Things To Consider About Dog Health Insurance

It feels like the cost of everything is rising these days and the cost of health care for your dog is no exception. Studies show that from 1991 to 2001 the price of the average veterinary visit almost doubled, going from about $50 to almost $99. And it can become worse if your dog has an accident. Treatment for a broken leg can cost between $2000 and $5000 while surgical removal of ingested items like rocks and sticks can cost nearly $3000. Unfortunately, research shows that nearly 60% of dogs older than 6 will get cancer which is the leading cause of death in dogs older than 10. For the uninsured dog owner the cost for treatment could cost upward of $2000 and can top $10,000 in some cases. Having dog health insurance can not only help you manage the cost of those unforeseen illnesses and accidents.

So, do you really need health insurance for your dog? If your pet had a catastrophic illness or accident would you have to decide between having them treated and paying your other daily bills? Do you have sufficient savings to pay for the unexpected costs? Finally, and you’ve got to be honest with yourself on this one, would you spend money you don’t have to save your pet rather than deciding to have them euthanized? If you answered yes to any of those the chances are you need to consider getting dog health insurance. There are a variety of providers available and many of them offer plans to match almost any budget.

So, if you’ve decided it’s time to look around for pet insurance here’s a couple of things you ought to be aware of:

• There are a variety of policies available and all of them have various deductibles, co-pays and caps that limit the amount they’ll pay annually. Be sure you understand what you’re buying before you invest the cash.
• Some policies limit and perhaps even exclude altogether pre-existing and hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia in breeds such as German Sheppard’s. Again, make sure you know what’s covered and what’s not prior to signing up.
• You’ll generally pay more in premiums for older animals. Some companies won’t even cover your dog after they reach the age of 9. If you have an older pet, shop around; there are companies out there that will cover them.
• Like anything else you need to look around for the best deal. Policies and premiums vary a lot and you’ll really have to compare individual plans to analyze the different deductibles, co-pays and cap limits. If you have more than one dog, see if your selected provider offers a discount if you insure more than one pet at a time.
• Verify if the provider you select is authorized where you live. Most states require insurers to be registered with state regulators.
• Be sure you understand what’s not included in your policy. Sometimes the problems most likely to occur are the ones that are most likely excluded from the policy.
• Last, check with your veterinarian. Not doubt they have a provider they suggest but they’re probably happy to talk to you about experiences they’ve had with other companies as well.
• While you can possibly find a policy that covers routine care, you’re probably better off without it. That kind of coverage raises the premiums significantly and doesn’t really save you that much money since you have to cover the deductible anyway.

Over the last decade, important innovations have been made in veterinary health care, leading to more diagnosis and treatment possibilities. Because of these advancements, conditions that would have once been fatal our now often curable. The question is, can you afford these new treatments without having dog health insurance?

Reasons Why You Might Want To Get Dog Health Insurance Now

By T Ellerbeand Marci Winchester

To start with, what’s covered in a dog insurance policy? Basic dog insurance plans typically cover treatment for accidents, injuries and illnesses. Beyond that, some policies may cover vaccinations and routine care coverage. Some policies will cover spaying, neutering and dental care….while some require extra endorsements.

Dogs live longer because of higher quality dog foods, supplements and vitamins. All natural products are providing additional health benefits to all breeds of dogs. As dogs age and live longer, the potential of additional medical expenses increases. Many previous human health treatments are available today for many pets.

Dog medical health insurance now becomes a real necessity. Affordable dog insurance is available in the United States. Many insurance providers have entered this lucrative market. Veterinarians perform kidney transplants, hip replacements, and various surgeries for several forms of cancer. Dogs are 3 times more likely than people to contract cancer…45 percent of these dogs die because of this dreaded disease.

The progress in veterinary surgical techniques and medicine provide dogs with long healthier lives. Modern procedures are often very expensive and pet owners must prepare for these higher costs and expenses.

Few owners have dog insurance and are unaware of the affordable and available insurance programs. Approximately less than 1 % of pet owners enrolled their dogs in one of the many available insurance plans. Most dog owners have no idea of the high costs until their loved one is suddenly ill or suffers an injury.

Pet insurance companies charge premiums and give various levels of coverage depending on the amount paid. Veterinary check-ups may not be covered in the basic plans, and may be made available with an endorsement. Pre-existing conditions, breed-related problems and aging dogs might be factors behind certain exclusions. Read your pet insurance policy carefully as you would your own medical insurance policy.

Purchasing dog insurance can be a real challenge and you should be willing to do the research and ask the necessary questions. You have to look at the age of your dog…this sets the basis for your policy and upgrades.

Make sure your dog enjoys a long and healthy life by selecting a dog health insurance policy to help you cover those unexpected costs.r

“See Things from a Husky’s Perspective”

Download FREE copy of 142 page “Husky Master Guide” at: http://www.huskydogstore.com/

Tom Ellerbe and daughter Marci Winchester have raised and trained Siberian Huskies for many years. Website is loaded with a ton of information about this very special breed of dogs.

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