If you have read our recent blog posts, you’ll know that Illinois law now permits courts to determine which party should have joint or sole ownership over a companion animal in a divorce, or dissolution proceeding. This new law brings up a variety of new questions and issues. One of the more interesting related issues is that of pet insurance.
Pet insurance operates similarly to health insurance plans. The aim is to prevent financial loss in the case of accident or illness of a pet. The main difference between a pet insurance policy and a health insurance policy is that in a pet insurance policy you pay all of the veterinarian bills up front and submit a claim for reimbursement.[1]
Pet insurance is typically offered in three categories: dog insurance, cat insurance, and bird/exotic pet insurance.[2] In a similar fashion to health insurance, a typical pet insurance plan includes:
- Covered Benefits;
- Premium;
- Maximum Limits and/or Caps;
- Deductible;
- Reimburse (Co-Insurance);
- Exclusions; and
- Waiting Periods.[3]
Insurance companies may also offer plans specifically for the age of the animal, breed, and whether they are primarily indoor or outdoor pets.[4]
Pet insurance policies may cover:
- Accidents, such as foreign body ingestion, allergic reactions, and sprains;
- Illnesses, such as digestive systems, eyes, ears, and even cancer;
- Routine Wellness and Preventative Care, such as routine screenings, behavioral training, vaccinations and teeth cleaning; and
- Additional Benefits, such as boarding fees and loss by left or straying.[5]
If you are looking at pet insurance, it is important to find out if a policy covers any pre-existing conditions your pet may have. It is also a good idea to look into whether your pet is genetically pre-disposed to any conditions and determine if those conditions are covered, should they occur in the future.
If your pet is a valued member of your household, like the pets of Sherer Law Offices’ employees, this may be an important safeguard to look into. You may want to see if your current insurance carrier offers coverage for pets. Further, be sure to find out whether there are specific veterinarians that can be used under the policy, if there are any annual or lifetime limits, and how the claim process works.[6]
If you have any questions about how pet insurance may influence your court proceeds or other legal matters, please give us a call at 618-692-6656 or visit shererlaw.com.
The information provided on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult with an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, emails, and communications. Contacting our offices does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us unless and until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
Past results do not guarantee future results. Every case is different and is decided on its own merits. Any testimonials or endorsements regarding services do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.
[1]Illinois Department of Insurance, “Consumer Health Insurance: Pets,” http://insurance.illinois.gov/ healthInsurance/consumerHealth.html (accessed Dec. 14, 2018).
[2]Id.
[3]Id.
[4]Id.
[5]Id.
[6]Id.
