would like to use.

Depending on your pet insurance policy, only certain Vets or types of pet care will be covered. If you are unwilling to switch Vets, make sure the Vet you plan to use is covered before buying a policy.
Does your cat have any pre-existing conditions? Check to see if their condition is covered. Be sure to review all the exclusions of a policy and ask any questions in order to fully understand all the exclusions.

Most pet health insurance plans contain a number of common exclusions. If the pet insurance plan you are looking at has an exclusion that you need coverage for then ask what the additional cost would be to have the coverage added. If nothing can be done, consider looking for another pet insurance plan.

AM Best Underwriter Rating
The AM best underwriter rating is a top rating company that develops independent reviews on insurance companies. They determine how well an insurance company can make payments based on their financial state.

To get an idea of the stability and quality of the pet insurance company you are planning to use, be sure to take a look at the AM best rating. This rating is a good indicator as to the ability of a particular insurance company to pay on a claim.

We hope this list of terms and their meaning will come in handy during your search for a pet insurance policy. Although this list is not exhaustive, it will help you to better understand pet insurance policies.

There are many pet insurance companies with different plans available. By knowing the meaning of these common terms you'll see that pet insurance isn't as complicated as you may have originally thought.

If there is a term you come across while reviewing a pet insurance policy that is not covered here, share it with us in the comments. Also, be sure to ask as many questions as you need to fully understand the meaning of any terms not covered here.

Never assume or take someone elses word for anything that appears in a policy. It's your money and your Cat's welfare you're protecting. Make sure you understand everything completely.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6361930

Vital Information About Pet Insurance

Proper health care is one of the most important aspects of having a pet. You have to ensure that your pet is properly taken care of by giving it access to good veterinary care. You can do this effectively by buying affordable pet insurance. Veterinary pet insurance is available no matter the kind of pet that you have. There are policies for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, parrots and other kinds of domestic animals. This article will give you valuable and reliable pet insurance information.

It is not difficult to find out the cost of insurance for pets. You just have to spend a few minutes on the internet to find several insurers that are ready to give you the best pet insurance. The pet insurance quote tat you will be given will depend on the animal's health history, species or pedigree, age, location and other risk factors. You will be presented with a range of coverage options to choose from. You may decide to buy coverage for certain conditions or choose a basic or premium package.
It is good to shop around to find the cheapest pet insurance but you have to ensure that the coverage that you choose can sufficiently meet the needs of your pet. You should find a reasonable balance between cheap pet insurance and the quality of service that is provided by the insurer. It is important to choose a good pet insurance company that has a reputation of offering excellent service.

Insurance for puppy/dog is designed to provide the best possible health care. You can save a lot of money every year on your pet's visits to the veterinary. The coverage usually includes prescriptions, hospitalization, surgeries, diagnostic tests and so on. With ban-field pet insurance, you will know exactly what is included in the coverage and the benefits that are available to the pet. All pre-existing and recurring conditions are usually treated at no charge.

There a re a few things that you can do reduce the premiums that you have to pay on medical insurance for pets. Taking advantage of exclusions will help to keep your rates low. A list of possible exclusions will be given to you by the provider. You can decide what you want to include or remove. If your pet is healthy and relatively young, you can go for the minimum coverage that is available. Exclusions usually include hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, grooming, behavioral problems, elective procedures and so on.

The cost of dog or cat pet insurance varies from one provider to another. You can expect to pay up to a dollar per day on a good policy. This will of course depend on your location, pet species, breed size and age. Most providers are reluctant to provide insurance for dogs or cats that are above certain age limits. If you have more than one pet, you can take advantage of multiple pet discounts which will help you to reduce the premiums that you have to pay.

Your application for pet insurance will have to be reviewed by the insurance company. It may be necessary to provide the pet's medical records. In cases where medical records are not available, a medical examination will be used to establish the state of health of the pet. This is usually common with adopted or rescued animals.

It is important that you buy pet insurance for your dog as early as possible. A lot of providers will not accept dogs that are above a certain age. However, they will continue to provide insurance for pets that have existing policies before attaining the age limit. Ensure that you choose a reliable insurer that has a good reputation and a system that makes easy for customers to file claims.

