Pet Insurance for Dogs: What to Know

When you get sick or have an emergency, you probably don’t want to worry about how you’re going to pay for care. You just want to get better. That’s why health insurance is so important. The same logic applies Pet insurance.

If you’re a dog parent, you know that vet bills can add up quickly. Whether your puppy is injured during rough housing, or genetic issues start to show up later in your dog’s life, you probably don’t want to decide if you can care.

Instead, you can choose Have pet insurance This helps you cover the costs of caring for your dog. But when there are many nuances to consider Shopping for pet insuranceAs we’ll explore here.

If you’re in the market for pet insurance – or want to be Extend your existing coverage – Then get started by getting a free price quote so you know exactly what to expect

Pet Insurance for Dogs: What to Know

Pet insurance for dogs is different from coverage for other animals. Here are five things to understand.

Pet insurance for dogs is generally more expensive than for cats

Pet insurance for dogs can cost significantly more than cat insurance, due to factors such as general health and size.

In 2021, the average premium cost in the US for accidents and illnesses for dogs was $583.91 per year, compared to $342.84 per year for cats. North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

Part of the difference can sometimes be due to weight.

“Most adult cats are going to be between 8-20 pounds, which means the cost of medication is lower than that of dogs 1-160 pounds,” explains Dr. Cheris Roth, chief veterinary officer at Fuzzy, a telemedicine provider for pets.

Even for small dogs, certain genetic conditions or the potential for accidents can make pet insurance prices higher than for cats.

Some dog breeds may be more expensive to insure

specific dog Breeding They are more prone to illness and injury than others, which makes them more expensive to insure. For example, English and French Bulldogs often have breathing problems, while giant breeds like Newfoundlands and Great Danes can have joint problems, e.g. Fully pet insurance explains

“The cost really comes down to common genetic concerns/propensities for each breed,” notes Dr. Roth. “Pet size also affects policy costs. Giant breed dogs are going to cost more than a small terrier or chihuahua because of the difference in drug costs.”

Not sure how much it will cost to insure your dog? Get a free pet insurance quote in 30 seconds here.

Some dog breeds are cheaper to insure

Small dog breeds, with the exception of dogs with breathing problems like the Frenchie, are often less expensive to insure.

Among purebred dogs, terrier dogs such as the Jack Russell Terrier, Norfolk Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier are the least expensive to insure, according to Purely Pet Insurance.

Other breeds such as Cockapoos, which are a cross between Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, are also often less expensive. In general, pet insurance costs less for mixed-breed dogs, Dr. Roth says.

There are reliable ways to find the right pet insurance for your dog

To find the right dog insurance for your situation, consider the following tips:

Shop around to get quotes from different providers: In addition to seeing price differences, you can compare coverage to see What is the level of protection? Feels right for your dog.

Plans can vary in terms of what’s covered and what’s not, Dr. Roth says. “See what’s important to you — coverage of supplements, therapeutic diets, telemedicine, wellness care, or preventive procedures,” she says.

Use the table below to compare some of your options.

Start young if possible: While you can often insure older dogs, it usually costs less Buy pet insurance for small dogs. So, start looking as early as possible in your pet’s life.

“The more insurance they have, the better – especially with a track record of good care. If you cover the pet from a few weeks old and continue coverage, ‘pre-existing’ conditions are no longer an issue for most providers,” says Dr. the chariot

Ask the question: Even for experienced pet parents, pet insurance can sometimes be confusing. Instead of assuming something is covered, only to be stuck with a surprise vet bill later, ask questions ahead of time to clarify.

“If it’s not clear what isn’t covered, you’ll want to take the time to ask via email or chat and keep transcripts for documentation,” notes Dr. Roth.

You can also ask your vet questions, such as confirming what the different coverage areas mean and seeing if they recommend certain types of coverage.

Find a plan that works for you

For many dog ​​owners, Pet insurance benefits more than the cost. Not only can you avoid big vet bills, but you can also make care decisions easier when you don’t have to worry so much about finances.

“As a specialist, I have seen some very complex and difficult cases. Some were serious emergencies and many others required years of specialized care for patients with chronic illnesses. In many of these cases, my clients told me that without pet insurance, They won’t be able to treat their pets for these diseases, says Dr. Kelly Diehl, senior scientific program and communications advisor for the Morris Animal Foundation.

Nevertheless, it is important to look into the details of various plans and Start searching When pets are small, if possible.

When pets get older, it may no longer be cost-effective to get insurance, Dr. Roth says. If this is the case, you may want to move forward with other financial strategies, such as setting money aside in a savings account, so you can “make decisions for the health of your senior pet that don’t depend on money.”

If you can find pet insurance earlier in your dog’s life, however, you can take comfort in knowing you have some financial protection as your furry friend ages.

Not sure what pet insurance will cost for your dog? You can now easily check rates with Pet Insurer Lemonade here