What You Should Know About Pet Insurance for Dogs
Pets are an important part of our lives. We plan our days around their needs, flood our social media with their photos, and love spending time with them. We want our dogs to be healthy and happy, which means vet bills are inevitable. From annual vaccinations to emergency trips, those costs can add up quickly. Annual vaccination packages can range from $100 to $200 per pet, according to The Nest. An emergency like eating chocolate can result in a bill ranging from $250 to $2,000, according to Preventive Vet. And, those numbers are just typical ranges. What you pay will vary widely based on where you live and your vet clinic. Those costs, especially the unexpected emergency bills, can hurt. Pet insurance can be an effective way to make those vet bills more manageable. Here are answers to four common questions dog owners ask about pet insurance.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance, just like health insurance for people, has varying coverage depending on what plan you choose. “
How much does pet insurance cost?
The price of a pet insurance plan will depend on the coverage and company you select. You will usually have the option to pay a monthly premium or pay for a year of coverage in full upfront. The average monthly premium across 11 different insurers was $42.45 in 2017, according to ValuePenguin.
Does your dog need insurance?
The decision to purchase pet insurance or not is up to the individual dog owner. Consider your regular vet visits, the potential cost of an emergency, and your own budget. “Recent advancements in medical technology for dogs have created a greater range of treatments in the last 20 years,” says Hargraves. “These treatments can be costly, so if your budget doesn’t allow for a medical pet emergency that could run several thousand dollars, then pet insurance is a great idea to protect your dog and your pocketbook.”
What should you look for in an insurance plan?
“Understanding the type of coverage offered by any pet insurance policy is essential. You want to make sure accidents and diseases are covered,” says Hargraves. “Cheaper policies often exclude important coverage your dog needs, so it’s best to shop around. Remember, though, the cheapest policy may not be the best one for your situation.” You should also look at the premium cost, the deductible, and any annual caps on coverage. Most pet insurance plans reimburse you rather than working directly with your vet. Research the reimbursement process (how long does it take, what paperwork do you need, etc.) before making a decision. Finally, consider your dog. Does she have a chronic condition? Is he overall healthy but accident prone? This can help guide you through the decision-making process. Figo, Healthy Paws, PetFirst, and 24PetWatch are just a few examples of companies that offer pet insurance. Compare rates and coverage. Take your time researching what plan is right for you and your dog. “The number of pet insurers has grown in recent years, so you should be able to find a company to fit your needs,” says Hargraves. Check out https://www.insurancequotes.com/ for more information!
Written by Carrie Pallardy