What Pet Insurance Works Best for Your Dog

You probably have plans of insuring your pet, but are unsure of what dog insurance to get. We know that finding the best pet insurance for your dog matters a lot.

Aside from their food, treats, cages, beds, and vaccinations, you want everything that’s best for them. A regular visit to the vet is amongst them, but we know that it costs quite a lot. Hence, the need for pet insurance for financial aid is something you seek.

Pet insurances will help protect your dog in covering unexpected financial expenses.

Is It Necessary to Insure My Dog?

Yes, insuring your dog as soon as possible is necessary. This is because pet owners like you can’t predict what may happen to them.

Aside from accidents, everyone gets sick at one point in their life including dogs. Having peace of mind may be the sole reason you need to buy dog insurance.

Unavoidable Accidents

Dogs usually act before they think. That is why they tend to get in tricky situations. They do things which they aren’t supposed to, and they can become quite a handful.

They may trip and fall down the stairs which may cause broken bones. They may eat small, sharp, or poisonous things that may cause them to have stomach aches and diarrhea. Dogs play roughly with other dogs that could result in deep wounds or scars.

Unpredictable Illnesses

Everybody gets sick and everybody gets old. Dogs need medical attention or treatments too, especially for senior dogs. Senior dogs are more prone to illness than younger ones.

Dogs also have muscle pains due to age, that’s why they tend to move less when they grow old. The common medical problems for dogs are ear infections, skin diseases, and dental problems. Amongst the worst are cancer, diabetes, obesity, and digestive parasites.

Factors That Dictate the Cost of Dog Insurance

The cost of insuring your dog mainly depends on its age, breed, and size. Other factors include gender and location.

Insurers will calculate plans or policies according to these factors. The best pet insurance for your dog must include conditions favorable for both you and your pet.

In general, the average monthly dog insurance is around $42.45. Comprehensive plans range between $30 to $50. For the average monthly accident-only dog insurance, it is usually $16.17.

Age

The older the dog, the more expensive the insurance will be. It is also because older dogs are more prone to illnesses than young ones. That’s why it is better to insure your dog while he/she is young.

Senior dogs can be insured but have many exclusions. Sometimes the only insurance plans offered for them are accident-only.

Breed

Purebred dogs insurance is more expensive than crossbreeds. Simply because they have more underlying conditions when compared to crossbreeds. Hence, mixed breeds are most preferred in any pet insurer.

Each company has its list of dog breeds that they could insure or not. Yes, there are a few dog breeds that some insurance companies don’t accept. You can easily find this when you visit their website.

Gender

According to statistics, more claims are submitted for males than females. Female dogs are offered higher premiums because they are more prone to illnesses. Though a study has found that male dogs are more susceptible to congenital heart diseases than females.
Male dogs also tend to have more cuts and scrapes compared to female dogs. Each company looks into different factors based on gender for their insurance plans. To find out the best insurance for your dog, ask many questions for clarification.

Size

The bigger your, the more expensive it will be. Some dog breeds usually cost more because they are bigger and more claims are submitted for them. Even your vet can bill you higher for the same treatment on a big dog compared to a small one.

Size isn’t always determined by the breed. Most insurance companies, measure your dogs literally. In general, there are only three sizes which are large, medium, and small.

The best example of these is mixed breeds. One can never know which genes will be more dominant on your dog. Only when they become adults will you know which of the genes are more prominent.

Location

Insurance costs more in major metropolitan areas or big, busy cities. Unlike in the suburbs and rural areas, vet bills may double or triple in the metros. Vets charge more in the metro, so pet insurance will also be as high.

3 Main Types of Pet insurances for Dogs

There are a lot of insurance companies that offer the best way of insuring your dog. Though it all depends on whatever you may prefer or feel comfortable with.
Also, other insurance companies have an age limit policy for dogs. This is why dog insurance is recommended as soon as possible. In addition, finding the best pet insurance for your dogs may be challenging once they’re adults.
However, a few companies can cover them for a lifetime when they’re insured young. And it provides coverage for the rest of the dog’s life as long as the owners pay the premium.
Keep in mind that pet insurance offers coverage for future health issues that may occur. This means they do not cover health issues that have already started. These are what they call pre-existing conditions.

Accidents-only Coverage

As the name states, this insurance covers injuries that pets may have gotten from an accident. It could be from a car accident, swallowed objects, or toxic ingestion.
It includes all services related to accidents, such as x-rays, blood work, and medications. It also includes sutures, hospitalization, and surgery.
This insurance can work best for young dogs or puppies because they are still healthy. It is a basic cover for young ones since they usually visit the vet for accidents and check-ups. Plus, it is the cheapest type of policy available.

This is also the only dog insurance that can be offered to senior dogs. Since pet insurance excludes all preexisting conditions, old dogs may already have symptoms of all.
Accident-only plans are the best pet insurance for your senior dogs. These plans range from $11-$25per month.
Pet owners may prefer this if they only plan to cover their dog for their injuries. This may also be the next possible solution if pet owners are low on budget.
However, this doesn’t cover any illnesses or wellness coverage a pet may need.

