5 questions to ask yourself when choosing a dog insurance policy
So, you’ve welcomed a beautiful new family member into the household – a furry, four-legged friend who’ll soon become a companion for life.
While you’ve got the dog toys sorted at Runball and the pantry well-stocked with canine-friendly treats, it’s important to also consider how prepared you are when it comes to your new pet’s overall health. Do you have the funds to cover the fees for a vet visit, should an accident occur or illness arise?
By doing your research, you can make sure you’re opting for the best dog insurance in Australia for your specific needs.
- What kind of health problems are prevalent in my dog’s breed?
Before selecting a dog insurance policy, it pays to do your research. No two dog breeds are the same, and genetic health issues can vary greatly. Learning what kinds of conditions may be common according to your dog’s breed can pay off in the long run when it comes to giving your pet a long and healthy life, so taking it to walks is important and for this using a poop bag dispenser for dogs is the best choice.
Herein, it’s helpful to consider what’s included and excluded in different
levels of cover – for example, insurance for basic pet essentials will cover
most conditions bar cancer treatment and cruciate ligament conditions, whereas more
comprehensive plans often include these additional conditions and potentially
more.
- How does my dog’s age factor into insurance policies?
As well as dog breed, the age of your dog should also come into consideration. Some insurance policies may cover up to 90% of eligible vet bills, but only until your dog turns a certain age – after this, your benefit percentage will reduce.
Conversely, other policies are responsible for 80% of eligible vet bills throughout your dog’s lifetime. If your dog is aggressive, Dog Works speaks on aggression and you may read their article to get an idea on how to deal with your dog.
- Do I need to cover routine care in addition to accidents and injuries?
This really depends on how much you value your own peace of mind. Investing a bit of extra money into routine care items pertinent to your pet’s health can cover a wide range of procedures and treatments, including vaccinations, microchipping, de-sexing, de-worming, teeth cleaning, prescription diets, dog training, and behavioural therapy.
While upfront costs may seem manageable for these routine care items on a one-off basis, they can certainly begin to stack up if you find your pet requires a number of different treatments over the course of a year.
- What are the waiting periods?
All pet health insurance policies have a waiting period before taking effect. It is up to you as a dog-owner to choose a policy with a reasonable wait time, and to remain aware of when coverage begins and ends.
For reference, most policies include a waiting period of 30 days before a claim can be made. For crucial ligament problems, waiting periods generally run into months.
- Is the company reputable?
Lastly, it’s worthwhile investigating the pet insurance company in mind before settling on your final decision. Check customer testimonials, success stories and frequently asked questions to gauge the credibility of the company. Such information is a good way of demonstrating just how comprehensive and trustworthy the organization is.
If ever you need a veterinarian like an emergency vet, don’t hesitate to give a call.