All pet insurance policies do not cover vaccinations and routine check-ups barring some reputable insurers that offer an OPD cover option. You can also add vaccinations as additional coverage.
Rising veterinary inflation in India has become a concern for pet parents. Sometimes, just having a basic policy is insufficient. It should also cover vaccinations and routine check-ups.
Keep reading to explore the vital points you should consider when buying insurance, such as inclusions, exclusions, waiting period and claim process.
5 Points to Consider When Buying a Pet Insurance Policy Covering Vaccinations and Routine Check-ups
Since the primary objective of a policy is to reduce the financial burden of pet treatment, consider all the vital points before buying one. Some of which are mentioned below:
- Benefits / Inclusions
How much financial protection you get during your pet’s medical emergency depends on the policy’s coverage or inclusions. For example, a comprehensive cat insurance policy will offer maximum protection. Some common inclusions are:
Surgery and Fracture Expenses
- Hospitalisation Cost
- Mortality Benefit
- Terminal Diseases
- OPD Costs
- Exclusions
Pet owners should not only consider inclusions of the policy but also exclusions. They will know the financial gaps which they might have to cover out-of-pocket. Most policies exclude the following costs:
- Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
- Cosmetic or Elective Procedures
- Glaucoma Related Claim
- Waiting Period
Most of these insurance policies have a waiting period. Still, it is generally not applicable for accidental injuries. Also, ensure the waiting period is not longer than necessary.
For example, if your pet’s age is 4 years, the waiting period should be around 20 days. For pets above 4 years, the waiting period is generally around 3 months.
- Insurance Premium
You can get the best coverage on your policy at the lowest cost by getting your furry or feline buddy insured young. You can expect an accurate cat insurance quote by knowing their exact medical needs. Some factors insurance companies consider before determining the premium are:
- Age and breed
- Sex and size
- Lifestyle
- PED or hereditary conditions
- Claim Process
Choose a reputable insurance company with a simple and transparent claim settlement process, such as Bajaj General Insurance. They should let you choose between a cashless claim or a reimbursement claim, depending on the policy.
Two vital points you should check are:
- Whether you can raise the reimbursement claim online.
- Whether they settle claims within 10 days.
How Much Can I Save With an Insurance Policy?
How much you can save with a policy generally depends on the sum insured, sub-limits, deductibles, treatment cost and waiting period. So, if you are still wondering, “Is a pet insurance policy worth it?” Yes, if you have young, healthy pets or high-risk breeds.
The example in the table below explains how a policy works to help you save money:
| Pet Expense Items | Without Insurance (approx) | With Insurance (approx) |
| Annual Premium | ₹0 | ₹4,000 |
| Vet Fees | ₹1,500 | ₹0 |
| Vaccinations | ₹3,000 | ₹0 |
| Surgical Expenses (if required) | ₹5,000 | ₹0 |
| Net Annual Expenses | ₹9,500 | ₹4,000 |
| Annual Savings with an Insurance Policy | ₹5,500 (approx) | |
What is an OPD Cover for Pet Insurance?
Reputable insurance companies, such as Bajaj General Insurance, know that your cat or dog does not need a hospital admission for every vet visit. Some minor health issues can be cured with basic treatment at the clinic. You can manage such expenses with an Outpatient Department (OPD) cover. Generally, they include the following:
- Veterinary Treatment: Eligible treatment by a vet at a pet clinic.
- OPD expenses: Routine check-up costs to the limit specified in the policy.
Final Thoughts
Insuring your pet with a policy not only protects you from unexpected veterinary bills but also ensures that they get the right medical care at the right time. You will have better peace of mind by choosing a policy covering vaccination and routine check-up costs.
Additionally, make sure that the company you are approaching for insurance covers costs incurred due to your pet’s illness, injury, hospitalisation, surgery, theft, loss and other events.