Insurance is a great option to keep your pet healthy and happy. You can use it to cover unexpected vet costs like emergency surgery and visits, as well as routine care expenses such vaccinations and wellness examinations.
There are many pet insurance companies out there, and it's important to consider your options carefully before purchasing a policy for your dog. You will want to select a plan that is affordable, easy to use and provides good coverage.
Accident-only policies can be the most affordable option and are useful for dogs with injuries, including broken bones and bites wounds. These plans don't cover illness, so they aren't an option for older dogs or those with long-term health conditions.
You may consider lifetime coverage for dogs who have severe or chronic conditions. This type of policy will pay out for veterinary treatment that you incur over your pet's life, as long as you renew the policy each year.
AKC Pet Insurance
American Kennel Club Insurance is offered for dogs and cats of all breeds. These policies include coverage for new or unexpected injuries, hereditary, congenital, and other diseases. They also process claims quickly.
AKC offers a free 30-day trial of its pet insurance, allowing you to test the coverage before you buy it. Optional add-ons such as exam costs and final expenses can be added.
Accident-and-illness policies are a more comprehensive type of coverage, and they can reimburse you for vet bills that aren't covered by an accident-only plan. After you've met your annual deductible and are eligible for reimbursement, these plans will reimburse up to 80% on medical expenses. They also provide additional reimbursements for certain elective procedures.
BestBenefit
Understanding how the insurance company treats pre-existing health conditions is important when selecting a pet plan. Some plans will not cover preexisting diseases, while other policies have a period of waiting before they begin to pay for chronic conditions that you and your veterinarian identify.
There are also plans that require a year-long waiting period before they cover any pre-existing condition, even if it is completely cured. It is difficult to find coverage for your dog that lasts the rest of its life.
The premiums vary a lot, but are usually affordable enough to be worth it. These premiums will vary depending on the breed and age of your dog.
Average annual cost for pet insurance plans is about $500. A lower coinsurance or deductible can help reduce your premium. This is particularly helpful if your pet has a history of health problems or is prone to developing a disease later in life, as it's likely they will need to be treated sooner than a healthy, young dog.