When purchasing pet insurance, consider the age and general health of your pet when determining what kind of policy you need. If you have a young and healthy pet, then you might want to consider purchasing a lifetime policy that will cover your pet for many years. If your pet is elderly or in failing health, then you may wish to purchase an annual plan.

Before making your final decision on which insurance policy that you will purchase, ask the agent for names and phone numbers of people in your area that have previously sign with them. The agent should have no problem with securing the names of at least three people who are willing to speak to you and act as references.

Even if you purchase a lifetime policy for your pet, it might not cover your pet for all illnesses or injuries, or even until his or her death. Many policies have per illness limits or annual limits. In addition, some policies might have limitations on how much the pet is insured for over his or her lifetime.