If you are thinking about 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, and 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 easily 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 be aware of the details of your pet health insurance policy, as many require you to either pay a deductible or pay 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 money can accrue interest and be used for any needs that their pets may have.
Do I have a high-risk dog?
Many pure bred 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 conditions such as this, so you want to read the exclusions of any policy carefully before you decide to buy.
Your dogs temperament can also be a factor to consider. If you have a high-strung puppy, or a dog that likes to chew on strange things, 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. This happens more often than you might realize, and the bill for intestinal surgery can easily reach $4,000 or more.
How old is my dog?
Just like health insurance for humans, dog insurance premiums generally increase as a dog gets older. 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 simply 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 important to know that many of the top dog insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. If your dog has ever been treated for a health issue in the past, you will need to ask if this specific condition will be covered by the insurance policy. If not, you might be better off using that savings account to cover your vet bills.
Has my dog ever been abused or mistreated?
Sadly, many animals are abused or neglected every day, and this can sometimes have a major impact on a pet's health. If you have adopted your dog from a shelter or rescue agency, it is important to find out as much as you can 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, just 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 make sure you are getting the coverage that your pet needs. Top dog insurance companies should be willing to answer any questions you have about their policies, and you should get quotes from more than one provider to make sure you are getting the best deal for your money.
Halle Balle Dog offers informative exclusive articles on Dog Training and Dog Care. Be sure to take a few minutes to read Real thoughts on Top Dog Insurance for even more valuable insights on the subject of Pet Insurance.
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