Costs & coverage
Pet insurance
We strongly believe that all pets should be insured. The small cost of a monthly premium is well worth it should your pet ever have an illness or injury. Here are the questions we’re asked most often.
Why does my pet need insurance?
Over the last few decades, advances in veterinary medicine have opened the door to diagnosing and treating many more health problems in our companion animals. The Clarksburg area is very fortunate to have many facilities providing specialized and advanced care within an hour’s drive.
That advanced care can become quite costly. A serious illness, a major surgery, emergency care or specialist care can quickly top $1,000 and go up to $10,000 or more. Even some more minor or routine health problems can cost $500 or more to diagnose and treat.
Medical decisions for a sick pet are difficult enough when finances aren’t a consideration. Insurance helps minimize the financial strain when you’re making decisions about your pet’s health.
When is the best time to get pet insurance?
Insure your pet as soon as you can. A sudden, unexpected illness can happen at any time, and insurance companies won’t cover problems discovered before the policy is in place.
How does pet insurance work?
The process is straightforward:
- You pay your veterinary bill at the time of service, as you always have.
- You fill out your claim form with your name, contact information, policy number and your pet’s name.
- We fill out the medical section and sign any claim forms you need. We’re happy to keep copies of your pre-filled claim forms in your file for convenience.
- You submit the claim form and a copy of your paid invoice to your insurance provider by fax, email or mail.
- Your insurance company sends your reimbursement, as set by your plan, within a couple of weeks.
How much does pet insurance cost?
It depends on the policy you choose and on your pet’s age and breed, but costs are generally between $25 and $100 a month. The companies we recommend can give you online quotes for your pets and plan choices.
Pet insurance works a bit like car insurance: the rate is based on risk. We generally advise choosing the highest deductible you can afford, to keep your premiums as low as possible over the long term.
Which companies do we recommend?
Our experience with many pet insurance companies has led us to recommend these:
These companies:
- Reimburse owners quickly
- Stay true to their policies
- Don’t play games declining coverage that should have been approved
- Don’t look for loopholes
We are committed to the health and well-being of your companion animals, and we will never compromise our care decisions or recommendations based on whether you have pet insurance or which plan you choose.
Will insurance cover a problem my pet already has?
Insurance companies won’t cover problems discovered before the policy is in place. That’s why we recommend insuring your pet as soon as you can, since a sudden, unexpected illness can happen at any time.
Do I still pay you at the time of the visit?
Yes. You pay your veterinary bill at the time of service, then submit a claim, and your insurance company sends your reimbursement, as set by your plan, within a couple of weeks. See our payment options.
Will you help with my claim forms?
Yes. You fill in your name, contact information, policy number and your pet’s name, and we fill out the medical section and sign any claim forms you need. We can keep copies of your pre-filled claim forms in your file.
You then send the form and a copy of your paid invoice to your insurer by fax, email or mail.
What deductible should I choose?
We generally advise the highest deductible you can afford, to keep your premiums as low as possible over the long term. Like car insurance, the rate is based on risk.
How do I get a quote?
The companies we recommend can give you online quotes for your pets and plan choices: Pets Best, Trupanion, Lemonade, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance and Figo. Costs are generally between $25 and $100 a month, depending on the policy and your pet’s age and breed.
Will my pet’s care change depending on whether I have insurance?
No. We will never compromise our care decisions or recommendations based on whether you have pet insurance or which plan you choose.
Appointments
We’d be glad to meet your pet.
Call us at 301-482-2535, or book an appointment online in our Pet Portal.
Location
Clarksburg Animal Hospital23321 Frederick Rd.
Clarksburg, MD 20871 301-482-2535
Serving Clarksburg and surrounding areas.
Working Hours
- Mon – Fri
- 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Sat & Sun
- Closed
New clients can use the Pet Portal too. Enter your information there and make your first appointment.