There are many things to consider when owning a dog and insuring health cost is certainly one of them. The answer to the question “is dog health insurance right for you” really depends on how you answer these two fundamental questions.
How attached are you to your dogs, are they a part of your life and are they considered family members?
Would you be willing to spend whatever it takes to keep your dog healthy or even alive if some unforeseen incident occurred?
It is likely if you answered yes to one of these questions you most likely answered yes to both. If so than you may want to consider health insurance for your canine companion because veterinary bills usually exceed most pet owner’s expectations.
I personally know several dog breeders that annually have over 10,000.00 in veterinary bills, so pet insurance is a no brainier for these folks. But there are many dog owners that have just one or two dogs that may wish to take their chances with out of pocket veterinary expenses, and there is nothing wrong with that approach. On the other hand some of us that have experienced shocking vet bills are happy to pay a small premium every a month to help with these costs. Fortunately the option is available for those of us that see value in it.
If you decide pet insurance is a good idea for your canine than I suggest you make an educated decision about pet health insurance and get answers to these very important questions first.
Does the company believe in routine care for your pet?
Are you limited to a veterinary network or required to pre-certify?
Are pre-existing conditions always excluded?
Does the company receive veterinary recognition?
Does the company employ certified and trained professionals?
Does the company show stability and how long have they been in business?
Are you offered annual policies with clear renewal terms?
It is important to have a clear understanding of what these companies offer and how well they are accepted in veterinary medicine before deciding on a policy. It is a good idea to ask your vet and other pet owners what companies have a good reputation in dog health. Take your time and read what these companies have to offer and pick the best plan for you and your family dog.