Top 5 Factors to Check Before Buying Pet Insurance Plan In India

Pet care in India is a growing business, and with it is the rising awareness of pet insurance plans in India. With such veterinarian bills rising, and pets becoming more like family, the pet parents are looking into the insurance aspect of the health of their pets. However, purchasing a pet insurance plan in India is more than a simple checkbox option; it requires informed decisions.

If you are looking to invest in pet insurance for your dog, cat or even exotic pet, keep these 5 points in mind before purchasing pet insurance.

1. Coverage Inclusions and Exclusions in Pet Insurance Plan In India

The first step in evaluating any pet insurance policy is to determine what’s covered by the insurance. Not all insurance policies are the same. Some policies cover only accidents, while other policies cover illness, surgeries, vaccinations, OPD visits, or even preventative care.

Ask yourself:

• Does the policy cover chronic illnesses like diabetes or arthritis?

• Are inherited or breed-related conditions covered?

• What about dental care or behavioural therapy?

Also, pay much attention to the exclusions. To pre-existing conditions and giving pregnancies, cosmetic surgeries or congenitally acquired diseases are not covered by many policies. Be certain to know the things which are excluded to avoid surprises in the future.

2.Claim Process and Reimbursement Speed

Then assess the claim process. The claim process of a good pet insurance plan must be clear and easy. Normally, there are two kinds of them:

• Cashless claim (partner vet clinics)
• Reimbursement (you pay it now, send bills afterwards)

Key questions:

• What is the turnaround to reimbursement?
• Does it have an electronic or app-based claiming?
• Do we need original bills?

There are those insurance providers who settle claims within 1 week to 10 days, whereas others may take longer, such as 30 days or above. The quicker and simpler the claim process, the happier you are as a pet parent.

3. Annual Premium vs. Benefits in Pet Insurance Plan In India

 When comparing plans, don’t simply compare the price tag; compare the value you are getting with the premium.

Suppose that one plan costs 6,000 a year and provides 60,000 a year cover (including OPD, accidents and sickness), and another 4,000, but with only accidental injury cover. It is obvious that the first plan is more valuable but costly.

Also, check:

• Is the premium paid yearly, or does it go up based on your pet’s age?

• Does the plan give multi-pet discounts or loyalty rewards?

• Are vaccination or wellness benefits included?
  A slightly higher premium may make sense if it saves you from heavy out-of-pocket expenses during an emergency.

4. Network of Vets and Clinics

In case the insurance provider provides cashless treatment, it is important to know the list of its empanelled veterinary clinics. An extensive and well-reputed network means you are going to receive good care without facing claims manually.

Ask:

• Is your current vet part of their network?

• Are clinics available in your city or town?

• Can you consult specialists like dermatologists or ortho peadic vets?
  

Although the insurance may be based on a reimbursement system, a list of verified and trusted clinics would ensure that the quality of care is not lose its quality.

5. Age, Breed, and Species Limitations in Pet Insurance Plan In India

Most pet insurance policies in India currently cover dogs and cats, but even then, restrictions exist.

Points to consider:

• Age limit: Minimum and maximum age limit is usually not allowed for pets that are less than 8 weeks old and ones that are advanced than 10 years.

• Breed restrictions: Certain breeds may be prohibited or premiums may be higher in case they are aggressive, or exotic ones.

• Other pets: Rabbit, bird, exotic pets: You may have very little choice- check with the provider.
  

Also, some policies require a medical check-up before issuing the policy, especially for older pets.

Bonus Tip: Look for Value-Added Services

Beyond basic insurance coverage, some providers offer extra services such as:

• Tele-consultations with vets

• Health tracking via apps

• Diet charts and behaviour counselling

• Wellness reminders and vaccination alerts

They do not sound significant, but these services can make your pet maintenance much better. Therefore, when all these features are packaged in one plan, it can prove to be a smarter investment.

Final Thoughts

Pet insurance in India is not a black and white scenario or a check box solution; the truth is that you cannot afford for your pet to be in any position where he or she will not get treatment because you did not plan on such an occurrence. The appropriate plan may save your life in case of an emergency, assist you in a routine visit to a vet, and provide peace of mind.

There should always be a comparison of as many plans as possible, checking the small print and ensuring that the policy fits the breed, age and lifestyle of your pet.

Petsfolio: Your Partner in Smart Pet Parenting

Whether you need help deciding which pet insurance is the best or want professional assistance when looking at the wellness requirements of your pet, Petsfolio are here to assist. Whether they need to chat with a vet, hire a dog walker, groomer or behavioural coach, Petsfolio enables pet parents to give their furry friends the finest life possible.

Go to Petsfolio now and treat your pet with the attention it deserves.