We’ve already discussed different kinds of pet health insurance, but pet life insurance is an entirely different animal. It’s not quite like human life insurance. This kind of policy doesn’t give you money when your pet dies; instead it helps you deal with the consequences of your pet’s passing. Morbid? Yes. But when the time comes you may want help with the associated fees, or even bereavement counseling. Let’s face it—our pets become parts of our family.

Your current veterinary health insurance may provide for this type of thing, but not all of them do. Here’s what you need to know about pet life insurance:

• A pet life insurance policy generally gives you money to cover burial or cremation costs, up to $10,000.

• Your pet’s age at the time you buy the policy will help determine the premium (meaning the older the pet, the higher it will be).

• Pre-existing illnesses affect your premium cost. That means it’s better to consider a policy when your pet is healthy.

• Usually only cats and dogs qualify for this type of insurance.