May 29, 2025 | Pet Insurance
Finding The Best Insurance Plan For Your Dogs
The most affordable plans aren’t always the best choice for your cherished furry friend. Here’s how to shop wisely and find the right pet insurance plan for your pup.
Your pet is more than just an animal—they’re part of your family. As family members, it’s essential to ensure they receive proper care, especially when vet bills can be costly, especially after accidents or serious illnesses. Pet insurance can help ease this financial strain, but with so many providers offering different plans, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the best. Here’s what to consider:
Insurance Coverage
First, understand what type of coverage is typically offered. Some plans cover only accidents, while others include both accidents and illnesses—a more comprehensive approach.
A good accident and illness plan generally covers:
- X-rays, CT scans, MRIs
- Digestive issues
- Toxic ingestion
- Fractures
- Allergies
- Urinary tract infections
- Cancer
- Ear infections
- Chronic conditions
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Chiropractic treatments
Many providers also offer optional wellness or routine care coverage, which can help with annual vaccines, flea and tick preventatives, and other preventive services.
Selecting Your Coverage Limits
Your plan’s annual coverage limit determines how much the insurer pays out yearly. Some companies, like Nationwide, don’t set limits, while others offer tiered options. Generally, higher coverage limits mean higher premiums.
For example, Embrace offers plans from $5,000 up to $30,000 per year. Any costs exceeding the limit are your responsibility. When choosing, consider your dog’s age, breed, and activity level—active puppies might be more prone to injuries, while older dogs might need coverage for age-related issues like arthritis.
Deductibles
A deductible is what you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Many plans, like those from ASPCA, offer choices such as $100, $200, or $500 deductibles annually. Some insurers, like Trupanion, feature per-condition deductibles, which reset each time a new health issue occurs. Per-condition deductibles can be advantageous if your dog has only a few chronic issues but may be less ideal for dogs with multiple health needs.
Reimbursement Levels
This is the percentage of veterinary costs your insurer covers after your deductible. Typical options range from 70% to 90%. Higher reimbursement levels reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, but premiums are usually higher. Some providers, like Figo, even offer 100% reimbursement options.
If choosing lower reimbursement, ensure your budget can handle the remaining costs, especially for serious illnesses or injuries.
Breed and Cost Implications
Breeds influence premiums significantly. Larger or heavier breeds tend to have higher costs. For example, breeds like Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Pit Bulls, Bulldogs, and Dobermans generally have higher insurance premiums due to predispositions to certain health issues.
Tips for Pet Owners:
- Choose a reputable company: Opt for providers with a solid reputation for reliability and good customer service.
- Get quotes from multiple providers: Comparing plans helps you find the best fit for your pet’s needs and your budget.
- Assess your dog’s lifestyle: Active dogs that go outdoors more frequently may be more prone to injuries—consider this when selecting coverage.
- Check waiting periods: All plans have waiting periods before coverage starts. Shorter periods are better since accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly. Also, avoid plans with extended waiting periods for conditions like hip dysplasia.
- Look for 24/7 vet helplines: Some providers offer around-the-clock access to licensed vets, which can be invaluable for emergencies occurring at odd hours.
- Budget wisely: Choose a plan that’s affordable for your long-term finances. Higher deductibles and lower reimbursement percentages often mean lower monthly premiums but be prepared for more out-of-pocket costs if your pet needs extensive care. Also, verify if exam fees are included, as some plans cover them while others do not.
- Seek discounts: Many insurers offer discounts if you enroll multiple pets or have other qualifying factors, helping you save money.