Veterinary care in the US can be very expensive, just seeing the vet for a consultation can often run into the hundreds, let alone the cost of treatment – which is why we recommend that you take out insurance for your dog.
Insuring your dog tags for pets does not make sense. However, insuring the health of your furry friend should be a primary concern.
Taking out pet insurance for your dog can ease the financial burden and cushion you if your dog was to suddenly become unwell. If you are new to pet insurance then finding the right supplier can seem a bit daunting.
Our guide to pet insurance for your dog will talk you through everything you need to know to choose the right insurance to suit your circumstances.
What Type of Dog Insurance Cover?
The first thing to look for when finding insurance for your dog is what type of cover you are after. There are three main types. An annual policy is the cheapest dog insurance option. It means that your dog will be covered for a set period of time (usually 12) months. In this period the insurance firm will pay out for any treatment that’s needed. However, once the 12 months is up you are no longer covered. Annual covers also place a cap on how much you can claim per year. This type of policy is ideal for young dogs that generally don’t require any long term treatment plans.
Per condition cover is another type of dog insurance policy. This policy sets a maximum amount for each new condition you can claim for. Therefore, you can make as many claims as you wish, so long as each new one is for a different type of treatment. Once again, this style of policy isn’t ideal for dogs that require on-going treatment for long-term illnesses.
The most comprehensive dog insurance policy is life time cover. This means that your dog will be covered for on-going treatment which you may have claimed in the past. There is usually no cap on how many conditions you can claim for. They also last the duration of the dog’s life, which is ideal as it can be very hard to renew insurance policies for elderly pets.
Life time cover is the most expensive dog insurance cover out of the three but is also the most comprehensive. The policy covers every medical exercises your dog may have to undergo, from getting checkups using the best stethoscope used by vets to paying part of the medication.
Excess Fees
Excess fees will apply to all three types of insurance which can be quite high so ensure you read the small print before parting with your cash.
Optional Extras
It’s also a good idea to compare any additional benefits which are offered with the pet insurance. Some firms will allow you to include dental insurance onto the policy for a small fee which could save you hundreds if you currently have a separate policy for your pet’s dental health. Others will include extras like third party liability, theft, advertising and reward and quarantine expenses.
Pay-Out Caps
Cheap pet insurance will also vary in terms of cover. Some will cap the amount they will pay out per year on treatments whereas others with cap how long they will pay out for each condition. If your pet is prone to re-occurring problems then this type of policy may not be the best option despite its value.
