Deciding on whether or not you want to opt for top dog insurance isn’t as simple as black and white. I’ll never forget Halle’s first vet appointment when the doctor’s assistant handed us this shiny pet insurance brochure & package. We looked at Halle, looked at each other and realized we never took the time to consider such a thing. We did a quick huddle and opted not to take it. We tend to normally keep funds tucked away for rainy days and are highly selective about insurance as a whole. That day our gut said no – wasn’t for us.
Let’s face it, pets are prone to accidents, especially puppies as they are extremely active and always get into situations that can cause injury. Halle is a beast when she’s active. She’s accident-prone just about every moment she’s engaged in high intensity activities. Since our Weimaraner entered our lives we’ve had to deal with a number of issues that have required us to dish out (sometimes) substantial amounts of money for proper care.
Dog insurance is basically about risk management and making sure you’re in the right position when your beloved pet requires help. Like any insurance, pet coverage really depends on several factors and everyone has a different view on the issue.
Puppies need vaccinations and extra care. Adult dogs need preventive help and older dogs are prone to disease or problems that naturally come with age. You might be concerned about your dog developing a long-term, chronic or recurring illness.
With advances in pet medicine, veterinarians have a lot more ways to handle serious health problems, like Cancer or Neurological disorders for example. MRI scans and radiation treatment for dogs are more and more common these days and can cost thousands of dollars. Dog health insurance appeal goes way up when you consider these improved and really expensive treatment options.
I also think that most people tend to highly underestimate the cost of treatment for their dog. Even simple procedures can cost quite a bit more than you might expect.
Halle went into emergency once when she got really sick. The visit cost us a couple of hundred dollars which was more than fair. There was another time when she needed surgery due to a side effect from pre-op injection she was given when she was spayed. They basically had to surgically remove a portion of her skin from her shoulders. It was a safe procedure that was not only unexpected but ended up costing us about $1000. Lucky for us, the manufacturer of the initial drug actually covered the cost since they caused the debacle.
You see what I mean? Anything can happen anytime and unless you’re prepared or have an allocated pet budget tucked away, dog insurance is a good bet. Now let me point out that we don’t have dog insurance at this very moment and I’m still not completely for it in terms of our own situation. You have to give it a fair shot from your own perspective and see what works best for you. I’m gonna explain a little more on how you can approach the decision making process but let me outline some of the costs and things you need to keep an eye out for.
Dog Insurance Pricing & Coverage
1. Coverage normally starts as early as when your dog is several weeks old. You can pick up insurance at any age but keep in mind that most insurance companies will not cover past illnesses and in many cases will not cover major hereditary problems. If you ask around, you can find hereditary coverage and it might be something worth searching for depending on your dog.
2. You can surf the web and find all types of coverage options. You can also find cheap dog insurance or compare dog insurance quote websites, all of which can be very helpful. Vets are always happy to recommend a company but they can be biased as they usually have a lucrative deal in place with the insurer. Their recommendation is still a good one and should be considered, Just don’t take their word as your only option. If we were to look for insurance we would probably surf a little and ask some of our friends that have coverage for their dogs and make a decision that we feel good about.
3. Good coverage will normally cost you a monthly premium of anywhere between $15 and $60 and high end iron clad ”paw-to-paw” coverage can go up to $100, or sometimes more, per month. They usually always require a deductible (amount to pay if you make a claim). Expect your out-of-pocket expense to be about $100 to $200. The deductible can be higher depending on your dog’s age. Just about every sensible package I was able to find covered anywhere from 70-90% of any incurred expenses.
4. Be sure to ask for discounts or special pricing. They are usually available for multiple pets and seniors. It never hurts to ask regardless of your situation.
5. Some packages put restrictions on select breeds like Mountain Dogs and Mastiffs. Some dogs require specialized care or more food during boarding or other related costs that require a slightly higher premium or coverage tweaking.
6. Good dog insurance will cover the expected accidents, illness, accidental death as well as special wellness care and boarding fees if you get sick and need your dog boarded and family or friends aren’t an option.
7. One more important thing, be sure that you can choose your own veterinarian if something were to happen. Some dog insurance companies require you visit a specific vet. If you’re cool with that, then all good. We would definitely want to see our wonderful vet if anything were to happen and expect our insurance to take care of it.
Should you get Dog Health Insurance?
It’s entirely up to you! My practical way of thinking about money as a whole says that the cost of insurance during the course of our dog’s life will probably cost us anywhere from $2500 & $7500. If we were to take that money and keep it in a high interest savings account, might work out for the better.
The thing is surgical removal of a foreign object can cost anywhere from $1000-$2000. This is one of the most common claims. The most common objects are underwear & small pieces of clothing. Halle loves socks, lucky for us she drops them on command – she’s yet to swallow one! Cancer treatment can cost anywhere from $5000-$10,000 or even more. Weimaraners are prone to hip displacement and bloating due to their deep chests. These are things we’re always concerned about and would keep in mind if we picked up insurance today. Both of those problems can cost a pretty penny. You have to look at your dog’s needs and what you might have to deal with during its precious lifetime.
