Dog insurance is the last thing you want to think about when in the joyful process of adding a furry new member to the family; but it is something you may want to strongly consider. It is a good idea when you consider the costs that can incur in caring for a dog during his/her lifetime. Unfortunately dogs do get sick and into accidents where injury may occur and Vet costs can be expensive; particularly where surgery might be necessary. If it is an after hour emergency, drop-in clinics can charge up to $100.00 just to walk in the door, this tells you what kind of prices they charge.
This information is not to scare you but to impart realistic advise. Even with the best care and intentions, emergencies can and will occur and getting dog insurance for your dog can be a saving grace in times that will already be fraught with stress. In old age, trips to the Vet will become more frequent. As with people, dogs are living longer due to better quality of life. Ailments due to the aging process increase and therefore so does expense.
Many pet insurance companies have a very reasonable rate and it is worth the expense. Some companies also include added benefits like expenses for locating a lost pet. Different companies have different age requirements and usually have restrictions as to the number of visits to the vet prior to qualifying for insurance. Therefore it is a good idea to give dog insurance consideration before you get your puppy or very soon afterwards. In regards to getting an older dog you will have to check the companies for age restrictions. Quite often veterinarians provide information on various pet insurance companies that offer a variety of dog insurance policies; the Internet is also a good source.
Gabriele’s website http://www.1st-greyhound-dog-care.com was created for the appreciation of this unique breed. Having been an owner for fifteen years has given her first hand knowledge and a special love for the sensitive and beautiful Greyhound dog. Gabriele is also a great fan of all types of dogs and hopes that the reader of any breed owner finds the information from her articles helpful.
Tags: dog insurance, Greyhound, Greyhound dog, pet insurance
Have you taken your dog to the vet recently? Did you balk at the cost of a regular check up or the price tag of your dog’s medicine? In a more extreme example, your dog may have eaten something that didn’t agree with them and they are convulsing and coughing up blood. This frightens you and you rush them to the emergency vet hospital. The vet has trouble ascertaining the cause of their distress and runs several tests and pumps a plethora of medicines in your dog’s body.
Of course you love your dog and will do anything to save him. However, after the fright of the situation wears off you realize that your dog has racked up quite a vet bill. In fact, the bill may be over $1,000. Wow! There is no question that you should save your dog’s life by any means possible, but if this type of situation happens more than once your bank account might dwindle to nothing. Therefore, you need to purchase pet insurance for your dog.
Pet insurance for your dog you ask? Yes, you can purchase pet insurance for your canine companion. It is a great idea to purchase pet insurance for many reasons. Was your dog born with birth defects and other chronic problems? For example, some dogs are born with misplaced knee caps, “trick knees”, and will need costly surgery in the future. Another reason to buy pet insurance for your pet is that if they are getting on in years. Many times dogs will hit a certain age and it seems as if they are struck with several health problems at once.
Pet insurance is also a good option if you have an overly active or working dog. Does your dog tend to run around the country side and come home with scrapes and bruises? Do they bring home disease infested rodents for your viewing pleasure? Do they feel compelled to eat trash that is filled with bacteria even when they know they aren’t supposed to? Do you have more than one dog and fear the spread of a dog illnesses or infections? Pet insurance is something to consider in any of these cases.
How does pet insurance work? Pet insurance is very similar to your own health insurance plan. There are several different pet insurance plans to choose from that range in the amount of services and cost. Many pet insurance plans offer coverage regarding annual checkups, lab tests, vaccinations, drugs/medications, spaying/neutering and emergency visits. Often you will visit the vet, pay for the service and then submit your claim to the pet insurance company.
The range of coverage varies as does the deductible and reimbursement percentage. Some pet insurance plans will pay up to 80% of your vet bill after you have reached the $100 deductible. Pet insurance is an especially thankful gift when your dog has an emergency and racks up the medical costs.
In addition, pet insurance plans also allow you to choose the veterinarian you would like your dog to see. You do not have to worry about veterinarians “in your network” like you commonly do with your own health insurance plan.
When choosing a pet insurance plan you have a host of pet insurane companies available. Many of these companies have websites that can provide you an instant pet insurance quote. You type your contact information, the breed of your dog, and your dog’s age. You can find the costs for pet insurance plans that are basic to comprehensive and whether you want to pay the pet insurance premium monthly or once a year.
