A pet insurance policy can help you cover costs for your dog’s unexpected medical needs. But how much you’ll pay for a policy depends on several factors. These include the type of plan you get, whether it covers accidents or illnesses, and how much you set as your annual limit. You’ll also have to consider the deductible, which is how much you’ll pay out of pocket before your provider starts paying on a claim. Finally, the reimbursement rate determines how much you’ll be reimbursed for each bill submitted to your provider. The higher the rate, the more expensive the premium.
To narrow down your options, start by considering what’s most important to you. For example, do you want a plan that covers hereditary or congenital health issues such as breathing problems in pugs? Many providers exclude these from coverage, so it’s best to research what’s covered by different insurers before you sign up. You may also want to check for any pre-existing conditions, which are health issues that existed before the policy’s effective date or during a waiting period. Some providers won’t cover pre-existing conditions at all, while others, like AKC, only cover “curable” pre-existing conditions (for instance, an ear infection that has been satisfactorily resolved).
Next, decide whether you want a lifetime or annual policy. Lifetime policies will cost more than annual plans, but they’ll provide long-term coverage for your pet.
Accident and illness coverage helps pay for a wide range of injuries, including broken bones, burns, cuts and stitches. It may also help with the costs of medical procedures, diagnostic tests, prescriptions and hospitalizations. Some policies also include coverage for lost or stolen pets and burial expenses.
Many providers offer a wellness plan as an optional add-on to their accident and illness coverage that helps with routine wellness care. These typically include annual wellness exams, vaccinations and flea and tick prevention. Some providers even cover dental treatments, though these tend to be more limited than the other types of coverage.
To find the right plan for your pet, you’ll need to know your pet’s size, age and location. These will influence the cost of your policy, with larger dogs and those in more densely populated areas typically paying more for their coverage than smaller pets in rural areas. Then, compare quotes to find the plan that fits within your budget. pet insurance for dog