How to Compare Dog Insurance
Dog insurance plans help dog owners with the cost of a pet's care. Like health insurance for families, dog insurance pays a portion of health care services. Many dog owners have no idea of the true cost of proper pet care and get a rude awakening at the vet's office. Purchasing dog insurance can alleviate the strain of paying large bills for major procedures, or even the yearly health check-up.
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Instructions
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Ask your veterinarian's office what dog insurance plans they accept. Your vet office may only accept certain insurance plans. Some of the major dog insurance companies are VPI, Petplan USA, ASPCA and Embrace. Visit the websites of each plan where you will find a wealth of information about their services.
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Research online dog forums and ask questions of dog owners who have used dog insurance. Ask what company they recommend and if the plans were easy to use. Other dog owners are a great source of firsthand knowledge. Consider the insurer's customer service reputation.
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Compare plans. This requires a thorough review, as dog insurance ranges from basic coverage to very comprehensive plans, with a wide array of costs. Comprehensive plans may offer routine, accident and preventative coverage, while full coverage premier plans may cover a portion of extensive services such as boarding and advertising and reward fees for lost dogs. Plans may only cover routine care such as wellness exams, vaccinations and dental cleaning, but no accident or illness coverage. Other plans may only cover accident or illness related care but not routine. Compare each plan carefully to determine the full extent of the coverage.
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Review costs such as premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Obtain quotes and compare the plans, factoring in your budget and the age and health of your dog. According to Cost Helper, premiums average $22-28 per month depending on the plan you select. Compare if the plan reimburses you after paying the bill in full, or offers co-pay arrangements like traditional human health insurance. Consider if payment is based on a benefit schedule that pays a set amount for a specific service, or a percentage of the total vet bill. Payments may vary regionally, as cost of care in New York City is likely higher than care in Southern or Midwestern states. Lastly, compare if each plan offers multi-pet discounts if you have more than one dog to insure.
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Compare dog insurance plan exclusions. Some dog insurance plans may exclude certain illnesses such as cancer; hereditary conditions by breed such as hip dysplasia for Labrador Retrievers; or whole breeds, such as Pit Bulls or German Shepherds. Review the pre-existing conditions clause, as some plans will not cover any pre-existing conditions, while others may cover conditions deemed as temporary and curable.
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- Photo Credit naughty dog image by MichMac from Fotolia.com