It depends on the age and breed of your dog, but you can find pet insurance premiums as low as $10-$15 per month. As your dog gets older, the cost will increase slightly due to the fact that older canines are prone to more illnesses and veterinarian visits. This rise in cost can be offset greatly by the amount of money you will save by purchasing a pet insurance plan.
Think pet insurance is too high or unnecessary? Consider the fact that if you don’t purchase pet insurance, you will have to pay the full amount for every vet service out of your pocket. This can soon add up to over thousands of dollars during your dog’s lifetime.
If your dog is susceptible to illness or you find yourself at the vet’s office often then check out pet insurance plans. You can peruse the Internet for instant quotes or contact your vet for possible pet insurance options. Finding pet insurance is as easy as signing up on the Internet. If you don’t feel comfortable with the Internet, then seek out the guidance of your vet. They may know well respected pet insurance companies that offer affordable pet insurance plans. Your pooch and your pocket book will thank you.
Katie Brandt’s website, http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com is the ultimate dog lover’s resource. Research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog supplies, dog health, dog school, dog grooming, dog laws, dog products & how to find dog sitters & dog walkers.
Tags: dog, dog breeds, dog care, dog health, dog insurance, pet care, pet insurancePets are an integral part of our lives. A pet often becomes like a member of the family. When a beloved pet becomes ill, people often go into debt to pay for treatments. Unexpected expenses resulting from broken bones, swallowed objects or other injuries can quickly become expensive. More people are beginning to purchase pet insurance for their pets. A variety of plans are available to fit your needs.
The most basic plans cover injuries and accidents. These plans cover incidents such as car accidents, broken bones, burns, allergic reactions or injuries involving your pet ingesting foreign objects or poisons. Such plans are relatively inexpensive, costing fewer than twenty dollars a month. With most plans, you are limited to two claims per year. Basic accident plans don’t cover expenses related to illness or disease.
Slightly more expensive are plans that cover both accidents and illness. These cover diseases of most major body systems, cancer and infectious disease. The limits on coverage range from two to three thousand dollars or more, varying with the cost of the plan. Many of these plans offer added benefits such as accidental death coverage, which reimburses you the purchase price of your pet, if he or she accidentally dies during treatment. Some plans offer to pay kennel fees for your pet if you are hospitalized and unable to care for your animal - this is an excellent added benefit.
A few companies are now offering plans specifically for older dogs. These plans are only slightly more expensive than those for other dogs. The deductibles tend to be higher on these plans. Pet insurance plans for older dogs cover stroke, heart disease and cancer, which occur most often in the older dog. In order to receive benefits, you must have the insurance before your pet becomes ill. If you suspect your pet is sick, don’t waste your money on health insurance. All plans for older dogs have health requirements and require a check up before the policy is issued. These health insurance plans offer euthanasia coverage in the event you would need to put your pet to sleep.
How much money you will save with pet insurance really depends on how often you need it. Unless your dog is accident prone or becomes very ill, the premium may not be worth the expense. Most policies have limits on treatment for cancer or other diseases, usually between two and three thousand dollars. Depending on the plan and the pet, you will spend between two and four thousand dollars for lifetime pet insurance coverage. Comprehensive plans which cover check ups and vaccinations are the best deal in terms of saving money at every visit to the vet.
When comparing pet insurance plans, don’t look at the monthly premium alone. A lower premium can mask higher deductibles. Read the plans carefully for information on deductibles and co payments. Check the rates for your pet. Some companies charge higher rates for certain dog breeds, older pets or pre existing medical conditions. Read everything carefully and ask questions. You want a policy that will be worth the money you spend in premiums.
Remember, all insurance companies want to make money. Plans are written to reduce the liability of the company and make a better profit. They stack the deck in their favor by excluding conditions typical in certain breeds. For example, many larger breed dogs are prone to hip dysphasia and certain disorders of the bones and joints, so many pet insurance plans list these ailments in the exclusions for the breeds most prone to the disorders. If you have a breed that is prone to a particular illness and pet insurance won’t cover the treatments it may not be worth the premium. For the same reason, pre existing conditions are generally not covered and some plans require a check up with a vet to exclude these.
For more pet insurance information including links to the best bargains on the internet visit http://www.petinsurance.awpet.com
Tags: insurance, pet insurance, petinsurance