When it comes to pet insurance, do you feel like you’re spoiled for choice? 

As pet insurance continues to grow in popularity, both employers and carriers are jumping on the bandwagon. Pet benefits have become one of the hottest voluntary benefits, with seemingly every insurance company adding them to their lineup. 

For brokers and HR professionals, selecting the right plan can be challenging. On the surface, many plans look similar. How can you determine which will best serve employers, employees, and pets? 

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to look beneath the surface and ask probing questions. We’ve compiled a list of 10 must-ask questions to help you find the best plan for your employee benefits package. 

1. How comprehensive is the pet insurance coverage? 

When evaluating pet insurance options for your employee benefits package, assess the breadth of coverage. A comprehensive pet insurance plan should encompass a wide range of medical conditions and treatments, including accidents, illnesses, and routine care. Look for policies that cover veterinary exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and preventive medications. If routine care is not available, check whether the provider offers a wellness rider and check carefully whether it covers options like: 

• Spay/neuter or teeth cleaning 
• Rabies 
• Flea/tick prevention 
• Heartworm prevention 
• Vaccination/titer 
• Wellness exam 
• Heartworm test or FELV screen 
• Blood, fecal, parasite exam 
• Microchip 
• Urinalysis or ERD 
• Deworming. 

Consider plans that offer flexibility in choosing veterinarians and specialists, as policies without network restrictions allow pet owners to select the best care for their pets without worrying about referral requirements. Additionally, inquire about coverage for alternative therapies, behavioral issues, and hereditary conditions.  

2. Is There a Pet Telehealth Option? 

Telehealth services have become increasingly important in pet care. When selecting a pet benefits plan, inquire about the availability and scope of telehealth options to ensure employees have convenient access to veterinary advice. Many pet insurance providers now offer 24/7 pet helplines and access to veterinary telehealth services as part of their voluntary benefits packages. 

These telehealth options can provide pet owners with quick answers to health questions, guidance on whether an in-person vet visit is necessary, and peace of mind during emergencies. Telehealth services can be particularly valuable for end-of-life care, allowing veterinarians to assess a pet’s well-being remotely and guide pet owners through difficult decisions. 

3. What’s the Claims Process Like? 

A streamlined claims process can significantly impact employee satisfaction with pet insurance benefits. When evaluating pet benefits options, look for providers that offer fast claims processing and direct deposit options for reimbursements. Some companies provide mobile apps or online portals for easy claim submission and tracking, which can make it convenient for employees to manage their pet insurance benefits. 

Ask about the average turnaround time for claims processing and whether there are any limitations on when claims can be filed after treatment. A transparent and efficient claims process will help employees maximize the value of their pet insurance benefits and reduce stress during already challenging times. Ask questions like: 

• What steps do you take to file a claim? 
• How long can you wait after the service date to file a claim? 
• How quickly does the company process claims? 
• Does the company impose waiting periods for filing specific claims? 

A user-friendly claims process means your voluntary benefits truly serve their purpose in supporting your employees. 

4. Are There Options for Diverse Pet Families? 

Pet benefits should cater to a wide range of pet types and family situations. When considering pet insurance options for your employee benefits package, inquire about coverage options for different species, including exotic pets. Some plans may have age restrictions or breed-specific limitations, so it’s essential to understand these details to ensure your voluntary benefits include all pet families. 

Additionally, consider whether the plan offers multi-pet discounts or family plans to accommodate households with more than one pet. Check for clear, easy-to-understand policy terms and educational materials that will help employees recognize the value of pet insurance for their specific situations. 

5. How Does the Pet Insurance Plan Address Pre-existing Conditions? 

Pre-existing conditions are a significant concern for many pet owners. While most pet insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions, some providers distinguish between curable and incurable conditions. When evaluating pet benefits options, ask about waiting periods and how the insurance company determines what qualifies as a pre-existing condition. 

Employees may like pet insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions, but most come with waiting periods. These can delay coverage for up to 12 months - too long for urgent issues like heartworm or kennel cough. For plans excluding pre-existing conditions, ask if they’ll cover curable conditions that clear up before the policy starts.  

This could protect against recurring issues like UTIs or gastrointestinal problems. You can also look for plans that offer coverage for conditions that have been symptom-free for a certain period, typically around six months.  