You should take your time to read through the policy agreement before singing up with the company. Ask the representative to explain any aspect of the policy that you do not understand. It is important that you know exactly what you are getting for your money. You should also be satisfied with the quality of veterinary clinics that are available under the policy. Choose a policy that you can cancel easily if you are not satisfied with the service that is provided.

Pet policy will help you to save a lot of money on vet bills. It will ensure that your pet gets proper medical attention when required. Pets face day-to-day hazards even when they are limited to the home. They could get injured or eat inappropriate food. They can also come up with emergency health problems. A good pet insurance policy will help you to handle any of these unexpected circumstances.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6427157

4 Simple Steps To Buy Pet Insurance

If you have not already realized, the costs of veterinary care is escalating. By purchasing a pet insurance for our pets is also a wise choice to keep pet care costs within an affordable range. As pets become an important member of our family, purchasing a pet insurance is one of the ways to ensure our pets in getting the best care it possibly deserves.

Here are the 4 simple steps to purchase your pet insurance

1) Pet Insurance Online

Since most pet insurance companies have their own websites, one of the best ways to begin your research in pet insurance is to look for them online. When you do so, you will find a wide variety of insurance options and pricing. Some companies will even give you an additional discount if you purchase their pet insurance online.
However the first thing you should do is to select a number of pet insurance companies and make sure that you only deal with those reputable companies. Therefore check to see if each company is truly legitimate by going through them with The Better Business Bureau website.
Looking for a pet insurance online enables you to look for a policy that suits your needs faster. It is also more accurate because you have access to thousands of different sites. With this much information that can be gotten so easily you will able to make an informed decision in purchasing a proper pet insurance.

2) Pet Insurance Ratings

Since the internet is so easy to access, there will also be just as many scams regarding pet insurance companies. With thousands of pet insurance websites, there is also another method to get the best pet insurance that most suits your needs. That method is by looking at the pet insurance ratings.
By reading the pet insurance ratings you are able to tell which the best pet insurance company is and which insurance company to avoid. If you look at the pet insurance ratings, you can be sure to get what you pay for.

If you are wondering where to look for the pet insurance ratings, you can find most of them done online by independent companies. This is the best done by independent companies because you know that they aren't biased and therefore they are going to give you great information.

3) Pet Insurance Quote

Pet insurance quotes are available since 1928. Today there are numerous pet insurance quotes for you to decide one that most suitable for you and your pet. Furthermore if you get a pet insurance quote with a complete explanation from several carriers will be a very wise choice to make.
i) You can start by getting a pet insurance quote from your veterinarian. In turn, your veterinarian may offer a discount plan intended specially for his clients, or he may recommend a locally based plan that would be more suitable for you and your pet. This sort of pet insurance may be better for you than one of the bigger plans, depending on both your financial means and the breed of your dog.
ii) You can also choose to shop around and ask for pet insurance quotes from different insurance companies. When you ask for different pet insurance quotes, you will have a solid basis when you compare the services and prices of the insurance companies.

One of the reasons for getting several pet insurance quotes from different companies is that often congenital and hereditary illnesses or pre-existing conditions are not covered by pet insurance. Therefore it is best that you do a thorough research and consult your veterinarian.
iii) After you have found reliable pet insurance companies that may meet you and your pet's needs, narrow down to at least five of them. The reason being the more pet insurance quotes you have, the more difficult it is for you to make a choice. If you want to simplify things, you can narrow down your choices right from the start.

4) Compare Pet Insurance

Since there so many pet insurance companies, you will be faced with numerous options. Therefore for you to get the best value for your money you need to compare pet insurance options and policies to see which policy is most suited for you.

Before you start your comparison:

i) You must have a general idea about what options you need for your pet. For example, basic plans are the cheapest but they also cover only the basic emergency and illness care.

ii) You also need to look at things such as deductibles, copays, and lifetime limits.

iii) You need to find out how a claim is filed and how the claim is paid. It is also useful to know what items are excluded and what items have payment limits placed on them.

iv) You should find out if you are allowed to visit the vet of your choice or do you have to use a vet recommended by them.

v) Do also find out which ones cover after hours emergencies such as accidents and sudden serious illness and that if the accident or illness is serious and your pet may require a specialist.
When you find the policy that you feel is most suitable for you then all you have to do is fill out their form which gives them your pet's information. The pet insurance company may also set up to accept payment online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/794187

Dog Whisperer Tips

We all wish we were dog whisperers. But sometimes we need help getting there.

