The Facts About Dog Insurance What to Know About Dog Veterinary or Health Insurance

In the past, when your cat or dog became seriously ill or injured, there were few options. Veterinarians routinely recommended that these pets be “put to sleep.” Thankfully, pet parents now have access to more complete veterinary care – everything from medication to control diabetes to bone marrow transplants are now available to pets. Of course, these treatments are expensive. Very expensive, in fact. That’s where dog insurance comes in. While dog insurance may not be appropriate for every pet owner, it can be a huge advantage if you don’t want cost to prevent you from seeking expensive treatments for your pet.

If you’re considering whether to invest in pet insurcane or weighing different types of plans, this guide can help answer some of your questions.

How Does Dog Insurance Work?

Although there are many differences between your own health insurance and dog insurance, the purpose of each is similar – they’re there to help you afford medical treatment. However, dog insurance is really a type of property insurance, which means it doesn’t cover treatment in the same way as human medical insurance. Details of how plans work can also vary depending on the provider and type of coverage you choose. 

Who Needs dog Insurance?

Deciding whether or not to purchase dog insurance is a very personal decision. As you consider it, keep in mind that it’s usually best to purchase a policy when your pet is young. There are also some dogs that won’t qualify for insurance. But the number one factor that will determine whether or not you need dog insurance is your feeling about pet treatments and what’s sometimes called “economical euthanasia.”

What Are the Pros and Cons?

The greatest advantage of dog insurance is that it helps you avoid having to say no to medical care that’s expensive. Other benefits have come along as dog owners demand greater flexibility and options like discounts for multiple pets. Some, however, argue that the cost of dog insurance and the “fine print” make it unnecessary. 

What Should I Know Before Purchasing a Policy?

If you decide that dog insurance is a good option for you and your dog, there are some important factors to weigh as you shop around for coverage. For starters, you have to consider the type of dog you have, where you live, and the lengths you might be willing or able to go to in order to extend your dog’s life.

Plus: 5 Important Things to Know About dog Insurance

Deciding whether to purchase insurance and comparing different policies can be overwhelming. As you do your research, keep some essential points in mind. These will help you figure out how much you can afford to spend on insurance and which “bells and whistles” are really worth it.

More on Budgeting For Pets:

Pet Care Needs on a Manageable Budget
Top Trends in Pet Supplies
Homemade Dog Food
How to Make a Dog Bed

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to what you may have read on our website.