Some pet insurance providers may also offer veterinary discount plans, which offer instant discounts at the time of medical service and have no exclusions for pre-existing health conditions. These plans may also offer additional discounts to help employees save on all the costs of pet care, including food, prescriptions, preventatives, and more.  

6. Is There a Wellness Plan? 

Pet wellness plans provide additional value to pet insurance plans. These plans cover routine preventive care, such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and wellness exams. Some providers offer flexible wellness plans that allow employees to use funds for various preventive services without per-item limits, which enhances the overall value of the pet benefits package. 

When evaluating wellness plan options, consider the annual limits available and whether unused funds roll over. Look for plans that provide immediate access to wellness benefits and offer additional perks like discounts on pet care products or services.  

7. How Does the Plan Integrate with Other Employee Benefits? 

Seamless integration with existing benefits platforms can simplify administration and improve employee enrollment rates for pet insurance benefits. Ask about the provider’s ability to integrate with your current benefits administration software and payroll systems. Look for pet insurance providers that offer easy setup options, such as custom enrollment links or API integrations. 

Consider whether the provider offers dedicated account management support to assist with implementation and ongoing administration of the pet benefits program. Some questions to ask include: 

• How will the plan integrate with your benefits administration platform? 
• Does it offer pre-set implementation with your HCM software? 
• Does the carrier provide educational materials for your employees? 
• What group minimum requirements does the carrier impose? 
• How do you set up payroll deductions? 
• Does the carrier assign a dedicated account representative? 
• What help resources and self-service administration options does the carrier offer? 

You’ll streamline the administration process for your HR department and make it easier for employees to take advantage of this valuable voluntary benefit. 

8. What Additional Pet-Related Perks are Included? 

Beyond basic coverage, many pet insurance plans offer additional perks that can enhance the overall value of the benefit. These may include access to pet health resources, discounts on pet products or services, or support for pet bereavement. Some providers offer pet-friendly workplace resources, such as guidelines for creating pet-friendly office spaces or organizing pet-related events. These features help employees grasp the value of their pet insurance, encouraging higher participation and satisfaction with the benefit. 

9. Are the Rates Affordable for Pet Families? 

Affordability is a crucial factor in the success of any voluntary benefit. Be sure to compare premium rates across different providers and consider the overall value provided by each plan. Look for options that offer various deductible and reimbursement rate options to accommodate different budgets. 

Consider whether the provider offers discounts for employees enrolling through a group plan. Some insurance companies provide up to 20% discounts on premiums when offered through the workplace. Affordable rates combined with comprehensive coverage will make the pet insurance benefit more attractive to employees and increase participation. 

10. Does the Carrier Have Experience with Voluntary Pet Benefits? 

Experience in the voluntary benefits space is crucial for smooth implementation and ongoing support. Look for providers with a proven track record in offering pet insurance as an employee benefit. Ask about their experience working with companies of a similar size and industry to yours to ensure they can meet your specific needs. 

Inquire about the provider’s customer service record, including support for HR administrators and employees. Experienced carriers often offer resources like enrollment support, educational materials, and ongoing communication to help maximize benefit utilization.  

An experienced pet insurance provide should offer: 

• Employee education materials written in clear, conversational language 
• Policy terms that avoid jargon and complex legalese 
• Plan details that are easily accessible and transparent 
• A clear link between premium payments and potential pet care savings 

By selecting a pet insurance provider with extensive experience in voluntary benefits, you’ll ensure a smooth implementation process and ongoing success of your pet benefits program. 

Choosing the Right Pet Benefits Partner 

Selecting the right voluntary pet benefits plan requires careful consideration of these ten critical questions. By thoroughly evaluating potential providers, HR professionals can choose a pet insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage, easy administration, and valuable perks for employees. 

Pet Benefit Solutions offers pet insurance plans designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce. With comprehensive coverage options, telehealth services, and seamless integration with existing benefits platforms, Pet Benefit Solutions provides a robust solution for companies looking to enhance their employee benefits package. 

To learn more about how Pet Benefit Solutions can help you implement successful voluntary pet benefits for your team, visit https://www.petbenefits.com/ or contact our team for a personalized consultation.