Dog Insurance: Questions to Ask and the Things to Consider

When it comes to dog insurance, there are a lot of things to consider. What type of dog insurance do you need? What does the policy cover? Are there any exclusions? These are just a few of the questions that you need to ask before purchasing pet insurance. In this blog post, We will discuss some of the key things that you need to know about dog insurance policies. We will also provide some tips on how to find the best policy for your needs and your budget.

With Lulu's recent incident, she needed to get surgery and stitches with plenty of follow-up appointments. If we didn't have dog insurance, I would have been paying well over $2000 out of pocket. But because we had a policy in place, we only had to pay our $250 deductible and our insurance company picked up the rest of the tab. And it's not the first time our dog insurance has come in handy.

But not all dog insurance policies are created equal. Some only cover certain types of incidents, while others have exclusions for pre-existing conditions. That's why it's so important to read the fine print and understand what your policy does and does not cover.

What to Look out for in Pet Insurance

Deductible

The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your dog insurance plan comes into effect. For example, if your dog insurance policy has a $500 deductible, you will be responsible for paying the first $500 of any veterinary bills.

Co-insurance

Co-insurance is the percentage of veterinary bills that you are responsible for after the deductible has been met. For example, if your dog insurance policy has an 80% co-insurance, you will be responsible for paying 20% of the veterinary bills after the deductible has been met.

Annual Limit and Maximum Payout

The annual limit is the maximum amount that your dog insurance policy will pay out in a given year. Once you reach the annual limit, you will be responsible for paying all veterinary bills out of pocket. The maximum payout is the maximum amount that your dog insurance policy will pay out over the lifetime of your dog.

Coverage and Exclusions

Be sure to check what your dog insurance policy covers. Some policies only cover certain types of incidents, while others have exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions that your dog has before you purchase a dog insurance policy. Most dog insurance policies will not cover pre-existing conditions.

Also, pay attention if there are any exclusions for certain breeds of dogs. Some dog insurance policies will not cover certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls or Rottweilers.

Waiting Period

The waiting period is the amount of time you must wait before your dog insurance policy comes into effect. For example, if your dog insurance policy has a 14-day waiting period, you will not be covered for any veterinary bills during the first 14 days after you purchase the policy.

Cost of the Policy

The cost of the dog insurance policy is something else you will need to consider. Dog insurance policies can range in price, depending on the coverage you choose and the deductible you select.

Remember, the cheapest dog insurance policy is not always the best. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what your policy covers before making a decision.

Policy Changes and Cancellations

Finally, be aware that dog insurance policies can change over time. The coverage and the cost of the policy can both increase or decrease. And, you may not be able to cancel your dog insurance policy at any time. When shopping for dog insurance, be sure to ask about policy changes and cancellations.

Renewal

When your dog insurance policy is up for renewal, be sure to re-evaluate your coverage. Your dog's health may have changed since you first purchased the policy, and you may need to adjust your coverage accordingly.

You may also want to shop around and compare dog insurance policies from different companies to see if you can find a better deal.

Take the time to ask these important questions and do your research before purchasing dog insurance for your dog. It could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

Shopping for Pet Insurance

When shopping for dog insurance, be sure that you are getting quotes from reputable companies. Research the company's financial stability and read reviews from other pet owners. Once you've found a few good options, compare the policies and coverage to find the best one for your dog. Our current plan for our dogs is through our work, which makes it cheaper. Also, our plans are only for accidents and long-term illnesses, like if they break a bone or if they get cancer. We pay for their annual vet checkups and vaccines out of pocket.

Here are some pet insurance policies that we have looked into and heard great things about!

Healthy Paws

This insurance is well known for its customer service and quick claims processing. They also have a very comprehensive coverage plan that covers many different types of accidents and illnesses.

Petplan

Petplan is a great pet insurance company for those who are looking for a more affordable option. They have a variety of different coverage plans to choose from, so you can pick the one that best fits your dog's needs.

Trupanion

Trupanion is another great pet insurance company that has a lot of happy customers. They also have a comprehensive coverage plan and they are known for their quick claims processing.

Pets Best

Pets Best is a pet insurance company that offers a variety of different coverage plans. They also have a good reputation for their many choices for different deductibles.

ASPCA

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also offers dog insurance. They have a comprehensive coverage plan that covers many different accidents and illnesses. The ASPCA is a well-known and reputable organization, so you can be sure that your dog will be in good hands with them.

Embrace

Embrace is a pet insurance company that offers a variety of different coverage plans. They are known for the superior benefits that they offer to their policyholders. Embrace is a great choice for those who are looking for a comprehensive coverage plan.

Spot

Spot is a newer pet insurance company, but they are already making a name for themselves in the industry. They offer a variety of different coverage plans and they are known for their annual coverage choices.

I'm so glad that we had dog insurance in place when Lulu got hurt. If you're thinking about getting dog insurance, I would highly recommend it. It is peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case of an emergency.

Dog insurance is a great way to financially prepare for your dog's future health needs. Just be sure to do your research and ask plenty of questions before signing up for a policy.

Have you ever had to use dog insurance? Share your experience in the comments below!