Can I Take The Risk And Forget Dog Health Insurance?

Do you really require dog health insurance and what will it really offer you anyway? Most pet insurance plans really act like health plans for people. There are several companies that offer a variety of plans which can be tailored to your dogs needs and your financial needs. While pet insurance has grown more popular in the usa we still fall far behind the majority of Europe where approximately 12% to 50% of pets are covered.

As mentioned, health insurance for humans and pets is much the same. You have to pay a monthly premium and take advantage of the benefits outlined in your plan. Depending on who you have insurance coverage with, your vet may accept the insurance directly or you may need to pay for services in advance and submit the bill to the insurance company for reimbursement.

There are a number of plans offered that range from simple plans covering only emergencies to comprehensive plans that include things like check ups, vaccinations and other routine care. Just about all plans cover sudden illnesses and accidents. Like plans for humans, most of these plans call for a waiting period; usually 30 days; and may not cover pre-existing problems or pets that have already been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

The deductibles for these plans may vary depending upon the age and breed of the dog as well as the lifestyle of the dog such as a family pet versus a watch dog.

Should you take the risk and not get dog health insurance? Before you make that decision think about this. The cost of veterinary care has increased considerably in the last few years relative to the advancements in veterinary medicine. One in three pets will require emergency care this year and two out of three will have a major health problem during their lifetime.

Not only is the quality of life for your pet covered by pet health insurance but your finances are covered as well. With pet insurance you won’t have sudden health expenses or be faced with making the choice to have the animal treated or dip into your bank account. The best dog health insurance will make certain you have the piece of mind that both you and your dog are protected.

So, is dog health insurance right for you? Only you can answer that question. If you get worried about the financial cost of maintaining your dog then it’s most likely something you should look at. In case of accident or illness it can make certain you that your dog will be covered and you won’t have to worry about the financial implications or worse, having to decide that you can’t afford the treatment and being forced to have your pet put down. Research dog health insurance and make sure you are covered today.

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?