Name and title: Aliya McCullough, MS DVM, Staff Veterinarian at Petplan Pet Insurance Profession: Veterinarian
Years in industry: 10

What made you switch from practicing medicine to becoming a pet healthcare insurance consultant? 

I made the change to the pet insurance industry because I really believe pet insurance has a positive impact on the lives of pets. As a veterinarian, I know first-hand what it’s like to present an estimate to a client only to have them say they can’t afford the care. Pet insurance removes that stress so clients can say “yes” to the best diagnostics and treatments without compromising on care – everyone wins. 

Why should pet owners get pet healthcare insurance?

Pet insurance gives pet parents peace of mind – they know their pets (and wallets) are covered for new illnesses and injuries that may arise. 

What are some general pros and cons of pet healthcare insurance plans? 

The biggest pro of pet insurance is that it is affordable and some companies let you customize your policy so it fits into your budget. Also, most companies don’t require pet parents to go to a certain veterinarian or veterinary practice – they can choose who they want their pet to see. One of the cons is that pet insurance policies have exclusions, or things they won’t cover. The most common exclusion is pre-existing conditions. If a pet has an illness or injury or is showing symptoms of an illness or injury prior to signing up, that condition may not be covered. 

When should owners get pet healthcare insurance? 

I recommend buying pet insurance as soon as possible after getting a furry family member. They don’t have to be young - getting pet insurance for an older pet can still be worthwhile. For example, I enrolled my dog, Callie, in a pet insurance policy when she was 6 years old. At the time her only health condition was dental disease. Fast forward 6 years later, she was diagnosed with a chronic illness with expensive medication and regular blood work monitoring, all of which is covered by her policy. 

Does age and health condition play a big factor in pet healthcare insurance?

Age and health status of a pet can play a role in how a pet insurance policy works and the cost as well. The premium (the monthly or annual cost of a pet insurance policy) will be higher for an older pet vs a puppy or kitten. And because pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions any health issues your pet has prior to enrolling may not be covered.  

What recommendations would you have for someone looking for pet healthcare insurance? 

My biggest piece of advice is to do your research. Pet parents can start by talking to their veterinarian about which companies they recommend. There are a lot of companies each with different policy types so narrowing it down by asking a vet can save a lot of time.  Before signing up I also recommend reading the terms and conditions of a policy (most companies have this available on their website). The better a pet parent understands the policy, the more they will benefit from it. And if they have questions, they can contact most companies by phone or chat.