Many factors influence the cost of pet insurance for dogs, from the size of the breed to your geographic location. But a key factor is the type of policy you select. The best plan for your dog depends on what kind of coverage you want and are willing to pay for, and which company offers the lowest premiums.
Some policies include a variety of supplemental coverage options, such as dental care or weight management. Others do not, so it’s important to consider your specific needs when shopping for coverage. Some plans also limit the number of claims you can make in a year, and others include annual limits on covered expenses, which can be a good way to save money on premiums.
There are also differences in how companies handle pre-existing conditions. Some, like Pets Best, treat them as a separate category and require a waiting period before coverage kicks in. This can help you save money in the long run because your plan will be less expensive if you need to use it for an illness that occurs after the waiting period ends.
Another thing to keep in mind is whether a company reimburses for all treatments for a condition or only after the deductible has been met. Some policies have a flat annual deductible that you’ll need to meet before they start reimbursing you, while others have a per-incident deductible. The latter can be more affordable, but you’ll need to meet the deductible every time you go to the vet for treatment for a different condition.
Accident-and-illness coverage is the most popular type of pet insurance. It typically covers a broad range of medical expenses, including diagnostic tests, procedures and hospitalizations. It also pays for medical prescriptions, which are generally not covered by other types of pet insurance. Many companies offer a preventive care add-on, which is an endorsement that can cover routine wellness visits and vaccinations. This is usually available with higher-priced plans and costs between $10 and $50 extra each month.
AKC is one of the few companies that offers a full range of pet insurance options, including three tiers of accident-and-illness coverage and two wellness add-ons. Its policies also offer plenty of ways to customize your coverage, including a variety of deductibles, reimbursement rates and limits. And for larger expenses, such as surgeries, AKC will work with your vet directly to pay them, alleviating some of the upfront financial burden. pet insurance for dog