Protecting the smallest member of your family: A step-by-step guide to pet insurance保护最小的成员，您的家庭：一个循序渐进的指南宠物保险
By Burke Jones由伯克琼斯
Let’s face it – Fido and Fluffy are an important part of your family.让我们面对它-f ido和蓬松的一个重要组成部分你的家人。 Do you want to have to assign a dollar value to them if they become sick or injured?你想不想有转让一美元的价值，如果他们成为生病或受伤？

That may well be the case if you don’t have pet health insurance.可能以及可能的情况如果你没有宠物健康保险。 Rising veterinary costs mean that pet owners can pay hundreds – and even thousands – of dollars for their pets’ health problems.成本上升的兽医表示宠物主人可以支付数百名-甚至数千名-美元，为他们的宠物的健康问题。 As the bills stack up, uninsured pet owners must determine how much they are willing to spend on their animal friend.由于法案堆叠起来，保险的宠物主人必须确定有多少，他们愿意花自己的动物朋友。 It can be a heartbreaking decision to make.它可以是一个令人心碎的决定。

Much like insurance for health, cars and homes,很像保险，健康，汽车和住房， helps people put a little money away now to avoid a major payout later.帮助人们提出了一点钱，现在距离，以避免重大的奖金。 Coverage and cost vary, so it’s important to thoroughly research the options if you decide to insure your pet.覆盖范围和成本不同，所以它的重要性，以彻底研究的选项，如果您决定要购买保险，您的宠物。

Step one: Determine if步骤一：如果确定 is Right for You是正确的你

When people decide to get a pet, they often don’t consider how they will deal with the inevitable unexpected illnesses or accidents.当人们决定得到宠物，他们往往不考虑它们将如何处理不可避免的突发疾病或意外。 Keeping a pet indoors by no means eliminates all the hazards.饲养宠物在室内绝不是消除所有的危险。 They can still swallow foreign objects, ingest a poison or injure themselves.他们仍然可以吞下外来物体，摄取的毒药或伤害自己。 As well, living indoors does not make a pet immune to disease and infection – particularly those that are common to their breed.以及，生活在室内不作宠物免疫疾病和感染的-特别是那些是他们共同的滋生。 Pets with access to the outdoors have even more opportunities to pick up a disease or get hurt.与宠物接触到户外活动，甚至有更多机会挑选了一个疾病或受到伤害。

Don’t have a dog or cat?没有一个狗或猫？ Insurance companies are starting to offer plans that meet the needs of a variety of pet owners.保险公司开始提供计划，满足了各种宠物主人。 Some now offer coverage for birds and exotic animals.一些现在提供的覆盖面为鸟类和奇异动物。

Not all owners are good candidates for pet insurance, however.并不是所有的业主是好的候选人，宠物保险，但。 is ideal for owners who deeply love their pets and are willing to spend a significant amount of money to keep them healthy and extend their life.是理想的业主谁深深爱他们的宠物和愿意花大量的金钱，使他们的健康和延长他们的生命。 They buy their cherished companions the best food and care they can afford, sometimes even putting their pets’ needs before their own.他们购买他们所珍视的同伴最好的食物和照顾，他们可以负担的费用，有时甚至把他们的宠物的需要，然后才自己。 For this type of owner,针对此类型的所有者， can be a smart investment that can prevent considerable costs and bring peace of mind.可以是一个精明投资可以防止相当大的成本和带来和平的心态。

Pet insurance is not a good investment for owners who don’t have a strong emotional tie to their pet.宠物保险是不是一个好的投资业主谁不强，情为民所系，以他们的宠物。 Owners who would rather have their pets euthanized than spend money on vet bills are not good candidates for pet insurance.业主谁，而不是将他们的宠物安乐死，比花钱在审查法案是不好的候选人为宠物保险。

Step two: Decide What Type of Coverage You Want步骤二：决定什么类型的覆盖您想要

Most pet owners will weigh two main considerations when shopping for pet insurance: budget and coverage.大多数宠物主人会权衡两个主要考虑购物时，为宠物保险：财政预算案和覆盖面。 Peace of mind can also be an important factor, but far more difficult to quantify.和平的心态，也可以是一个重要因素，但到目前为止，更难以量化。

Pet health insurance is still relatively new in the United States and Canada, so the options available are fewer than for other forms of insurance.宠物健康保险仍是相对较新的在美国和加拿大，所以可供选择的方案是少于其他形式的保险。 That said, North American pet owners can choose from a variety of coverage choices, ranging from injury/accident-only to all-inclusive.尽管如此，北美宠物主人可以选择从不同的覆盖范围的选择，范围从损伤/意外不仅包容一切。

As with all insurance products, the cost of如同所有的保险产品，成本 increases as the coverage improves.增加的覆盖面有所改善。 As a pet owner, you must decide what is作为宠物主人，你必须决定什么是