Accident and Illness Coverage

Many call this comprehensive insurance. This insurance covers both accidents and illnesses throughout the lifetime of your pet. Of course, provided that you have insured your dog at a young age and continue to pay the premium.
Comprehensive plans can be quite expensive and may cost around $49 per month. If you don’t have enough budget for this insurance, the next possible step would be the accidents-only policy.
Additionally, this may be the best pet insurance for your dog. The coverage may save your budget from any possible future illnesses. That’s because they weren’t included as pre-existing conditions when you signed for your pet.
98% of pet owners in the United States have enrolled in these plans.

Wellness Coverage

This insurance is for routine and preventative care such as regular checkups and vaccinations. Wellness plans are an ideal option for pet owners who often give their dogs treatments or cleaning sessions.

However, this doesn’t cover any illnesses or accidents that a dog may face. It’s considered as an add-on to your pet’s accident-only plan or accident and illness plan.

Wellness plans range from $20-$25 per month. Do note that it will not cover the full amount of all medical treatments.

What Is Not Covered by Dog Insurance?

When insuring your dog, pet owners like you should be aware of certain conditions. To avoid claim rejections, it’s best to know what is not covered in your dog insurance as well.

Pre-existing Conditions

It means that dogs may already have health issues before they are enrolled in a policy. Sadly, insurance providers do not accept all pre-existing conditions. Even the best pet insurance for your dog cannot include this.

Some companies offer add-on coverage for hereditary diseases but there are so many limits. Be careful if you decide to add this to your plan.

For example, if a dog has an old injury that flares up again. The insurance policy covered it.

Before enrolling, insurers require a medical examination for your dog. It is to check for any hidden conditions you may not know about.

That is why you should insure your dog as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more your pet will be excluded from coverage.

Routine or Preventative Treatment

This refers to vet care or procedures to prevent dogs from acquiring illnesses.
These treatments include vaccinations or check-ups, castration, and microchipping. Flea and worm treatments, ear and teeth cleaning, and heartworm medication are part of basic care, too.
This is not covered by the insurance policy. It is because pet owners can be responsible enough to do this on their own, and it is predictable or affordable.
However, other insurance companies would allow it, and add wellness coverage for an extra cost.

Pregnancy and Vaccine-Related Illness

Any treatments relating to pregnancy won’t be included in the insurance policy. As always, companies offer add-on plans relating to pregnancy-related procedures if your dog needs this.
All insurance excludes vaccine-related illness since pet owners should complete all vaccinations. It doesn’t matter if you insured your pet at a young age. If you missed a vaccination, any medical bill that may arise from it will not be covered.

Waiting Period for Dog Insurance

This can also be called the cooling-off period. It is usually the first 10 – 30 days from when you signed your contract. This waiting period is to assure the insurance company that your dog is fit and healthy. They should be in the same condition as when they had the medical exam.
This is to avoid pet owners from buying last-minute pet insurance coverage when they notice that their dog is sick. Insurers consider it as a fraud.

Benefits of Owning a Dog

It’s always been said that dogs are man’s best friends – and that’s a fact. Dogs are loyal, fun to be with, and the best possible companion that you will ever have in life.
So don’t fret about buying the best pet insurance for your dog.

Dogs Make You Healthier

These furballs are very energetic and very playful. They need plenty of exercise and may need pet owners to take them out for a walk. Exercising and bonding with them will be so much more fun and refreshing.
As a result, your fur balls become healthy and active, of course, that also includes you. This is because pet owners like yourself also adapt to their daily routine.
According to researchers, many dog owners see a decrease in blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. This decreases their chances of getting heart disease.

Dogs Can Make You Happier

Admit it, dogs are so silly that they even make you laugh. They do things that are so hilarious. They are like happy pills that brighten up your day.

This makes it possible for pet owners to have higher levels of serotonin and dopamine. It is because dogs are fun and enjoyable to be with. They become familiar companions that can lead to less stress and anxiety.

When your dogs start barking or get too playful, it’s a sign that they’re bored and need some attention. So, don’t feel bad or angry when your dog initiates play or petting.

Besides, it helps boost physical and mental health for both parties. Plus, it can help fight mental illnesses to keep you happy.

Dogs Can Keep You Safe

A common instinct among dogs is to protect their homes and families. Again, they are loyal companions who will protect you no matter what. They keep pet owners safe from burglars and other violent attacks.
That is because they have a strong sense of hearing and a strong sense of smell. They can detect things that pet owners can’t and can alert you of any possible dangers that may come.
Sometimes, the disadvantage is that they can be noisy and restless. They tend to bark at the slightest movement, at people whom they already know, or even nothing at all. Yet, be assured that their intentions are all well.

As you sit and discuss with your veterinarian the best pet insurance for your dog, look at the bright side of preparing for the unknown. Insuring your dog can be a big relief. It helps support financial needs especially when dealing and caring for sick pets.
Although choosing the best dog insurance can be challenging, finding the ideal one for your dog will be rewarding. It’ll help give them the proper assistance and the care they need for them to live longer.