Although most pet owners pay for vet bills out of pocket and only a few carry canine insurance, this type of insurance is considered the best way to protect pet owner's from the costs of expensive treatments associated with certain unexpected medical conditions and accidents. Depending on the type of canine insurance, a policy can cover everything from routine care and pregnancy to chronic or genetic conditions. If you're looking for comprehensive coverage, first, it is important to understand all of the common types of insurance accepted by most veterinarians.
Types of Canine Insurance
There are several types of canine insurance coverages available today including: routine and wellness coverage, genetic condition coverage, chronic condition coverage, and major medical coverage. Routine and wellness coverage is the least expensive of all coverages and it only covers routine care such as annual checkups, deworming, spaying and neutering, prophylactic teeth cleaning, and of course, vaccinations. Genetic condition coverage is one of the most expensive types of coverage. This broad coverage is offered by only a few canine insurance companies. It covers a wide range of genetic conditions as outlined in each individual policy. You must read through your policy carefully and talk to your insurance provider about exactly what conditions are covered. Remember, depending on breed, there are literally hundreds of genetic conditions that affect dogs.
Chronic condition coverage can protect pet parents in the event that the pet develops a common chronic condition such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, or Addison's disease. Again, the extent of the coverage depends greatly on the insurance provider. Some canine insurance companies will cover chronic conditions if they occur in the earlier years of your dog's life, but they will exclude them later. They can even place limits on your payout. Major medical canine insurance is also called "catastrophic coverage." This type of canine insurance has a low montlhy premium and a high deductible. This type of plan benefits pet owners that need coverage in case of major emergencies such as an accident or unforseen conditions. This plan is also a good match for pet owners with a little money saved on the side to cover the high deductible.
Finding Comprehensive Coverage
Most canine insurance providers can craft an insurance policy to fit your own individual needs by combining several different types of coverages. Comprehensive coverage is usually a combination of routine and wellness coverage and major medical canine insurance. This type of insurance is subject to high deductibles.
The best time to purchase a canine insurance policy is when your dog is young. This will ensure the lowest rates. The average canine insurance policy costs around $20-$40 per month. To locate the best canine insurance providers, look for providers that have a long history and a providers that are vet recommended. Most veteran canine insurance providers such as 140-year-old American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 25-year-old VPI Pet Insurance, and Purina Care Pet Health Insurance offer comprehensive coverage. Starting with the top canine insurance providers will allow you to shop and compare typical rates and the most widely accepted plans.