I have been aware of Pet Insurance for a couple of years and the subject came up recently when I found out my 12 year old pup Lily needed some dental work. She had developed a periodontal disease and needed some teeth removed. The cost with removal, antibiotics and follow up care was $1069. Fortunately we had the money and did not need to add a credit card debt to the matter. Lily is 12 years old now and probably too old to apply for a dog insurance policy because pet policies are similar to human insurance.
Expenses
One way to cut the cost of veterinary fees is to take out pet insurance. Insurance will cover a lot of unexpected pet costs but it doesn’t cover everything. Pet insurance has grown into a nearly $900 million dollar business. But, as with human health insurance, claims for our pets can be denied by insurers for a number of reasons. Most often, it’s because of a preexisting condition, which few pet policies will cover.
We insure our lives, our health and families, So why not pet health insurance for the companions we care about so much and are important and fun family members ? Pet insurance is similar to human health insurance in that they take into consideration the age, pre existing conditions, (generally not covered) medical history and there are addendums for additional coverage.
Good News !
The good news is you probably won’t have to switch vets or pick a plan that your vet accepts. Unlike health insurance for people, veterinarians can accept all pet insurance plans, because the claims process works a lot differently. You can generally use your pet insurance at any licensed veterinarian including university, emergency, or specialty hospitals.
Coverage options can include Wellness Procedures such as :
Regular Vet Visits
Vaccinations
Dental Cleanings
Spay/Neutering
These plans are popular for both puppies and senior dogs.
There are also more comprehensive plans that cover:
Illnesses
Accidents
Cancer
Chronic Conditions
Emergency Care
Hereditary Conditions
Congenital Conditions
Plans can also offer custom annual deductibles, annual limits, and 70, 80, or 90% reimbursement. Most dog medical insurance plans also include coverage for accident and illness exam fees that a veterinarian charges just for seeing your pup.
So How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost ?
The average monthly cost of pet insurance is roughly $50 per month for dogs. The cost is based on your dog’s breed and age, your location, and the coverage you choose.
Is it worth it ?
I would say yes ! If we had known about dog insurance 12 years ago we would have purchased a policy. She has had some other health issues but fortunately no accidents. A yearly check up may have avoided those issues, especially the dental.
Overall it’s better to pay a small amount each month with a flexible plan than to be hit with unexpected accidents and illnesses.