Dog Medicine 狗中医药
Would you like to save big money on your Dog Medicine? 你想节省大笔对您的爱犬药？ Well if you buy your pet prescriptions online, you can do just that! 以及如果你购买了你的宠物处方在线的，您可以做到这一点！
Cat Medicine 猫中医药
Your cat deserves the best Cat Medications available! 您的猫，值得最好的药物，可用猫！ However, you also have to be watching the budget if you don't want to spend your entire paycheck to buy medicine for your cat. 不过，您还必须看预算案如果你不想花你的整个薪资，以买药为您的猫。
Dog Insurance 狗保险
Buying dog insurance is one of the best investments you can make. 购买保险是狗的最佳投资之一，您可以。 Last year Americans spent billions of dollars on dog health care. 去年美国人花费了数十亿美元对狗的健康护理。
Cat Insurance 猫保险
Cat insurance can save you big money on the health care costs of your cat. 猫保险可为您节省大笔就医疗费用您的猫。 Many people probably have more than one cat in their home which will quickly double or triple your healthcare costs for your cats. 很多人可能有一个以上的猫，在他们的家，这将很快双重或三重您的医疗费用为您的猫科动物。
Pet Insurance 宠物保险
Pet health care cost Americans $18.2 billion last year!! 宠物健康护理成本，美国人182亿美元，去年！ Pet insurance can really help you keep these costs under control, and the expense for the health care plan is really affordable. 宠物保险真的可以帮助您保持这些控制成本，和牺牲，为保健计划，实在是负担得起的。
Cat Flea Medications 猫跳蚤的药物
One of the joys of summer for the cat owner is fleas. 其中的乐趣夏天，猫主人是跳蚤。 There are many cat flea medications available today that were not available just a few years ago. 有很多猫跳蚤的药物可用，今天被认为是不可仅仅几年前。
Cat Flea Medications 猫跳蚤的药物
One of the joys of summer for the cat owner is fleas. 其中的乐趣夏天，猫主人是跳蚤。 There are many cat flea medications available today that were not available just a few years ago. 有很多猫跳蚤的药物可用，今天被认为是不可仅仅几年前。


the right balance between affordability and the care you want for your pet.两者之间取得适当平衡的能力，并照顾您想要为您的宠物。

- Coverage -覆盖
When choosing当选择 coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are.覆盖范围，首先考虑什么样的保险的客户，您可以。 Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies?你喜欢包容各方的报导所支付的一切从例行的体检和预防接种事故和慢性疾病，或者是您的舒适感受，与较低程度的覆盖面，就踢在在紧急情况下？ Perhaps you prefer a flexible plan that offers discounts on a wide range of services, from veterinary care to training.也许你喜欢一个灵活的计划，提供的折扣就范围广泛的服务，从兽医护理培训。 This decision will lay the groundwork for your final choice.这项决定将奠定基础，为您的最终选择。

Some issues to consider:一些要考虑的问题：

* Make sure to check for coverage of pre-existing conditions as well as breed-specific genetic ailments, such as hip dysplasia for large dogs. *确保检查的范围预先存在的条件，以及滋生的特定遗传疾病，如髋关节发育不良，为大型狗只。 Some plans refuse to cover these conditions.一些计划拒绝支付这些条件。

* Some plans place limits on annual, per-incident, per-illness or lifetime costs. *一些计划的地方限制，每年，每次事件发生后，每次生病或终身成本。

* How old is your pet? *如何岁，是你的宠物吗？ Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but some plans won’t cover pets over a certain age (usually between six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and other factors).涵盖范围通常开始在8个星期，但有些计划将不包括宠物一定年龄以上（通常为6至10岁，这取决于品种，类型的动物和其他因素） 。

- Cost -成本
Payment options for付款方式 include flat fees or deductibles and/or co-payments.包括单位收费或免赔额和/或共同支付的。 Not surprisingly, plans with lower monthly premiums come with higher deductibles and/or larger co-payments.毫不奇怪，计划与较低的每月保费来较高的免赔额和/或较大的合作付款。

Some issues to consider:一些要考虑的问题：

* Insurance premiums are affected by the age, health and breed of your pet, as well as the type of animal. *保险费受年龄，健康及繁育你的宠物，以及作为动物种类。

* Some plans offers discounts for multiple pets. *一些计划提供折扣优惠多宠物。

* Plans generally require customers to pay the vet bill first and then submit receipts for reimbursement. *计划的一般要求客户支付条例草案第一次审查，然后提交收据报销。

* Find out if the insurance premiums will increase as your pet ages. *找出如果保险费将会增加你的宠物的千古罪人。

* Depending on the plan you choose, the monthly premiums can range from less than $10 to about $40. *视乎有关计划您选择，每月的保费可以从不到10美元至40美元。