Dog Behavior Consultations

Need some help establishing that perfect relationship with your dog? Are you looking for something different than traditional obedience commands? The consultants at Dog Whisperer Tips work with your dog’s natural instincts and never use physical or mental punishment. Consultations are available for residents of Brevard County and the surrounding cities in Eastern Central Florida.

Dog Massage

Is your dog recovering from an injury or suffering from a spinal issue, limping, immobility or muscle atrophy? Massage is different than petting your dog. It can help your dog with many physical and behavioral issues. It improves circulation, releases endorphins, reduces stress and provides wonderful bonding time between human and animal.

Pastel Portraits

An added bonus to all the ways the Dog Whisperer Tips team can help you and your dog; you can capture your furry friend forever with a pastel portrait. One of the behavioral consultants has had her own graphics company and can immortalize your pet from just a clear photo.

Check out all they have to offer!

Ways To Reduce Workers Compensation Insurance Costs

If you are searching for ways to trim down workers compensation insurance costs, you're mindful of the direct expenses which you pay in premiums.

However what you might not have thought about is the indirect costs of workplace injuries and accidents, which go beyond what you pay for an employees compensation plan. Perhaps you may need to train substitute workers, adapt work schedules, analyze accidents and employ corrective measures. You can need to fix damaged property and equipment, lose efficiency and must cope with lower staff morale and absenteeism.

That's the reason my first recommendation - regulating workers compensation costs through a safety program - is crucial to your bottom line.

1. Developing your safety program

A lot of accidents can be averted before they happen. Keeping a safety program allows you to detect and terminate workplace hazards that may result in injuries. The ROI on this kind of programs is apparently credible. Numerous studies have proved that for every dime spent on injury prevention, firms realize a $2 - $6 profit, as reported by Safety and Health magazine.

This solid return may be the reason several states, including California, require businesses to keep a written safety program. Furthermore, putting requirements and concepts in writing implies that your company is dedicated to providing a healthy job environment for workers.

If you're starting afresh with a perceivable healthy work environment, you can get assistance developing your safety program from various sources at different prices. Think about using:

• An independent consultant - third-party office safety consultants usually charge $100/hour.

• A business-targeted template - Certain online businesses offer downloadable safety program templates specifically made for different industries for about $100 - $150.

• Your workers compensation insurance agency - A lot of service providers offer fee-inclusive safety consultations to their clients.

• Occupational Safety & Health Administration: OSHA's On-site Consultation Program provides cost-free professional guidance to medium and small-sized businesses. Despite the fact that such services are "separate from enforcement," prepare yourself to complete OSHA's recommendations.

And never forget, a safety program should be more than the piece of content. Only the help of the company executives and appropriate on-the-ground training will implement it (and help to make a significant difference in employee safety, and managing your workers compensation costs).

2. Return-to-Work Program

Despite having a quality safety program, injuries can still happen. If they do, a return-to-work program can give a direct cost advantage to the employees compensation claim. Studies have shown that the longer an employees compensation claim stays open, the pricier the claim. Take, for instance, when injured workers get back to work later, the claim has to cover much more replacement revenue.

Therefore, the aim of a return-to-work program is always to help injured staff return to work in the shortest possible time, even when it's on a tailored principle while they recover. This may include giving a worker the opportunity to work part-time or light-duty hours, matched in partnership with the staff 's medical professional.

A dynamic return-to-work program also provides indirect cost benefits. It can enable you to manage workplace connections with injured employees so as to avoid the alienation that can arise on each side during a long absence. And an initial return-to-work reduces the chance that the worker cannot return.

Take a look at the return-to-work safety plan template of the Society for Human Resource Management for an example of the appropriate ways to set up your program.

3. Become a member of a Professional Employment Organization

Last but not least, being a member of a Professional Employer Organization will help you to control your employees compensation claims and costs while assisting you to resolve the safety issues in your enterprise. An effective Professional Employment organization's safety solutions can significantly help in promoting a high-return "culture of safety" at your company.

A Professional Employment Organization can assist you:

• Select employees compensation plan coverage. This can reduce employees compensation premium rates by negotiating competitive plans with insurance firms.

