Pet insurance for dogs comes in many forms, from limited plans to full coverage; select an insurance provider that can meet your dog's health care needs.
Find An Insurance Plan That Fits Your Dog's Needs
The first step in finding a good policy is to get a few quotes from several different pet insurance companies. Before choosing a specific plan, see what is available that fits in with your pet's yearly health care routine. Take into consideration his age, breed and any pre-existing conditions.
Make sure an insurance carrier offers the services your pet needs. The following are typical plans offered by pet insurance carriers:
- Accident-only insurance: includes emergency visits for incidents such as poisoning or car accidents.
- Standard or basic: covers treatment and medication for injury and illness. Sometimes common procedures like spaying and neutering are not covered with a bare-bones policy.
- Full-scale plan: usually covers treatment and medication for illness, injury, wellness care and emergencies.
Find The Best Deal For The Right Insurance
Things you should ask an insurance provider:
- What are the renewal terms?
- How high are the deductibles?
- What is the pricing structure for different plans?
- Which vet or pet hospital can I go to?
- How are reimbursements determined?
Get Reliable Insurance
After you establish the type of plan and pricing, check how long the company has been in business. You'll want to make sure they have a proven track record and that they won't be closing up shop in a week or two.
Watch out for lingo such as "reasonable-" and "customary-" fees in pet insurance plans. These are fees an insurance provider can tinker with and charge you for at will.
Finally, evaluate if the policy includes routine care for your pet. Some insurance providers will reimburse you for common procedures such as vaccinations, exams and preventive care.