The Most Common Pet Health Issues and How Much They'll Cost You
Oct. 14, 2024
How To Choose The Right Insurance For Your Pet
Aug. 15, 2024
5 Tips for Reducing Your Pet Insurance Costs
Sep. 18, 2024
This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to our visitors. We accept advertising compensation from companies that appear on the site, which may impact the location and order in which brands (and/or their products) are presented, and may also impact the score that is assigned to it. Company listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement. We do not feature all providers on the market. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information, including pricing, which appears on this site is subject to change at any time
Your good boy or girl deserves the best health care. Compare these leading dog health insurance companies with plans made to keep their tail wagging.
Lemonade
467 pet-parentsvisited this site today
Spot Pet Insurance
Embrace
Pets Best
WagWalking.com
Fetch
got a quote via this site in the past week
Lemonade
467 pet-parentsvisited this site today
Dog insurance is a health insurance policy specifically designed to cover your dog's medical needs. Policies range from accident-only plans and accident-and-illness coverage to wellness and lifetime plans. Each type has its benefits and limitations, so it's essential to consider your dog's age, breed, and overall health, as well as your budget, when selecting coverage. The best pet insurance for dogs allows owners to customize annual coverage limits, reimbursement percentages, and deductibles, ensuring the plan meets their dog’s specific needs.
Finding the best pet insurance for dogs requires understanding the various plans available and what they cover. Some dog insurance providers offer extensive options, while others specialize in specific coverage types.
Wendy Hauser, DVM and veterinary advisor at ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, says: “I recommend pet owners understand different choices for percentage reimbursement, deductible levels, if there are any waiting periods, and if there are any annual or per-incident maximums.
"Additionally," she notes, "pet owners should review sample policies on the website to understand what is covered and what is excluded. Comparison tools help to highlight how provider coverage differs.”
To find the cheapest pet insurance for dogs or the most comprehensive coverage, assess your dog’s individual needs. Younger dogs may benefit from wellness plans, while older pets often require accident-and-illness coverage. Here are some key questions to ask:
What are the monthly premiums for my dog health insurance?
Will my premium increase each year? How is the increase determined?
Is pet wellness or dental coverage included? Is there an extra fee?
Can I file a claim using my smartphone?
How are pre-existing conditions defined?
What is/isn’t covered?
Are there waiting periods?
Are there plan discounts, including multi-pet discounts?
Your budget is critical when choosing a dog insurance plan. A policy with a higher deductible will typically have lower monthly premiums, but you’ll pay more out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in. If you can afford it, a lower deductible may offer better financial protection in emergencies.
Most dog insurance providers have waiting periods before coverage begins. For accidents and illnesses, this is generally around 14 days or less. However, certain conditions, like cruciate ligament issues, may have longer waiting periods, sometimes up to six months.
Many dog insurance providers offer discounts that can help lower the cost of your plan. For example, look for multi-pet discounts if you insure more than one dog, or savings for paying annually rather than monthly. Some companies also provide discounts for spaying or neutering your pet, military service, or bundling with other types of insurance.
Getting the cheapest pet insurance for dogs doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality. Start by obtaining quotes from multiple providers for the same level of coverage and deductible. Pay attention to differences in the fine print to understand what’s truly included. The best pet insurance for dogs will strike a balance between affordability and comprehensive care.
The cost of dog health insurance varies based on factors like your dog's breed, age, and medical history. On average, monthly premiums range between $40 and $70, but the exact amount depends on the coverage you choose. High-coverage plans typically cost more but provide better financial protection in emergencies.
The best pet insurance companies understand that no two pets’ needs are the same. Here are some of the criteria used to calculate costs:
Pet insurance costs are primarily determined by three things:
Annual maximum coverage: The higher the maximum, the higher the premium.
Reimbursement Level: Options typically range from 70% to 90% but can go lower and higher.
Deductible: Normally anywhere from $50 to $1,000. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium.
Pet insurance for a puppy or kitten will likely cost less. Over time, your monthly premium may increase as your pet ages and becomes more likely to have health issues.
In addition to your pet’s age and weight, the insurer may also look at its breed to calculate your premium. Some breeds are more prone to hereditary and congenital health problems and present more risk to the insurer.
Here are a few dog breeds that may cost more to get pet insurance for:
Cane Corso
French Bulldog
Mastiff
Newfoundland
Rottweiler
Saint Bernard
Sometimes one gender of animal is more likely to develop certain illnesses or diseases, or even engage in riskier behavior that might cause accidents and injury.
Because veterinarian costs vary depending on location, so can your pet insurance premium. Areas where vets charge more may have higher pet insurance rates to cover those costs.
Most dog insurance plans cover a range of medical issues, including accidents, illnesses, diagnostic tests, and hospitalizations. Some policies extend to dental illnesses, cancer treatments, and even alternative therapies. Check whether your plan includes extras like prescription medications or behavioral treatments.
Most carriers don't cover pre-existing conditions, spaying/neutering, flea and heartworm prevention, dental cleaning, grooming, wellness visits, or prescription food. Some policies cover euthanasia, funeral costs, and behavioral treatments, but most do not. Elective procedures like tail docking and declawing are usually excluded.
Pet insurance usually works on a reimbursement basis. This means you pay the vet upfront, then file a claim to get reimbursed for eligible expenses. Some companies partner with vets to pay them directly, so you only cover the costs that aren't eligible.
There may be exclusions for age or breed, and many won't cover pre-existing conditions.
Even the best companies have waiting periods for accidents and illness, usually up to two weeks. For cruciate ligaments, it may be six months, though some insurers waive this with a vet’s note.
When shopping for the best pet insurance, see if your preferred vet is one you can visit with your policy.
For many pet owners, the peace of mind provided by dog health insurance is invaluable. It ensures that financial concerns don’t stand in the way of necessary care for your furry friend. The cheapest pet insurance for dogs may be an excellent starting point, but always weigh affordability against the level of coverage offered.
When you buy a pet insurance policy, you'll pick an annual limit, deductible, and reimbursement percentage. These choices help determine your premium and the maximum amount you can get back yearly.
The past five years have seen significant changes in the pet health industry. According to a recent study, nearly a quarter of pet owners reported increased pet care costs in the past year, driven by inflation, higher veterinary staff wages, and the high cost of new medications. Additionally, over a third of pet owners said it would be financially challenging to pay for a minor operation for their pet.
These factors have led to increased demand for pet insurance and higher premiums, up to 20% in the last year. It's crucial for pet owners to research, compare policies, and consider the costs of pet insurance so that they're not taken advantage of.
It's worth bearing in mind that a 2022 MarketWatch Guides Team study found that 99.5% of pet owners who bought pet insurance did not regret it.
Pet insurance can provide financial support should your pet need costly exams or treatments. If you decide that pet insurance is right for you, know that not all pet insurance companies are identical, nor are policies identical. Know what you and your pet need in a policy and then compare providers to find the best policy.
Su Guillory is a freelance business writer and expat coach. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, Nav, SoFi, and AllBusiness. She writes about business and personal credit, insurance, loans, and credit cards.