Should You Buy Dog Medical Insurance?

Author: Andrew Ziebarth

With all the things in today's world, is dog medical insurance another thing you should have on your mind? The simple fact is yes. There are several practical and logical reasons why buying dog medical insurance is not only beneficial to you, but to your family and dog also. This article will briefly explain some basic costs and coverage facts, and also some very important reasons why dog medical insurance is needed.

-Quick Cost Facts-

Medical insurance for your dog, like medical insurance for yourself, has annual premiums and deductibles. * Dog insurance premiums depend on the breed of your dog and the type of policy you decide upon. If you have more than one dog, there is usually a reduced rate after the first policy.

Dog medical insurance deductibles can vary as well. The average annual deductible is about $100. You may choose among different coverage plans which are based on your dog's age, breed, and pre-existing medical conditions. Some policies even consider the dog's lifestyle; for instance, whether your dog is purely a pet or a watchdog, too.

-Quick Coverage Facts-

Dog insurance healthcare plans can vary greatly. Some canine medical plans are quite comprehensive, covering annual checkups, routine care, vaccinations and other preventive medications, and spaying/neutering, as well as illnesses and accidents. Others only cover unexpected sickness or injuries. Dog insurance coverage for emergencies begins immediately on most new dog health plans, with a 30-day waiting period for illness and other claims.

Your dog's age can affect your dog's medical insurance coverage. Typically, policies begin veterinary healthcare coverage when the dog is 6 to 8 weeks old, although some will start when the dog is younger. Similarly, some dog health insurance companies only will cover dogs under 8 years old unless the animal was already insured with them before turning 8.

Many dog medical insurers will not cover your pet if she has a preexisting condition or a terminal illness. Some will insure the dog only if the condition is controlled or stable, usually for 6 months. With all these options, it is important you check out the various dog health insurance companies, their pet insurance policies and corresponding dog healthcare plans.

-Reasons to Purchase Dog Medical Insurance-

Peace of Mind: No one plans on their dog getting sick or being in an accident. With dog medical insurance, you don't have to worry about being faced with unexpected medical bills. You will be able to provide the best possible care for your pet when the unexpected happens. Responsible Care

In many European countries - like the UK and Sweden - insuring your pet is just as common as insuring your home or car. It's second nature. Today, responsible dog ownership is about more than loving them - it means being able to provide the right environment, stimulation, lifestyle, exercise and activity levels, nutrition and health care for your dog. If your dog is in an accident, it deserves to have proper treatment in order to survive. With dog medical insurance, you will be able to provide this for your dog.

Financing Your Dog's Health: We all have the best intentions when it comes to saving money for emergencies, however it seems like something always comes up and we're back to square one.

Dog medical insurance plans are like an emergency fund that never runs out!

Dog medical insurance is a way to budget and control the cost of keeping your dog healthy. You'll always know your monthly costs so you won't be caught unprepared in the case of an emergency. You'll be free to provide your dog with your love and attention in the times of most crutial need.

In fact, dog medical insurance saves you money. Veterinary costs have been increasing rapidly over the last ten years. If you do not have a dog medical insurance, you are responsible for paying for everything: routine checkups, preventive procedures, emergency care, and disease treatments. All of these costs will add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over the span of your dog's life.

Avoiding Difficult Decisions: Did you know that many dogs do not receive potentially life-saving treatments because the cost is too great for the owners to bear?

Dog medical insurance allows you to provide your dog with the best possible care. Decisions regarding treatment are no longer complicated by financial restrictions. Treatments that may otherwise be unattainable can be provided without a second thought. Your primary concern becomes the health of your dog, not the cost of care.

Planning for the Future: When you insure your dog before it develop any health problems, you are completely covered if they develop anything in the future.

With dog medical insurance, your dog will be covered for any conditions that does not exist before enrolling or that arise after the waiting period. Don't be caught unprotected. Insure your dog before anything happens.

Protection from the Unexpected: When people choose their dog, they often plan for how compatible that species or breed will be with their lifestyle. However, few people budget for the common illnesses and medical problems associated with their dog's type or breed, or for the additional accidents or mishaps that occur over the course of an average dog's life; things like ear infections, fights with other dogs and swallowing foreign objects.

Dog medical insurance is your way of preparing for the costs of these unexpected occurrences, so you can go on with your life as quickly and easily as possible.

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In short, if you care about your dog, you should care about his health. If you care about your wallet, you should care about your dog's health insurance coverage, too.

About the author: Dog Medical Insurance

Andrew Ziebarth owns and operates many dog health and information sites, including one about dog medical insurance. Check it out for tips, and even a RISK-FREE, NO-COST quote for dog medical insurance: http://www.dog-medical-insurance.info