According to research from the pet insurance company Pawlicy, only about one-fifth of pet owners could afford an unexpected $5,000 vet bill. As a pet owner, it’s scary to think that you might be unprepared for a serious emergency like that, which is why pet insurance for dogs could be worth considering.
But if you haven’t purchased pet insurance for dogs before, you might not know where to start. We’ve put together this brief article to help you through the process, from researching insurance providers to gathering quotes to signing up for a new policy. Keep reading to learn the basics of purchasing pet insurance for dogs.
Learn about pet insurance for dogs
Before you pick a pet insurance policy, you should understand how it works. In short, pet insurance for dogs is similar to your own health insurance.
After you sign up for a plan, you’ll need to pay a monthly premium. When you take your dog to the vet for an approved procedure, you’ll need to pay the bill and then submit it to your insurance company for partial reimbursement.
So what’s covered in a dog pet insurance policy? You will find that the majority of pet insurance policies offer coverage for things such as accidents, illnesses, injuries, and conditions that your dog is diagnosed with during the period in which he or she is insured. Pet insurance does not include protection against pre-existing conditions or cosmetic procedures like grooming and tail docking.
Research pet insurance providers in your area
Most pet insurance plans will have the standard inclusions listed above. However, there are also some providers that offer their own policies with varying levels of coverage. You’ll need to review each insurer’s offering to evaluate the specifics of their plans.
As you research providers, you’ll see that many of the biggest health insurance companies also offer pet insurance. In fact, you might start out your research by checking to see if your insurance company sells pet insurance policies. Since you’re already a customer, you might be able to secure a discount with your current provider.
In the United States, some of the most well-known pet insurance firms include Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, Embrace Pet Insurance, Trupanion, Petplan, and Pawlicy.
Gather quotes and select a provider
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few potential providers, you’ll want to get policy quotes from each one of them. The price you’ll pay for your plan will depend on several factors, including the age and breed of your dog. During this process, you will answer some specific questions about your pup to get a tailored quote.
Finally, when you’ve found a plan that fits your needs and works within your budget, it’s time to sign up. Any of the major providers listed above will allow you to sign up online in just a few minutes.
Many times, signing up for any type of insurance can be daunting. But picking a pet insurance policy doesn’t have to be difficult. With these tips, you can quickly identify the right plan for you and your furry friend.
For more pet ownership resources and tips, check out the PetPonder blog.
