If you consider purchasing dog health insurance for your four-legged friend, we have the top dog insurance questions to ask yourself. Dog insurance is not a one-size-fits-all topic; your specific pet and individual circumstances are the most important factors to consider when shopping for a dog insurance policy. Before you choose a pet insurance policy for your dog, ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have the financial resources to cover a large vet bill if my dog is seriously injured or sick?
This is the top dog insurance consideration. If your pet becomes seriously ill or is injured in an accident, vet bills can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. If you don’t have the resources to pay for treatment, you may want to consider dog health insurance. You need to know the details of your pet health insurance policy, as many require you to either pay a deductible or the entire bill and wait for the insurance company to reimburse you. Many dog owners simply choose to put their money in a savings account instead, as the funds can accrue interest and be used for any needs that their pets may have.
Do I have a high-risk dog?
Many purebred dogs have a higher risk for certain diseases or genetic conditions. Weimaraners and German Shepherds, for example, have a good chance of developing hip dysplasia as they get older. This is a painful and potentially costly condition. Be aware that many dog insurance policies don’t cover breed-specific genetic disorders such as this, so you want to read the exclusions of any policy carefully before you decide to buy.
Your dog’s temperament can also be a factor to consider. For example, suppose you have a high-strung puppy or a dog that likes to chew on strange things. In that case, top dog insurance policies can cover treatments for accidental injuries or the surgery that might be needed to remove a foreign object from Fido’s stomach. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you realize, and intestinal surgery bills can easily reach $4,000 or more.
How old is my dog?
Just like human health insurance, dog insurance premiums generally increase as a dog ages. However, if you have a young, healthy puppy, you might simply choose to enroll in a discount program. This is usually one of the least-expensive types of pet health insurance, and you receive a membership card that you can present for discounts on regular check-ups, vaccinations, and other covered services.
Older dogs may have more serious health considerations, and it is essential to know that many top dog insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Therefore, if your dog has ever been treated for a health issue in the past, you will need to ask if the insurance policy will cover this specific condition. If not, you might better use that savings account to cover your vet bills.
Has my dog ever been abused or mistreated?
Sadly, many animals are abused or neglected daily, which can significantly impact a pet’s health. If you have adopted your dog from a shelter or rescue agency, it is essential to learn as much as possible about the dog’s previous living conditions. Dogs that were seriously malnourished or abused can have a higher risk of health problems that may not present themselves until much later. If you have a dog that has ever been in a situation like this, you may opt to carry a top dog insurance policy for at least a couple of years to be safe.
Every pet is different, and your dog may have additional considerations that make dog health insurance a good option for you. If you decide to purchase a dog insurance policy, read the fine print carefully to ensure you get the coverage your pet needs. Top dog insurance companies should be willing to answer any questions about their policies, and you should get quotes from more than one provider to ensure you are getting the best deal for your money.
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