How much does pet (dog) insurance cost, and what is the best insurance company out there?

7 Comments

1. Freebird says:

   December 7, 2009 at 5:06 am

   I called a range of companies for my dog’s insurance. I finally choose to insure her via the ASPCA as they didn’t try to scare me into the most expensive policy and a portion of all payments goes to the ASPCA. I choose relatively light coverage as my dog is young and healthy but I can add other cover later as long as I do it before she needs it. I plan to cover her more fully when she is about 6 years old before she shows signs of any chronic conditions..
   When I lived in the UK I used Petplan for my cats. The cover was good and one cat generally got injured enough every year to get me back way more than I paid in premiums.
2. tentoes says:

   December 7, 2009 at 5:06 am

   You need to do your own homework. What’s perfect for one person, may not be perfect for you.
3. kdoulos says:

   December 7, 2009 at 5:06 am

   Unless your dog is healthy with no preexisting conditions and it doesn’t have an accident where it requires emergency surgery within the first year of service then just about any insurance is ok. Personally after checking into three different insurance providers I determined it to be a waste of money.
   It is better to talk to your vet about their payment plans and options. Most vets have these, and can point you in the direction you need to go.
   I really don’t think the insurance is all that worth it, but that’s just me.
4. Bree says:

   December 7, 2009 at 5:06 am

   Here’s a pet insurance center, with a comparison grid of some 40+ pet insurance plans. One may just be perfect for you and your dog.

   http://dogtime.com/pet-insurance/center/home
5. shaycos says:

   December 7, 2009 at 5:06 am

   It varies like anything depending what’s included in your policy. Here dogs start from £4 a month but can go up to £20+ a month. However the cheaper policy’s often don’t cover, long term conditions and will only pay up to a certain amount for each condition, plus do not include things like prescription food which other policy’s do.
   Some you have to pay the bill and claim back too which doesn’t help if you don’t have the money in the first place, so check at your vets and see which company’s they are happy to wait for the claim for. Look through a few policy’s and decide whats best for you and your dog. If he’s a breed that is prone to Long term conditions your better paying that bit more and making sure it’s covered for life, not just up to a certain amount or for a certain period of time.

   I’m with petplan (uk). It does 3 levels of cover, though the lowest doesn’t cover for life. However this is the one that works for me, it doesn’t necesarily mean it’s the best for you so do some research first.
6. C says:

   December 7, 2009 at 5:06 am

   I used to get a $15/month plan offered through PetFinder (it’s called something else now, I think) when I adopted a new dog and kept it in effect for 6-12 months, depending how old the dog was when I got it. It covers emergency care only, not routine shots or tests or medication.

   It has been helpful twice (for worm medications and an infected foot) and was easy to use but I didn’t keep it in effect after that time because by then we’ve had enough routine visits to know the dog’s health and any pre-existing conditions. I just keep a budget so I can pay for routine care and the rare real emergency out of pocket.

   I know of some who needed bowel surgery (due to rawhide causing an obstruction) and were thankful they had the insurance because otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to save the dog or the dog has epilepsy and needs special medication and treatment. But it’s a very individual thing, depending on your pet (is it currently healthy? Any pre-existing conditions? Is it rambunctious and into everything? etc.), what specific coverage you want, and how big a premium you’re willing to pay.
7. Cookie says:

   December 7, 2009 at 5:06 am

   VPI……..http://www.petinsurance.com

   My daughter has this and loves it.