[ STUFFS ]
HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
Protect your pet's health.
MANY FAMILIES in Hawaii are covered by health insurance, but even though similar coverage is available for pets, less than 2 percent of our pets are insured. Compare this to Britain or Sweden, where as many as half of all domestic pets are covered. Dog, cat insurance
covers accidents and
new ailments[PET OHANA]
By K.T. Haase
Special to the Star-BulletinThough we don't hear much about it, health insurance for pets is available in Hawaii, and it's been around for years -- offering financial reimbursement, within the limits of the policy, for veterinarian charges.
Pet insurance can help with veterinary costs in the case of a pet accident or illness, so big medical bills won't force you to accept less than the best care for your pet. While there are no HMOs for pets in Hawaii (there are in California!), insurance is available that reimburses a percentage of the medical bills for covered animals from any licensed veterinarian. Coverage can include everything from major medical procedures to small rebates for monthly heartworm protection, depending on the plan. Deductibles and maximums vary with the cost of the annual premiums, which run from about $100 to $300 per animal. Generally, only cats and dogs are covered by pet health insurance.
The way it works is simple: You pay your veterinarian in full, file a claim for the services that your pet received, and the insurance company sends you the appropriate reimbursement. Pre-existing medical conditions are often not covered, so read the policy carefully before you sign. Policy rates vary, along with deductible amounts and maximum benefits.
>> Healthy Pet Insurance, Dallas, TX; PET INSURANCE
(800) 994-9442 http://www.healthypetinsurance.com
>> Premier Pet Insurance Group, Wauwatosa, WI;
(877) 774-2273 http://www.ppins.com
>> Veterinary Pet Insurance, Anaheim, CA;
(800) 872-7387 http://www.petinsurance.com
Deidre Tawara read an article about pet health insurance several years ago in Dog Fancy magazine and thought it sounded like a good idea. "I asked my veterinarian, Dr. Eric Ako, about pet insurance, and he gave me the brochure for Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)," explained Tawara. "I ended up purchasing the insurance and an additional plan that offers reimbursements for routine care and vaccinations.
"My dog, Murray, a sheltie/golden retriever mix adopted from the Humane Society, was already about 2 years old when his insurance coverage started. I filled out a form with his health history and disclosed that he'd had some allergies in the past. Murray's insurance company views this as a pre-existing condition. Unfortunately, many of the claims that I've filed for Murray get rejected because so many conditions could reflect allergies. They've all been minor claims since Murray is pretty healthy. I do receive reimbursements for a percentage of Murray's routine care, which is nice. I view the policy not as an expense, but as piece of mind in case something major should happen."
Dr. Ako from the Pet Doctor says, "It's a numbers game just like any insurance. You can't expect to get every dollar back if your pet is healthy, and it's a welcome benefit during catastrophic illness. The reimbursement process is very easy: The vet staff adds some codes to the invoice for the visit; the pet owner completes the insurance form and mails it in; the reimbursement checks go direct to the pet owner."
Veterinary Pet Insurance is the nation's oldest with more than a million policies sold since 1982. Besides the three listed here, there may be more companies offering pet insurance in Hawaii, so do your own research. To fulfill the claim properly, the clinic may be asked to provide copies of your pet's medical history. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if this is part of their service, and for a recommendation on a pet health insurance provider.
A study completed last year by the American Animal Hospital Association surveyed more than 1,000 pet owners in the United States and Canada, and nearly 75 percent said they'd go into debt to pay for their pet's veterinary care. Even common types of surgery, such as a procedure to remove foreign objects from a pet's stomach, can cost more than $1,000. Treatments for cancer can reach five figures.
Pets are cherished, trusted companions, and no pet owner likes to think about the possibility of pet illness or injury. As the Healthy Pet Insurance Web site states, "Some day you may be asked to choose between the high cost of veterinary treatment and your dog or cat's health and well-being."
Health insurance for your pet can provide peace of mind when veterinary care is needed, assisting with costs so that you can concentrate on what is most important: your pet's recovery and long, happy life as your companion.
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