pet health insurance

Life is just better with a dog or cat around. And while each stage in your pet's life comes with its joys, there may also be some challenges. The good news is that you can plan for some of the more difficult times by putting a pet health insurance plan in place.

Veterinary medicine can do amazing things for pets these days, but the costs for scans and other treatments can quickly add up. Allstate pet health insurance can help you stay focused on your sick pet, without the stress of figuring out how to pay for care.

Pet health insurance can help cover the costs of unexpected illnesses or injuries. These include:

• Accidents, and treatments for illness and disease
• Cancer and chemotherapy services
• Surgery, hospitalization and nursing care
• Lab work and diagnostic tests, including X-rays and MRIs
• Medications
• Genetic conditions^
• Alternative therapies like acupuncture, hydrotherapy and holistic and homeopathic medicine
• Chronic and recurring conditions, like allergies, diabetes and hyperthyroidism

You can also talk to your Allstate representative about an optional Wellness Rewards plan that provides coverage for annual check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings and other types of routine care.

^ Genetic and breed-specific conditions are covered, provided the pet does not show signs or symptoms of them prior to enrollment.

Pet insurance can provide dependable protection for your beloved pet, but certain expenses aren’t covered. Some of the most common exclusions are:

• Cosmetic and elective procedures, like tail docking, ear cropping and declawing (except when medically necessary)
• Vet fees related to pregnancy, breeding and whelping
• Orthodontic or endodontic procedures, like root canals or crowns
• Treatment for behavioral problems
• Vitamins, supplements, pet foods and personal care items like shampoo or ear cleaner
• Pre-existing conditions, including any genetic or breed-specific conditions

Your pet needs to be under the age of 14 to get a new health insurance policy. If your pet is older than that, or has received a diagnosis or shown symptoms of diabetes, Cushing's disease, Addison's disease or FeLV/FIV, an accident-only plan may be a better option. This plan covers:

• Doctor and nurse exams, and specialist fees
• Laboratory tests
• Emergency care and hospitalizations
• MRIs, CT scans, X-Rays and Ultrasounds
• Acupuncture services, chiropractor fees and holistic medicine
• Physical therapy, including hydrotherapy
• Laparoscopies and surgeries, including laser surgery

If you have medical records from your veterinarian showing your pet’s pre-existing condition has been cured for at least six months, they may be able to get coverage.

Allstate offers Embrace pet insurance to cover any treatment plan suggested by your veterinarian, which may include diagnostics, lab tests, surgeries, hospital fees, follow-up care or rehabilitation. You’ll also receive a $50 decrease to the cost of your policy every year that you don’t have an insurance reimbursement.

Most pet owners pay between $30 and $50 per month for their pet health plan, depending on your pet’s age, species, breed and where you live. You can face higher rates if you have a dog or an older or larger pet.

For those who have served, a 5% military discount is also available.

You can care for all of your pets — and save money — with some of the multi-pet discounts that are offered. One of these ways to save includes the 10% discount for each additional pet you insure.

Pet insurance is a convenient, cost-saving way to make sure your pet is getting quality care. Reach out to your Allstate representative for more information.