Dog insurance – Types, advantages, and tips to choose

Like insurance for humans, pet insurance policies are an essential financial tool. With dog insurance, owners can provide the best care for their dogs in case of illness and injuries. It covers either partial or full reimbursement for veterinary expenses, tests, and care, alleviating the financial strain on pet owners’ shoulders. This way, pet parents can provide every opportunity for their pets to maintain their well-being and lead an active life. 

Advantages of getting dog insurance

Veterinary care is expensive because the salaries of veterinarians and other support services are often high. Pet insurance provides coverage of the cost of care for some of the illnesses and injuries dogs suffer and also covers the cost of certain assisted devices. The insurance coverage ensures that dog parents can offer the best care for dogs without worrying about the expense. 

Types of dog insurance

Depending on the type of coverage offered, pet insurance can be categorized into three types: basic wellness care, accident-only plan, and comprehensive (accident and illness). Dog parents can choose the right plan after talking to their vet and understanding the coverage options and the cost involved.  

1. Accident-only plan

Also known as basic pet insurance, it covers all injuries and illnesses that a dog may face in the event of an accident. Various conditions are covered by an accident-only plan for dogs, excluding age-related or hereditary conditions. This type of dog insurance becomes ideal if the dog is old and has no insurance coverage yet. It is mostly offered as an annual plan and can be renewed at the end of the policy period.

2. Accident and illness coverage plan

Known as a comprehensive plan, this covers most issues affecting a dog that are caused by accidents or illnesses. A dog parent can customize the plan based on the wellness history of the dog, its age, and any potential risks. 

3. Wellness coverage

Here, key aspects of preventive care, including routine dental examinations and annual vet visits, are covered. Most pet insurance companies offer such optional add-ons that are not covered by the basic and comprehensive plans. But, pet parents must note that such add-ons come at an additional cost and usually cover routine wellness services like flea and tick removal and dental cleaning. Some dog insurance companies also offer coverage for mobility aids.

Key exclusions under dog insurance

Coverage can vary across different pet insurance plans and providers. Many pet insurance plans often exclude certain aspects of pet care, like pre-existing conditions, although some providers may offer these as add-ons at higher costs.

Tips for choosing the right dog insurance policy

1. Get a professional analysis of the dog’s wellness-related needs

An experienced veterinarian will be able to diagnose the potential illnesses a dog may face by evaluating its age, size,  breed, lifestyle, and general well-being. Some breeds could be genetically strong, while others may be at higher risk for specific conditions and require regular care as they age. 

2. Set a budget

A dog parent has to pay for multiple components of dog insurance, such as a one-time deductible and monthly or annual premium. Once they have set aside a specific amount for dog insurance, they can research and select the right plan that suits their requirements in terms of premiums, deductibles, and coverage. 

3. Check how the policy payout works

Depending on the type of policy offered, the insurance company may either reimburse the cost of care paid by the pet owner or pay the vet directly.

4. Read through policies and the coverage carefully

It is important to read through the policy documents of different pet insurance companies to understand the fine print and exclusions, if any.

5. Compare quotes from different companies

One can get estimates and quotes online or by calling the dog insurance companies that offer the best plans. Quotes can be compared online by checking the deductibles, premiums, reimbursement rates, and claim processing times to choose the option that best fits one’s requirements. 

6. Check critical information that affects the pet insurance plan

A pet parent should also consider other crucial factors that affect the plan, including pre-existing conditions coverage, add-ons, wellness and preventative coverage, and claim process turnaround time.

7. Evaluate customer service

While doing research, pet parents will have to assess the quality of interaction, the company’s attitude, and their customer service by the way they respond to their queries and doubts. A provider that offers timely customer assistance helps ensure the claims processes go smoothly.

8. Assess the claim process

When looking for the right dog insurance policy, one should thoroughly check the claims processes of the plan one has shortlisted to ensure one will be reimbursed in a timely manner. To do this, check and compare the timeframe and the eligible expenses that are covered under the plan.