• Assess the safety of the office and develop a safety program that will enable you to prevent accidents.

• Resolve claims promptly and efficiently.

• Maintain interactions with injured employees.

• Execute a return-to-work program that boosts worker morale and minimizes the span and cost of workers compensation claims.

• Taken as a whole, these efforts would make a huge difference in the amount spent on workers compensation and indirect expenses of workplace injury.

What Pet Insurance Will Benefit You With

Pets are loved by people, but we still need to take care of them. Rarely does pet insurance arise when people are discussing the important subject of insurance. Many of the people often associate policies to life, health, car or home insurance. However, for those who own pets, and particularly dogs or cats, it is a great idea for them to seriously consider it for their beloved pets. There are many benefits generated from having a policy for your pet, including:

· The insurance policy is relatively affordable

Pet insurance is inexpensive and easy to obtain. This is one of the reasons why pet owners find it enticing. Nevertheless, different companies charge different prices. Furthermore, the price is largely predicated on many other factors such as the coverage benefits, length of the policy, the insurance company's issuing policy and the different deductibles, etc. In spite of these factors, the packages are affordable, cost efficient and easy to find. When you engage wise purchasing strategies and some research you will be in a position to find the right policy. If you consider the strategy of comparing insurance, you will be able to find an inexpensive insurance that helps you to maximize on cost efficiency.

· Easy process of approval

It is easy for any pet to receive the policy that is very important for the pet owner and the pet. It is possible the pet could be healthy and appears active for now. However, as time passes and it ages, health complications are likely to arise. Therefore, the easy process of approval offered by insurance companies is particularly helpful. This will go a long way in ensuring the costs of medical attention is catered for.

· Easy to find an all inclusive coverage

Another benefit of the insurance is the fact that it is not too difficult to find the right coverage for your pet. It is common for the insurance companies to offer covers on different types of procedures, medications and medical visits. Some of the pet owners' argue an all inclusive insurance is not effective considering its cost would fail to offset the visits to the veterinarian- often undertaken once a year. This may be rue to some extent; however, the main reason of purchasing insurance for your pets is to cater for the costs that arise when the pets suddenly need treatment as a result of an illness or other medical procedures. Therefore, an all inclusive coverage comes handy in such circumstances.

We provide the best info about compare pet insurance deals. For further details please visit the provided link.

Choosing The Best Pet Insurance For Your Dog

Every pet dog serves a different role in every household. Some serve as guard dogs while others are dressed-up and are well-pampered, but whatever role they play, dogs are very helpful and enjoyable house companions. A good owner should know better than ignoring his/her dog's well-being.

Nowadays, there are various existing pet insurance policies that you can buy. However, just like for us humans, there are considerable circumstances which make one insurance plan better than another. Here are some things that you may consider in choosing an insurance plan for your pet dog:

1) Financial concerns are always a good place to start. First of all, consider your budget for your pet. For instance, how much have you been spending for its regular vet visits? Do you have money set aside for your buddy if a sudden disease or an accident occurs to it?

There are specific insurance plans for all your financial needs. Few plans can actually cover 100% of your expenses; however, there are plans which can offer you discounts or reimbursements for every vet visit and the like.

2) Another consideration should be the medical history of your pet dog. There are plans that do not cover pre-existing diseases so you must make sure to familiarize yourself with the terms of an insurance plan before buying it. You have to make sure that all of your pet's medical needs, or most of it, can be covered by the plan so you can be confident about the well-being of your friend.

3) Third, consider your dog's breed. There are breed-specific exclusive plans. These are usually breeds that have genetic or breed-related diseases, or working dogs that are more prone to age-related illnesses like arthritis. Although it is simply inhumane how people have created such discrimination against innocent dog breeds, you must accept that this is a reality. Figure out if your dog is part of this list and do your best to find a plan that does not exclude them.

4) Consider external factors, like your dog's common habits such as biting and swallowing foreign objects. If your dog has these sorts of mannerisms, make sure that the policy also covers the medication when something wrong happens. Some plans also cover subsidies for other unwanted or sudden events like your dog attacking other people, or for board and lodging when you need to be elsewhere and you can't bring your dog, like the hospital.

