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If you get sick or have an emergency, you don’t want to worry about how you’ll pay for care. You just want to get better. This is why health insurance is so important. The same logic applies pet insurance.
If you’re a dog parent, you know that vet bills can add up quickly. Whether your puppy is injured during rough handling, or hereditary issues develop later in your dog’s life, you may not want to decide whether you can afford care.
Instead, you might want to pet insurance this will help cover the costs of caring for your dog. But there are many nuances to consider when shopping for pet insurancewe will explore here.
If you’re in the market for pet insurance, start by getting a free quote so you know what to expect.
Pet Insurance for Dogs: What You Need to Know
Pet insurance for dogs is different from insurance for other animals. Here are five things to understand.
Pet insurance for dogs is generally more expensive than for cats
Pet insurance for dogs can be much more expensive than insurance for catsdepending on factors such as general health and size.
According to the North American Animal Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), the average premium for accident and disease insurance for dogs in the US in 2021 will cost $583.91 per year, compared to $342.84 per year for cats.
Part of the difference can sometimes be due to weight. “Most adult cats weigh between 8 and 20 pounds, which means lower medication costs compared to dogs’ size range of 1 to 160 pounds,” explains Dr. Cheris Roth, chief veterinary officer at Fuzzy, a telemedicine provider. domestic animals.
Even for small dogs, certain hereditary conditions or the possibility of accidents can make pet insurance prices higher than for cats.
Some dog breeds may be more expensive to insure
Known dog breeds are more prone to illness and injury than others, making them more expensive to insure. For example, English and French bulldogs often have breathing problems, while giant breeds like Newfoundlands and Great Danes can have joint problems, Purely Pet Insurance explains.
“The cost really depends on the genetic issues/dispositions common to each breed,” notes Dr. Roth. “Pet size also affects policy costs. Large breed dogs cost more than small terriers or chihuahuas because of the difference in medication costs.”
Not sure how much it costs to insure your dog? Get a free pet insurance quote here in 30 seconds now.
Some dog breeds are cheaper to insure
Smaller dog breeds are often cheaper to insure, except for dogs with breathing problems like Frenchies.
Among purebred dogs, terriers such as Jack Russell Terriers, Norfolk Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers have the cheapest dog insurance costs, according to Purely Pet Insurance.
Other breeds, such as cockapoos, which are a combination of cocker spaniels and poodles, are also often less expensive. In general, pet insurance for mixed-breed dogs is less expensive, says Dr. Roth.
There are sure ways to find the right pet insurance for your dog
Consider the following tips to find the right dog insurance for your situation:
Shop around for quotes from different providers: In addition to seeing price differences, you can compare coverage to view what is the level of protection feels good for your dog.
Plans can vary in what they cover and what they don’t, says Dr. Roth. “Look at what’s important to you—supplement coverage, therapeutic diets, telemedicine, wellness or preventative procedures,” she says.
Use the table below to compare some options.
Start as young as possible: Although you can still insure older dogs, it usually costs less Buy pet insurance the younger the dog. Therefore, start looking after your pet as early as possible in its life.
“The longer they have insurance, the better – especially with a good care experience. “Pre-existing conditions are not an issue for most providers if you keep your pet confined for a few weeks and continue to have coverage,” he says. Dr. Roth.
Ask a question: Even for experienced parents, pet insurance can be confusing at times. Instead of assuming something is covered, only to be stuck with an unexpected vet bill later, ask questions beforehand to clarify. “If it’s unclear what wasn’t covered, you’ll want to take the time to ask via email or chat and keep the transcript for documentation,” says Dr. Roth.
You can also ask your veterinarian questionsfor example, confirming what different coverage areas mean and seeing if they offer certain types of coverage.
Find the plan that’s right for you
For many dog owners, pet insurance benefits exceeds costs. Not only can you avoid big vet bills, but you can make care decisions more easily if you don’t have to worry so much about finances.
“As a specialist, I have seen some very complex and difficult cases. Some have been serious emergencies, and others have been patients with chronic conditions requiring specialized care for years. In many of these cases, my clients have said that they could have done without pet insurance. could never have been cured,” said Dr. Kelly Diehl, senior advisor for science programs and communications at the Morris Animal Foundation.
However, it is important to consider the details of the various plans and start looking preferably when the pet is young.
As pets get older, getting insurance may no longer be beneficial, says Dr. Roth. If so, you may want to move forward with a different financial strategy, such as putting money into a savings account, so you can make “non-financial senior pet health decisions.”
If you can find pet insurance early in your dog’s life, you can have the comfort of knowing you have financial protection as your furry friend ages.
Not sure how much pet insurance will cost for your dog? Now you can easily check prices here.
