If you're looking to purchase insurance coverage for your dog, you can select a policy from a conventional agency or dog club insurance. Comparing these two options starts with understanding basic differences between standard dog insurance policies, like those offered by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), and coverage sponsored by a club, like The American Kennel Club (AKC).
Differences in Premiums and Choice of Veterinarians
The AKC's Pet Healthcare program allows you to select any veterinarian in the U.S. and Canada-if you're visiting. It offers five different plans in the Wellness (shots and exams) and Accident (illness, cancer and injury) categories, with coverage ranging from $1,500 to $13,000 per year.
VPI's coverage allows you to choose any veterinarian worldwide, and consists of two coverage levels:
- a Superior Plan, that provides the highest reimbursement amounts for eligible emergencies and illnesses and accidental injuries
- a VPI Standard Plan that offers more economical coverage in these areas
VPI uses a benefit schedule that allows a certain amount of coverage per incident. For example, the Superior Plan covers up to $1121 for surgical procedures requiring pins, wires or screws, while the Standard Plan offers $1018 in coverage.
Additional Features of Dog Club and Traditional Insurance
Other benefits advertised by AKC's insurance are:
- premiums that do not increase depending on your dog's breed
- choice of monthly or annual premium payments
- benefits based on veterinarian recommendations
VPI's list of advantages includes:
- its status as the largest and oldest pet insurance provider
- recommendation from 9 out of 10 veterinarians
- no pre-certification requirements in order to receive coverage