Insurance for dogs is an excellent way to help keep your pet happy and healthy. It can be used to cover unexpected veterinary costs, such as emergency visits and surgery, and it can also help with routine care expenses like vaccinations and wellness exams.
It's important to weigh your options carefully when choosing a pet insurance policy for your dog. You will want to select a plan that is affordable, easy to use and provides good coverage.
Accident-only policies provide the least expensive option, and they can be useful for dogs that have injuries, such as broken bones and bite wounds. These plans do not cover illnesses and therefore are not suitable for older pets or dogs with chronic health issues.
You may consider lifetime coverage for dogs who have severe or chronic conditions. This type of plan will pay for veterinary treatment you incur throughout your pet's lifetime, provided you renew the coverage each year.
AKC Pet Insurance
American Kennel Club offers pet insurance for both purebred and mixed breed dogs and cats. Its policies cover any new or unexpected accident, congenital and genetic conditions, and illnesses.
AKC's Pet Insurance is available as a 30-day Free Trial, so you can see the benefits of this insurance before you decide whether to buy it. Optional add-ons include exam fees and final costs for your pet.
These policies offer more comprehensive coverage. They also cover vet costs that would not be covered under an accident only plan. These plans offer up to 80% reimbursement of eligible medical costs once you have met your annual deductible. Additional levels of reimbursement are also available for elective procedures.
BestBenefit
In order to choose the right pet insurance, you need to know how a company deals with pre-existing conditions. Some plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, while others have a waiting period that applies to any chronic condition you or your veterinarian observes prior to the start of the policy's coverage period.
Some plans require a waiting period of one year for pre-existing medical conditions, even if the condition is fully cured at the end of the coverage period. You may find it hard to find an insurance plan that will cover you dog for their entire life.
The cost of the plans varies significantly. However, they're often low enough to justify the price. These premiums are determined by factors such as the age and breed of your pet.
A typical pet insurance plan costs around $500 a year. The premium can be reduced if you choose a lower coinsurance and deductible rate. It is especially helpful if you have a pet with a history or who is more likely to develop a disease in later life.