That all sounds scary but remember, it doesn’t mean it WILL happen. It might happen when your dog is so old that saying goodbye might be the best option. Problems can happen when they’re just puppies. You really never know. In that case, any reputable breeder will provide anywhere of up to two years for serious problems. The important thing to understand is that problems will happen.
Also, the cost at any given time could be a lot more than you have tucked away. Then again, if you never face any serious issues you would still have your money.
Like I said before, it’s all about risk management and the way you handle your own money. If you have money put aside and feel ready to tackle any situation then you’re in the green. If you have a hard time budgeting and like to have a peaceful state of mind, that dog insurance is definitely essential.
Heck, if you tend to insure everything you have from your house, car, life, material goods and don’t like headaches when it comes to your finances, top dog insurance is the way to go.
If you’re like us and tend to be selective about what you insure and protect, you know your limits, your budget, well then, dog health insurance is another card in the deck. Whether you play or not is up to you.
Just remember that though money is an important part of the equation, it’s not the most important thing. Your dog is an important member of your family, making sure that the proper care & treatment is available is your responsibility as a proud owner. Whether your four-legged friend is covered by insurance or your own bank account – make sure he or she is covered!
The Best Insurance – Keep your Dog Healthy
The best insurance against any lifetime dog problems is good health. There is no substitute for that. We’re always learning and taking the steps to ensure Halle is healthy and has a strong enough immune system to keep her away from the vet as much as possible. The great thing is we visit a Holistic veterinarian who is extremely helpful and encourages the same thing. He too, doesn’t believe in medicating or treating when it’s not needed. Asia and I will be talking a lot about how to keep your dog healthy & strong in future posts but important things to keep in mind are pretty basic yet so many people don’t take the time to do them.
1. Good food. Give your dog the best and healthiest natural food. Costs a few extra dollars a month but what it saves down the stretch is priceless.
2. Exercise. I’m not even going to elaborate as dogs need and live for movement. This is a fundamental part of being a dog & as a dog owner you should know that.
3. You should not be visiting your vet for every little thing. Your vet is there for serious problems and most importantly routine checkups. Devote a little time to reading and learning ways to provide your dog with proper care or simple aid so that you’re ready to deal with all the little bumps and scratches that come with dog ownership. You don’t just owe it to yourself but your dog as well. Our antiseptic and aloe gel is always handy since Halle is prone to all types of minor injuries. Imagine if we hit the vet everything time she had a cut or bump.
4. A lot of serious illnesses like Cancer are very scary but in many cases are lifestyle diseases. Similar to us humans, unless it’s in your genes, your actual way of living, your emotional and physical state can be at the heart of all types of health problems. The same goes for your dog. Unhealthy food, unnecessary stress, weak emotional states are the cause of many illnesses.
Keep your dog healthy, in shape and happy. That’s insurance you can keep in your back pocket.
So…
I’ve been rambling on (hope I wasn’t too boring) and I’ve laid it all out. Fingers are a little sore but all this dog insurance talk has seriously gotten us re-considering signing up for some “Halle” coverage. I’m not kiddin! ;)
The deal is if you like to play it safe, get coverage. If not, then don’t. Everyone has a different point of view and with good reason. Take the time to consider you and your family’s situation, your dog and the options available to you. If you’re still not sure, go with your gut. That’s what we usually tend to do when the answer isn’t so obvious.
Hope you find all the information useful. Do you have top dog insurance? Are you considering it or have any related experiences?
We would love you have your input & point of view on the matter, please leave a comment.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I think pet insurance is essential – here is my story.
Sipho my yorkie was the 4th kid in a household of 1 very old multipoo 171/2 and 2 ragdoll cats a large aggressive male and mellow female. A friend suggested pet insurance through AKC – we had never had that but all my friends in the UK swore by it. So we got it.
Poor Sipho – the old dog hated him and tried to kill him but wasn’t able with no teeth. Once he died shortly after Sipho arrived the male ragdoll cat took over the fight. The cat weighed 20 pounds and the yorkie 4lbs – the first thing the cat tried to do was rip the puppies throat out. $2,500 later he was put back together – thank goodness for pet insurance.
The insurance then paid for his neutering and dental issues – the bill was $1,500 but only cost me $125.
The final issue was when the yorkie decided to show the male cat who was boss and the cat tore a 5mm rip right through the cornea – $4,000 vet bill.
So I spent – $70 per month on insurance and they have paid out $8,000 over the last 12 months, no questions asked and they even renewed the policy with no increases.
The good thing is that the male cat went to live in New York City as an only kid to a single women and they love each other. My household is happy and I am not insolvent.
Pet insurance is definitely worth it :)
Thanks for sharing your story Ashleigh, insurance was a savior in your case, can’t imagine absorbing the costs you mentioned. Yikes! Great to hear they paid out without any issues, which isn’t always the case with insurers.
Having multiple pets, even mixing cats & dogs are definitely things to keep in mind when thinking insurance. There’s a lot more variables that come into play.
Again, thanks Ashleigh, your input is really appreciated! :)