If you are looking for affordable pet insurance for your precious furr family members, then you are in the right place. We offer dog insurance and cat insurance at prices you can afford. Our cheap pet insurance plans provide you the best coverage for your money.

Pet Health Insurance: Is It Right For You And Your Pet?

I just got back from a visit to the veterinarian to have my three dogs get their scheduled booster shots and tests. I saw a sign at the vet for a Senior Pet's Wellness Insurance Plan which would cover a check-up along with necessary tests and some preventative care. I did not think I needed this insurance but it got me thinking about ways I could possibly have saved money on my vet bills. It has not been an affordability issue, but with all the talk about health insurance it got me thinking about care for my pets as they get older and may face possible future health problems.

Taking care of your pet's health is a responsibility just like taking care of your own health. Just like with you, you can choose a health insurance plan for your pet. There are so many good pet health care companies to choose from. You may want to consider a company that offers a wellness insurance plan that would help with some of the costs associated with keeping your pet healthy through regular wellness check-ups. These plans may be a good choice if you visit your veterinarian on a regular basis and have your pet on a maintenance schedule.

Then there is the unforeseen situation where your pet may have had an accident or a major health issue which will result in your facing a large veterinarian bill. You can certainly pay these vet bills the normal way with your credit card or even taking out a loan. In this case the calamity health insurance would be most beneficial. You can look at pet insurance kind of like auto insurance - it is there if you need it but it probably won't cover all the costs if anything should happen to your pet.

The best thing to do is to talk with your veterinarian about the pet health insurance companies out there and the ones your vet would recommend. You should also research these companies to see what they offer and how they differ. It is difficult to face a decision of whether or not to have procedures done for your pet if it comes down to cost. Sometimes your vet will lower costs in the event of a serious illness, but this should not be expected. Pet Health Insurance is there if you need it, and it could possibly save your pet's life.

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Why Not Be Your Own Pet Insurance Company?

It is midnight and you are at the pet emergency hospital with your dog. It turns out he did break his back leg and it requires orthopedic surgery. The surgery will cost $2,500 with hundreds of dollars in after care and physical therapy. Sound familiar or scary? That is why the pet insurance business is one of the fastest growing pet related industries.

How Pet Insurance Works
Pet insurance companies are not charity groups that seek to help you out in times of financial need. They are profitable businesses. The reason they are profitable is that they know the risk of a payout to pet owners is less than the money that they receive in total monthly premiums. They also know that the odds of your pet needing extensive care when they are young is so low that you will have paid more than enough in monthly premiums by the time they need to payout in the pet's later years. Why not take advantage of the same facts? Be your own insurance company and retain any unspent money.

Pet Savings Accounts
Quality pet insurance policies range from $35-75 per month depending on coverage and deductibles. Why not put that same amount in a savings account for your pet(s)? In one year the account would be worth $420-900. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association pet ownership statistics, the average household spends only $378 annually for dogs and $191 annually for cats in veterinary care. Your account would easily cover these expenses.

Over the life of your dog, the account would grow to ensure care in the pet's later years. If you considered yearly exams and vaccines as "a deductible" and paid them out of pocket instead of the account, especially during the early, healthy years of your pet, the account would even be larger in the later years.

Another way to protect your pet savings account in the early years is to consider the addition of a "catastrophic" pet insurance policy. These are less expensive than major policies and protect against a serious injury or disease. Eventually the policy can be dropped as the saving account grows.

Analysis of pet insurance policies in Consumer Reports agrees that self-insured pet plans are superior. The odds are in your favor that your pet savings account will have money left after your pet is deceased. You retain the money that would have been spent as monthly premiums and profits for the insurance companies. Feeding a quality diet and maximizing your pet's health will also minimize veterinary bills and increase the value of your pet savings account.

Dr. Ken Tudor is an expert in the field of pet nutrition and fitness. He founded Hearthstone Homemade for Dogs. This integrated program was developed to provide owners a healthier alternative to commercial dog food. To learn more about homemade dog food, visit his website at http://www.hearthstonehomemade.com.

How To Find Pet Insurance For Your New Kitten

Getting a new kitten involves a bit of preparation - getting food and water bowls, sorting the location for the litter box and their bed, picking a range of toys. Ill health isn't something that you think about with a kitten but it prepares to be ready for the unexpected. For that reason, on your to-do list for the kitten's arrival should be getting pet insurance in place.

