Have you just welcomed a new doggo into your life? You’ve probably done your preparation and are ready with a new collar and harness, dog food, and even a wide array of toys. How about dog insurance? We know for a fact that when we welcome our new puppies into our home, they instantly become our most adorable, loving, and loyal family members – you would do anything to keep them safe and happy.
Beyond the material things, one of the essential items for new dog owners to consider is dog insurance.
According to a 2017 article from The New York Times, only 1 to 2% of dogs have actual insurance policies in the US. On average, annual vet expenses are estimated to cost about $400 for dogs and around $270 for cats – and that’s before you factor in medications, surgery, and emergency treatment. With vet bills rising by the day, the smartest move as a dog owner would be to avail of pet insurance as soon as possible.
It’s hard to worry about potentially losing a pet or not getting the proper care for them because it’s out of your budget. Here’s why you need dog insurance for your peace of mind:
Access to a large vet network
Hands down, reason numero uno is probably one of the underrated wonders of getting pet insurance for your pup. With huge access to a network of vets in your state, you will be able to pick a veterinarian of your choice! Obviously, once you pick a veterinarian you are comfortable with, you will feel more confident about your pup’s treatment while paying a relatively low premium.
If for any reason, your pup gets sick while you’re abroad, you can also gain access to a foreign vet network. Now, how’s that for coverage?
Prepares you for unexpected events
As human beings, we avail of medical insurance to prepare us for unexpected events. When we start taking care of our family pooch, it’s only natural that we keep this same mindset: our pets´ lives come with many uncertainties, and so we should be ready when the time comes to take them to the vet.
While we can do our best to provide the best nutrition for our pooches (i.e. maintaining a balanced diet, taking them on regular walks, and giving out healthy dog treats) and keep them in tip-top shape, there will come a time when we need a professional’s treatment for their survival. With a medical insurance policy for your dogs, you will immediately be covered from hefty vet bills and your fur baby will get the best treatment.
Covers all dogs, regardless of breed, age, and ongoing conditions
Seeing that there is a severe shortage in the number of doggies with insurance policies, most companies cover all dogs regardless of their breed and age. The reimbursements might not be full for older pooches with ongoing conditions, but at least a huge chunk of the vet bill is covered.
To save a lot of money in the long term, we recommend that you avail of an insurance policy while your dog is still a young pup. You will definitely be given a lower premium rate, and you’ll be given peace of mind for when your canine needs a vet visit!
Dental care is (often) included
It goes without saying that dental care is equally important for dogs as it is for us humans. Our pups need their teeth to consume their food properly, and if your dog is on a raw diet, it needs sturdy canines and molars to tear through the meat’s flesh.
While not all insurance companies include dental care in their coverage, we encourage that you include it in your premium. It’s always a great idea to have your puppy’s teeth checked, especially since they need oral exams, x-rays, and cleanings at least once a year.
Here are some additional treatments that can be covered when your dog has insurance:
- General vet costs – including a range of treatments for accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
- Hereditary and congenital conditions – generally, these aren’t classified as existing or ongoing conditions. However, you’ll need to make sure the cover is ‘unrestricted’ rather than only under certain circumstances.
- Long-term and ongoing conditions – normally only covered if you have a lifetime policy. Check the individual policy to find out how much cover you have in this area.
- Alternative treatments – such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy – can be covered through your pet insurance if recommended by a vet.
- Breeding risks or costs – if you’re planning to use your pet for breeding, you’ll need to make sure this is covered. Spaying or neutering your pet will normally result in an insurance premium reduction.
Most insurance coverages are easy to obtain, and once you have it, you will increase the chances of prolonging — and even extending — your pup’s life should they develop serious diseases or get into accidents in the future.
If you’re still on the fence about getting dog insurance and don’t know where to start, you can:
- Talk to your vet. Ask what conditions your pet could develop later in life and what would the treatment cost? It’s better to know these things in advance than for it to surprise you later on. After all, prevention is better than cure. (Most especially when the cure can cost you a lot)
- Get quotes from several insurers. Compare cover, cost, excess, and cover percentage. Start researching and figure out which one works with your current financial status. As much as it is important to keep your pet safe, you need to look out for yourself too.
- Consider whether it would be better to set up a special bank account and save the pet insurance premiums.
- Take out insurance early in your pet’s life, before they have developed any health conditions.
Life is incredibly uncertain right now and this will ease the stress and give you peace of mind. Always remember, dog essentials for new owners aren’t just material things.
Any dog parent will want the best for their pet, whether you’re a new dog owner or not – consider this. Dog insurance might seem like something that is superficial, but once an unfortunate circumstance happens, you will be thankful you took this extra step of precaution.
