Dog insurance has been around for a long time but it̵7;s become more popular in recent years. More and more pet owners consider dogs a member of their family and treat them like children. They want to make sure their pets get the care they need and deserve. Dog insurance can make a big difference in the care your pet receives. More insurance companies are available to offer dog insurance than ever before but just like insurance for humans, dog insurance comes with pre-existing conditions.
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Definition
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As a general rule, insurance companies will not cover pets that have a pre-existing condition. However, the way a pre-existing condition is handled will depend on the insurance company you choose. This is due to the fact that what̵7;s considered a pre-existing condition varies from one company to another. A pre-existing condition is usually defined as a medical problem that existed before you decided to take insurance out on your dog. Nevertheless, some insurance companies define it as any type of congenital disorder.
Types
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Congenital disorders are medical conditions that many dogs are born with. These can show up anytime through the dog̵7;s life or they may never show up at all depending on many different factors. Other types of pre-existing conditions include respiratory infections, bladder and urinary tract infections, diabetes, allergies and cancer. Some of these are considered curable and they may be accepted by the insurance with a waiting period and others are considered chronic and may not be accepted.
Cost and Coverage
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Medical costs for your dog can add up. The cost for dog insurance will vary considerably depending on the breed, age and overall health of the dog. Some insurance companies consider the lifestyle of the pet and whether or not it lives inside or outside the home. Insurance for a dog with pre-existing conditions will normally be higher than one for a healthy dog. The average deductible is one hundred dollars but this will depend on the company you choose and the plan you take out but it can be changed. There are comprehensive packages that include preventive coverage such as routine checkups and vaccinations. Other packages cover accidents and unexpected illnesses.
Pros and Cons
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The decision to take out dog insurance is a personal one and only you can decide if it̵7;s right for you and your pet. With the cost of health care rising even for animals, it̵7;s something to consider carefully. Ask yourself what you would do if your dog became ill or if it got hurt in an accident. Would you be able to pay for the medical care needed to nurse it back to health? Could you pay for emergency surgery? If the answer is no, then dog insurance would be practical.
Tips
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Before you decide on an insurance company for your pet, there are a few things that you need to find out first. Ask a lot of questions to find out exactly what they cover and what they don̵7;t. Learn as much as you can about your dog and keep track of their medical history. This will help you know what questions to ask that will be the most beneficial. Go over pre-existing conditions carefully to make sure you understand what will be covered and what will not.
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