Our pets are more than just animals – they’re family. They greet us with tail wags, comfort us on hard days, and somehow know just when we need a cuddle. And in return? We’d do anything for them – including making sure they’re happy, healthy, and protected.
But let’s be honest – vet bills? Not so cute! Thankfully, pet insurance can help. And better yet, you can find coverage that fits your budget with these smart saving tips.
Go for a Higher Deductible
A deductible is the amount you have to spend before insurance reimburses you a percentage of medical costs. Choosing to pay a higher amount almost always reduces your premium. Deductibles can either be determined annually or on a per-incident basis. When you’re shopping, make sure you understand which way the company is calculating the deductible amount.
PSECU Pet Parent Tip: Healthy younger pets typically qualify for lower premiums – and getting insured early helps you avoid issues with pre-existing conditions later.
Select a Lower Reimbursement Rate
Want lower premiums? Opt for a smaller payback percentage, between 70% and 90%. Sure, you’ll cover a bit more out of pocket if something happens, but you’ll pay less each month to keep coverage.
PSECU Pet Parent Tip: If you can handle a slightly higher upfront cost in an emergency, adjusting your deductible is one of the easiest ways to lower your premium.
Choose a Lower Annual Payout
The annual payout is the maximum your insurance carrier will pay each year after you’ve met your deductible and paid co-insurance. When comparing plans, consider if you want accident-and-illness or accident-only coverage. It might be worth looking at companies that give you the opportunity to switch plans if your pet’s needs change.
PSECU Pet Parent Tip: Ask the provider is there’s a discount for annual payment – or they’ll waive fees with automatic payments. It never hurts to ask!
As a PSECU member, you don’t have to search alone. Through PSECU Protect, LLC*, licensed agents will do the shopping for you to find plans that work for you and your budget. They can find affordable pet insurance, as well as other insurances, so you can protect what matters to you. Ready to protect your pet? Call 866.797.0507 or visit PSECU Protect and let licensed agents find the perfect plan for you.
*Insurance products are offered by PSECU Protect, LLC an affiliate of Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU). Available insurance products are not deposits of Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union and are not protected by any type of deposit insurance, are not obligations of or guaranteed by Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union or its affiliates, and may be subject to risk. Insurance products are not insured or guaranteed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) or any other agency of the United States. Any insurance required as a condition of the extension of credit by Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union need not be purchased from our Agency, PSECU Protect, LLC, but may, without affecting the approval of the application for an extension of credit, be purchased from an agent or insurance company of the customer's choice.