Step three: Choose an Insurer第三步：选择保险

You’ve determined what you can afford to spend and the amount of您确定什么您可负担的消费金额 coverage you want.您想要的覆盖面。

Before selecting an insurer, here are some final considerations:之前，选择一个保险公司，这里有一些最后的考虑：

* Make a list of your questions and priorities in advance. *名单您的问题和优先事项在推进。 Make sure to answer or check off each item when reviewing plan options.作出肯定回答，或检查过的每个项目时，检讨计划的选项。

* Research the insurer thoroughly. *研究承保人彻底。 Review its website and sales materials, read its testimonials, talk to other pet owners and look for on-line reviews.审查其网站和销售材料，阅读其推荐，谈其他的宠物主人，并寻找上线评语。 How long has the company been in business?有多久，该公司一直在做生意呢？ Are its customers satisfied?是它的客户满意？ Make sure you feel comfortable about everything you hear or read.请确认您感到舒服，什么都你听到或阅读。

* Compare the plan’s benefit schedule with your vet’s fees to determine to what degree the plan will cover the actual treatment costs. *比较，该计划的受益附表与您审批的收费，以确定到什么程度，该计划将涵盖实际的治疗费用。

* Find out how quickly the insurance company reimburses customers’ claim payments and if it has claim deadlines. *了解如何迅速，保险业公司偿还客户的索赔金额，如果它要求的最后期限。

* Read the fine print. *可阅读打印。 Make sure you completely understand the plan’s benefits and, more importantly, the limitations.请务必完全了解该计划的好处，更重要的是，局限性。 If something isn’t clear, ask – and get the answer in writing.如果事情并不清楚，请问-并获得书面答复。 Otherwise, you might find you don’t have the coverage you need if an accident occurs.否则，你会觉得你不具备的覆盖范围，如果您需要一发生意外。

* Start a file for your pet. *开始一个文件，为您的宠物。 Use it for all receipts and insurance paperwork so you can keep on top of your claims and make sure you are maximizing your insurance investment.使用它的所有收益及保险文书，因而您可以保持再加上您的索赔，并确保你是你最大的保险投资。

Your responsibility as a pet owner doesn't end with food, shelter and affection.您有责任作为宠物主人并没有结束与食物，住房和爱戴。 Pet health insurance can give the smallest member of your family a longer and healthier life – and provide you with more time to enjoy the unconditional love it so willingly offers to you.宠物健康保险可以给最小的成员，您的家人较长和健康的生活-并为您提供更多时间来享受无条件的爱，所以愿意提供给您。
Burke Jones is a frequent contributor to Pet Health Depot writing about Dog Insurance and Cat Medicine.伯克琼斯是一个频繁的贡献宠物健康车厂写狗和猫保险医药。

Here are some more pet insurance articles...这里有一些更多的宠物保险条款...

Dog Medicine 狗中医药
Would you like to save big money on your Dog Medicine? 你想节省大笔对您的爱犬药？ Well if you buy your pet prescriptions online, you can do just that! Cat Medicine 以及如果你购买了你的宠物处方在线的，您可以做到这一点！ 猫医药
Your cat deserves the best Cat Medications available! 您的猫，值得最好的药物，可用猫！ However, you also have to be watching the budget if you don't want to spend your entire paycheck to buy medicine for your cat. Dog Insurance 不过，您还必须看预算案如果你不想花你的整个薪资，以买药为您的猫。 狗保险
Buying dog insurance is one of the best investments you can make. 购买保险是狗的最佳投资之一，您可以。 Last year Americans spent billions of dollars on dog health care. Cat Insurance 去年美国人花费了数十亿美元对狗的健康护理。 猫保险
Cat insurance can save you big money on the health care costs of your cat. 猫保险可为您节省大笔就医疗费用您的猫。 Many people probably have more than one cat in their home which will quickly double or triple your healthcare costs for your cats. Pet Insurance 很多人可能有一个以上的猫，在他们的家，这将很快双重或三重您的医疗费用为您的猫科动物。 宠物保险
Pet health care cost Americans $18.2 billion last year!! 宠物健康护理成本，美国人182亿美元，去年！ Pet insurance can really help you keep these costs under control, and the expense for the health care plan is really affordable. Cat Flea Medications 宠物保险真的可以帮助您保持这些控制成本，和牺牲，为保健计划，实在是负担得起的。 猫跳蚤的药物
One of the joys of summer for the cat owner is fleas. 其中的乐趣夏天，猫主人是跳蚤。 There are many cat flea medications available today that were not available just a few years ago. Cat Flea Medications 有很多猫跳蚤的药物可用，今天被认为是不可仅仅几年前。 猫跳蚤的药物
One of the joys of summer for the cat owner is fleas. 其中的乐趣夏天，猫主人是跳蚤。 There are many cat flea medications available today that were not available just a few years ago. 有很多猫跳蚤的药物可用，今天被认为是不可仅仅几年前。