Why insure a cat?

As a rule, cats are less prone to health problems than dogs and those that spend their lives indoors are less so again. But there is always the unexpected factor and illness or injury can attack any animal, regardless how safe its environment.

The quality of the vet service in the US is among the best in the world but this doesn't come cheap. This means that a visit to the vets can be costly and unless you have a reservoir of money saved for this, can cause real problems. Vets have known cat owners having to miss out on treatment or go into debt to pay a bill.

What does it cover?

Pet insurance is like many other types of insurance - there are a variety of products with different levels of cover and different benefits. From one state to another, there can be changes in what is covered and of course the price. In fact, apart from California, there isn't even statewide regulations about this type of policy so checking the fine print is important.

The basics of the cover include elements such as illness and accident but don't cover annual reviews or check-ups as well as the cost of vaccinations. Some policies may cover if the cat goes missing or causes damage to a third party as well as even money to help advertise for them if they run away. But with most policies, you can pay for as much or as little as you require.

You can also get different levels of how much the policy pays out - this can be 80%, 90% or 100% of the bill. So the bill could be $1000 and if you choose the first level, the insurance company will pay you back $800 or $900 on the second level. The more money you are refunded, the higher the premium the insurance company will take for it.

Other options

If you don't like the idea of pet insurance, you can always take the self-insure idea. This involves setting up a bank account for the purpose, putting a set amount into the account every month and not touching it for anything apart from emergencies or illnesses. Don't use it for normal check-ups or to buy stuff the kitten needs - save it and hope you don't need it until there is plenty of money in the account!

Whatever option you choose for your kitten, it is important to start the plan as soon as the kitten arrives. While that cute little face will bring you love and affection, it can also bring you a very big vet's bill and it is best to be prepared for it.

For more information about having a kitten, their health and well being as well as keeping them occupied, please see my articles at http://www.thebestcatlitterbox.com/

Guide To Individual Health Insurance

The new Covered California health insurance marketplace offers a wide range of affordable health plans for you to choose from. Whether you are self-employed, or looking for coverage over and above what your employer currently offers, there is a plan that will likely meet your needs. Federal regulations require that health plans operating under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) meet certain access requirements. In California, those requirements include timely access to healthcare providers, as well as geographic access standards.

Here is a general guide to individual health insurance that you can refer to when choosing a plan. And do not forget these important dates regarding open enrollment for 2016.

Provider Networks

When selecting a health insurance plan, it is important to verify the plan's provider network of doctors, hospitals, nurse practitioners, therapists, and other health care providers. It is equally important to understand what is not covered as well. Understanding your plan's provider network helps you save money, receive better care, avoid unexpected fees and costs, and be happier with the care you receive.

Out-of-Network Care

You are not restricted to health care providers in your network, but should you decide to use one outside of your network, health insurance will cover less resulting in a higher out-of-pocket cost for you, except in the case of emergencies.

Provider No Longer in Network

If your health care provider leaves your network, you will generally need to find a new doctor inside the network, and most plans will assist you in doing so. As a rule, a health plan's continuity of care policy allows a patient to continue care with a doctor no longer in the network for a certain period of time at the lower cost-sharing rate.

Cost-Sharing Requirements

Each plan has different cost-sharing requirements. Typically, your overall share of costs is a combination of the premiums you pay plus any other co-payments, co-insurance or deductibles for which you are financially responsible.

How to Find a Doctor

In most cases, the plan you choose will have a list of doctors who accept your insurance. The Medical Board of California offers some great tips on choosing a doctor:

Ask friends, family or co-workers about physicians they like.
Ask your county medical society or association for names of physicians in your area.
Once you have some names, call and ask if the doctor is accepting new patients and whether they accept your insurance plan.
Check with the Medical Board to verify the physician has a current California license.
Meet with the physician and consider having a physical done to determine if this is the doctor for you and your family.

Selecting a Hospital

When you undergo treatment in a hospital or other facility, ask to have any services performed by in-network providers. Your physician may decide which hospital is appropriate for your care, but you can still check the hospital's California Health Care Foundation rating by visiting www.calqualitycare.org.

