Should You Buy Dog Medical Insurance?
With veterinary costs on the rise, many people are considering dog medical insurance. This insurance can save you money in the long run by helping to defray both routine and emergency veterinary fees.
Costs
Pet insurance costs are subject to both annual premiums and deductibles, just like for humans.
Premiums will vary based on:
- Policy type – emergency care only, routine care only, comprehensive.
- Dog’s breed – some breeds are more prone to problems and/or injuries.
- Dog’s age – because puppies need so many vaccinations and older dogs often need expensive medications, policies for those dogs can be more pricey.
- Dog’s health – including pre-existing conditions.
- Dog’s lifestyle – a house pet is generally at lower risk of injury than a hunting or working dog.
- Multi-pet discounts may be available.
- Different insurance companies can affect the price as well.
- Deductibles can vary as well, though roughly $100 is average.
Coverage
What your specific dog medical insurance will cover depends on the type of policy you purchase. Some only pay for emergency care, while more comprehensive plans cover almost everything – including routine office visits as well as vaccinations and medicine. Things to keep in mind include:
- If your dog has a pre-existing condition, most insurers will not cover them, thus it is best to obtain insurance early.
- While emergency services may go into effect immediately, other benefits can require up to a one month waiting period.
- Generally, newborn puppies are not eligible for coverage. Additionally, unless your dog was already insured, you will have a difficult time obtaining coverage for them if they are over eight years old.
- Make sure your veterinarian accepts the pet insurance you want. In fact, the best course of action might be to discuss insurance with your vet so that you know which companies they work with.
Keeping all of these things in mind, it is important to explore your options regarding dog medical insurance and to do so in a timely manner. Both your bank account and your best friend will appreciate it.
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