As pet owners you have a huge responsibility on your four-legged children. Just like humans, dogs need health protection because they get often injured or sick. Different data show that 1 in 3 dogs will need an unexpected vet care each year.
Having pet insurance gives you a peace of mind, and most of the time you are covered in the worst scenario. You have to make sure that if you are spending money, you are also getting a good coverage. The last thing you want to happen is the scenario where you pay a monthly insurance for years, and your dog gets a disease that is not covered.
In this article i want to guide you to get an appropriate dog insurance, that will cover accidents, injuries, and illness.
Generally all dog insurances cover accidents injuries, and illness. The differences between different dog insurances lies in the medical conditions that are covered. In order to consider a dog insurance appropriate for you, the insurance should cover these 5 components of coverage:
1- Coverage for Cancer
Cancer is very common, and its treatments could get very expensive in the veterinary medicine. Most dog insurance plans provide coverage in this area, however some dog insurance plans have a limit on the amount of money you can get reimbursed for cancer.
2- Coverage for chronic disease
Chronic diseases are illnesses that last for a long time, and have a very slow progression. These diseases are usually not curable for example: heart diseases, chronic kidney disease, or chronic liver disease. DO NOT get a dog insurance plan that does not include chronic diseases. This disease shows up in middle aged dogs, and could be very hard on your budget.
3- Continual coverage for chronic diseases
As i said chronic diseases last for a long time, and need a lot of treatments after they have been diagnosed. Medications, treatment, and vet appointments could cost a fortune when they last for a few years. Beware when you get dog insurance. Make sure to have a plan in the continual coverage for chronic diseases because you will really need one.
4- Coverage for hereditary and congenial diseases
Your dog insurance should cover hereditary and congenial diseases. These types of diseases could be present at birth or develop later during life. Some of these diseases are: Hip Dysplasia, Patella Luxation, Entropion. Keep in mind that if your pet is old, or has already a pre-existing condition, he/she may not be eligible for coverage in certain hereditary and congenial conditions. Therefore call you insurance company before buying a plan to make sure that you will be covered.
5- Coverage for medical conditions common to your Pet’s breed and species
Most breed/ species have medical conditions that are less likely to occur to other breeds/species. Some breed-related medical conditions are:
- Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop Hypothyroidism and Hemangiosarcoma
- Miniature Poodles are more likely to develop Bladder Stones, Diabetes Mullitus, and Cushing Diseases
- Older dogs are more likely to develop Osteoarthritis
To sum up i would like to tell you to be careful before buying a dog insurance plan. Study your dog’s case carefully in order to have a great coverage and less stress to deal with, whenever your dog gets sick or injured.