This guide to individual health insurance is far from complete. For more information and a more comprehensive glossary of insurance terms and other marketplace information, visit www.healthcare.gov.

Learn More

From preventative services to out-of-pocket maximums, understanding your individual health insurance plan options can be a confusing - and frustrating - endeavor. A health insurance agent is one of your best resources for information on coverage that meets your unique needs.

This article originally appeared on Navigate Health Insurance's blog.

As certified Covered California insurance agents, we can help you navigate this complex process. Contact Navigate Health Insurance today at (925) 788-6824 to discuss your health insurance options. We look forward to serving you!

Still Doubtful About Buying Health Insurance?

Health procurement has been a major cause of concern and area of research for every civilization of the past and of the modern world. The evolution of medicines and courses of treatment is very diverse and dramatic. So much money and effort is being spent on research to find cure of diseases every year. So many medical schools are dedicatedly working to bring out quality medical professionals to solve health issues. With continued efforts and resources we have sufficient know how and infrastructure to cure or control many diseases and thus saving many lives or improving life quality in the process.

But can the common man avail this treatment? Availing medical treatment can be a big financial pain. Many in a country like India die or worsen their health condition because they don't take the required treatment or delay the treatment because of affordability issues. That is why health insurance is very important. Health insurance saves you in your most critical times. It acts as an alternative source of financing your hospital bills (including medicine bills of one month prior to hospitalization and three months post hospitalization).

Even though medical emergencies do not happen frequently to most people one cannot afford to not have health insurance. With rising medical costs one would be exposing oneself to high amount of risk if not well equipped with insurance. Generally the attitude of young people towards health insurance is very lax. Most people ignore when they are told the importance of having health insurance. Some still treat it as an avoidable expense or a luxury. They realize its value when they see some of their relative or friend in that situation where they need health insurance the most.

Health emergencies come uninvited; they can come in the form of a sudden road accident or heart attack. Immediately, a good amount of money has to be arranged to get the patient required treatment. Sometimes, the bill reaches in lacs. That kind of money is not available so readily for most of us. It is high time we understand the value of having health insurance cover for our family. With affordable premiums if we can get protection then why shouldn't we go for it?

Health insurance policies have many tax benefits also, under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, the premium paid is deductible from the total taxable income upto Rs.15000 for self, spouse and minor child. If individual or spouse is more than 60 years old the deduction available is Rs 20,000. An additional deduction for insurance of parents (father or mother or both) is available to the extent of Rs. 15,000/- if less than 60 years old and Rs 20,000 if parents are more than 60 years old.

When buying health insurance one needs to carefully study the policy. There are some clauses that need special attention, for example, whether the insurer is providing reimbursement of the full room rent of the hospital or upto some limit. Some insurers have a clause like the room rent is paid upto 15% of the total sum insured, over and above it is paid by the policyholder. These technicalities can be discussed with a professional. Also if one compares the insurance plans online on the sites of insurance comparison portals, these points are highlighted in the best interest of the customer. Thus, plan and stay happy. Insurance not only gives us financial aid when needed it also gives us peace.

There are many comparison websites today which gives good and relevant information on Health Insurance Plans from different companies. One of them is http://www.easypolicy.com. You can get live quotations on various plans with telephonic assistance from their team.

Buying Health Insurance Through A Broker

In its most simple definition, a health insurance broker (also commonly known as an agent) is someone who is licensed to sell health insurance. However, there are many other services they provide you that fall under the umbrella of selling health insurance. Here are some of the most important:

Perhaps the most important fact to know about working with an agent is that it's free. Insurance agents are paid by insurance carriers, not by consumers. So don't worry about having to pay some service fee for signing up for a plan with an agent, because it will cost you nothing more than if you were to do it yourself

Health insurance is confusing, and an agent will explain it to you until it makes sense. Ask all the questions you want, that's what they're there for. Want to know what your coinsurance will be on a certain plan? Want to know what coinsurance even means? Ask away!

An agent can help you compare plans that you're interested in. When you let an agent know what it is you're looking for, they will narrow down your possibilities and explain the benefits of each. They can check to see if your doctors and preferred medical facilities are in-network, and they can just to see if any prescriptions you take are covered (and how much).

