Your dog is an important part of your family. For many, their dog is almost the same as their children. Families seek to maintain health insurance for their children in the event of illness or injury. Those who cannot pay or choose to decline health insurance for their families are at great risk. The costs of treating a sudden illness can be astronomical. While people who have health insurance for their families can’t understand the idea of not having insurance for their children, most of them don’t even consider getting insurance for their dog. It’s good to know how to pick an insurance policy for your new dog. Although people often don’t take this into account, the same risk of not having health insurance for your family is associated with having an uninsured pet because vet bills accumulate very quickly.
Modern veterinary medicine can do amazing things, but the bills can be just as amazing, especially when everyone is concerned about the economy. Before you get your pet, make sure you understand what their expenses will be. The initial cost of a puppy, whether it’s a thousand dollars for a purebred dog or a smaller fee for a shelter dog, is a small fraction of the cost of lifetime care. This fact makes the pet insurance policy even more attractive. Many pet insurance companies have customizable plans so you can get affordable pet insurance without sacrificing coverage. Like personal health insurance, many pet insurance policies include medications and a dental plan. Some pet insurance companies offer various discounts if your pet meets certain criteria, such as spay or neuter, microchipped, or if you have multiple pets on the same policy.
There are a few things that are generally not covered as part of a pet insurance policy. Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, treatment for behavioral problems, prosthetic limbs, natural disasters, or cosmetic procedures such as tail cutting, ear trimming, and dew nail removal. Of course, things like DNA testing, cloning, or injuries from fighting, racing, cruelty, or negligence will not be covered. Also, cremation and burial are generally not covered by a pet insurance policy.
The insurance is abundant and, in many cases, extremely affordable (The Pampered Pup provides more information about insurance that you can check out). By meeting your dog’s healthcare needs, you can relax, knowing that if something happens, your dog will be cared for. Insurance policies have different levels of coverage, from a basic accident and emergency insurance to a comprehensive health policy that even helps cover the costs of routine care. The choice of a policy depends entirely on your financial situation and the level of coverage that is most useful to you. No one knows you or your dog better, so make sure you are able to make the right choice.
When you look at dog health insurance, the number of options can seem confusing and a little overwhelming. Remember that your dog is the center of the equation. Decide what you need, decide what you can afford, and find a policy that can meet these two requirements. Getting a good health insurance policy for your dog is one of the best things you can do as a pet owner, both for your health and for your peace of mind.
Refusing health insurance for your dog can cost you thousands of dollars over the course of your pet’s life. Getting health insurance for your dog, as well as for your family members, can help you avoid financial bombardment. It also shows that you are a responsible pet owner.