Your agent is your agent as long as you have your policy. This means that you have someone you can contact when you have questions or even when you want to shop around for a new plan. You've got someone in your corner, as opposed to just winging it and picking out a plan on your own.
Because I'm sure you don't want to be here reading all day, those are only a few of the biggest benefits of using a licensed agent to buy health insurance. That's not even including how much time and frustration an agent can save you (we'll save that for another article!).

To make it even more convenient for you, many brokers have the ability to access plans that are both on and off-exchange (government-run Marketplaces for health insurance). This provides you with even more options. Additionally, for agents who can access on-exchange plans, they can also determine your subsidy eligibility that can lower your premium and out-of-pocket expenses. Again, saving you yet another headache.

The next time you need to enroll in or change a health plan, keep a licensed agent in mind- it won't cost you anything, but it will certainly save you a lot.

Angela is the Media Content Writer for Health Choice One, a health insurance brokerage that charges nothing to help individuals and families get health coverage. Health Choice One works with major medical plans like those discussed in this article. Additionally, agents can help you enroll in short-term and supplemental plans if you're not currently eligible to enroll in a major medical plan.

For more information, a quote, or help enrolling in a health plan, visit https://healthchoiceone.com

Getting Health Insurance Outside Of Open Enrollment

The Obamacare Open Enrollment Period ended about a month and a half ago, and many people still find themselves without health insurance. Some may not be able to comfortably afford a plan, couldn't make a decision on what to buy, and maybe some just plain forgot. Now many people find themselves wondering how to go about getting health insurance outside of Open Enrollment.

Qualifying Life Event

In order to enroll in a major medical plan outside of Open Enrollment, individuals must have a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, moving to a new state, and other scenarios. When such an event occurs, this triggers a Special Enrollment Period, allowing someone to enroll in a plan.

If a qualifying life event does not occur, but someone is still interested in getting health insurance, there is an alternative. Short-term health insurance has some key differences from major medical health insurance, but still offers some great benefits to tide a person over until they can get other coverage.

Short-term Health Insurance

A short-term plan will function similarly to a major medical plan. When reviewing available plans, there is a breakdown of deductible and copayment amounts, maximum coverage limits, etc. available for each plan. They will vary by plan, which provides the health insurance shopper with many options. If someone is just looking for basic coverage that protects against big, unexpected emergencies, there will be a plan that works well for that scenario. Others who know that they will want copayments for office visits and prescriptions can find a plan to fit those needs as well.

Regardless of why someone cannot enroll in a major medical plan, one of the biggest benefits of a short-term plan is that it typically costs much less than a major medical plan. As with any plan, prices will increase with a short-term plan as the coverage amount increases. For instance, a low deductible will likely result in a higher premium. This is the case with virtually any type of plan. The more protection you have, the more it costs. Again, though, generally speaking you will pay less for a short-term plan than for a major medical plan.

These plans are no doubt helpful when traditional major medical insurance is not an option, and some people may even prefer a short-term plan over major medical. However, as its name implies, short-term insurance is not intended to be a permanent insurance solution. For this reason, many plans are only available up to a year. However long the term, once the plan ends, it must be reapplied for. There is no guarantee it will be approved.

Another key factor to note when considering this insurance is the fact that pre-existing conditions are not covered. If someone applying for a plan has diabetes, anything related to that condition will not be covered. However, even without pre-existing conditions being covered, new conditions will be. Having protection for new ailments is definitely more than anyone would have without any sort of health insurance, and that's important to remember.

Finally, remember that you are required to have an Affordable Care Act-compliant health plan. Short-term health insurance plans do not fall into this category, so depending on your specific situation, you may face a penalty at tax time for not having ACA-compliant health insurance.

Whatever the reason you can't get major medical insurance, keep short-term plans in mind. They definitely offer enough coverage to tide you over until you can get a major medical plan, and you can select the amount of coverage that works best for you. The benefits of short-term plans definitely outweigh the cons of not having any health insurance.

Angela is the Media Content Writer for Health Choice One, a health insurance brokerage that charges nothing to help individuals and families get health coverage. Health Choice One works with major medical plans (including on-exchange, Obamacare plans) short-term plans, and supplemental plans. For more information, a quote, or help enrolling in a health plan, visit https://healthchoiceone.com