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How to Shop for Dog Health Insurance USA Policies

Table of Contents

Overview | Considerations | Sample Policy Comparisons | Q&A

Summary:

"Knowing how to shop for dog health insurance in the USA and understanding policies can save you money and provide the peace of mind that you will be able to afford medical care if your pet becomes ill or is hurt.

Your veterinarian is a highly skilled expert, however, visits to the Vet can be costly. Dog health insurance is a tool for budgeting for the unexpected through the monthly payments paid to the insurance company. Your goal as an owner is to protect yourself against the most expensive of those payments at the lowest cost possible.

Start by pricing coverage for those things that are out of your everyday care budget such as accidents and illnesses, and then add additional coverage until you get to a comfortable monthly price premium. You can also reduce the cost of insurance by accepting a higher deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket for every incident and by accepting a lower lifetime coverage maximum."

Overview: Purchasing Dog Health Insurance (USA)

In general, USA policies for dog health insurance cover one of more of the following categories. Each plan has options for only covering one area, such as accidents, while others will cover accident, illness and injuries, with an additional premium for preventative care. We suggest starting by reviewing the plans offered by Pets Best, since they were the first to offer this type of insurance and then compare online quotes provided to those of other plans (see below for suggestions).

  • Accidental Injuries
  • Preventive Care (tests for heartworm, vaccinations)
  • Medications
  • Illness and Injuries

Plans also vary by the deductibles that you pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in (typically you can choose $100, $200 and $250).

Considerations

Considerations when Purchasing Puppy or Dog Health Insurance USA Policies
Considerations
What to Look For in Dog Health Insurance USA Plans
Puppies or Young Dogs
 If shopping for Dog health insurance for puppies consider a policy that pays for costs associated with younger dogs such as vaccinations, spaying, neutering and microchips.
Older Dogs
 If shopping for older dogs consider features such as payment for dental cleanings, diagnostic exams such as blood tests and x-rays, EKGs.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Dog pet insurance US plans specifically state the policy toward different types of pre-existing conditions. Conditions can include hereditary diseases, congenital defects (inherited birth defects), conditions that exist prior to the policy start date (most plans require that your pet be symptom free for at least 6 months).
Breeds
 Many breeds are known to have certain medical problems. Some plans may exclude your breed based on the medical history of the breed in general.
Wellness Care
 Save money by paying out of pocket for everyday Vet checkups and care, using insurance only for accident and chronic illness protection

Typical Dog Health Insurance Policy Choices

Since every company offering dog health insurance USA policies is different, the best approach is to request 2 or 3 quotes at the same premium level (eg; $15 - $20 a month), and then compare deductibles and benefits in the accident, illness, and preventative care categories. Also check to make sure that your dog health insurance USA plan will pay regardless of where you take your dog for care.

It only takes seconds to request a quote online and no sales person will call. Start with Pets Best as the baseline since they were the first US dog pet insurance company and then compare the others.

Sample Dog Health Insurance USA Illustrations
(will vary by breed, canine age and State)
Prices Shown for Jack Russell Terrier Pure Breed Under 1 Year of Age, Healthy in New York State
Insurance Company
 Basic Policy
 Mid Level Policy
 Best Policy
Pets Best
 Pets Basic: $16.61/month
  • Lifetime Benefit $42,500
  • Max Benefit Per Incident: $2,500
  • Deductible options: $100, $250, $500
  • Behavioral Consult: $200
  • Lifetime benefit for Hereditary Conditions, but excludes congenital (conditions that are present at birth): $500
  • Wellness Care coverage available for additional $20+ per month which includes up to $480
 Pets First: $34.55/month
  • Lifetime Benefit: $100,000
  • Max Benefit Per Incident: $7,000
  • Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500
  • Behavioral Consult: $300
  • Lifetime benefit for Hereditary Conditions, but excludes congenital (conditions that are present at birth): $1,000
  • Wellness Care coverage available for additional $20+ per month which includes up to $480
  Pets Premier: $55.22/month
  • Lifetime Benefit: $100,100
  • Max Benefit Per Incident: $14,000
  • Deductible Options: $100, $250, $500
  • Behavioral Consult: $400
  • Lifetime benefit for Hereditary Conditions, but excludes congenital (conditions that are present at birth): $2,500
  • Wellness Care coverage available for additional $20+ per month which includes up to $480
24 Pet Watch
 QuickCare: $10.95/month
  • 100% coverage up to $2,000 per incident coverage for:
    Foreign Body Ingestion, Motor Vehicle Accidents, and Bone Fractures
  • $1,500 per incident coverage for:
    Poison Ingestion
  • $500 per incident coverage for:
    Lacerations, Burns, and Allergic Reaction to Insect Bites
  • Deductible
    $50 per incident deductible.
  • Coverage Begins At 12:01 am EST the morning following enrollment
 QuickCare Optimum: $36.96/month
  • Accidents: Covers all accidents up to $3,000 per incident; you can make an unlimited number of accident claims!
  • Illnesses: Covers all illnesses, up to $36,000 in illness coverage ($3,000 per category).

  • Deductible
    $100 per incident deductible.
  • Co-Payment 70% reimbursement of each covered claim up to the policy limits.
  • Coverage Begins: Accident coverage begins at 12:01 am EST the morning following enrollment!
  • Illness coverage begins 30 days after enrollment.
QuickCare Gold: $73.90/month

  • Accidents: Covers all accidents up to $3,000 per incident; you can make an unlimited number of accident claims!
  • Illnesses: Covers all illnesses, up to $72,000 in lifetime illness coverage ($6,000 per category).

  • Deductible
    $100 per incident deductible.
  • Co-Payment 90% reimbursement of each covered claim up to the policy limits.
  • Coverage Begins: Accident coverage begins at 12:01 am EST the morning following enrollment!
  • Illness coverage begins 30 days after enrollment.
Purina Care
 Accident Only: $12.50/month


 Accident Plus Illness: $42.79/month (depending on deductible, $250 level shown)

Includes the following:
  • Accident & Illness
  • Hospitalization
  • Surgery
  • Hereditary Conditions
  • Diagnostics
  • Prescription Medications
 Accident, Illness Plus Preventative Care: $63.35/month

Includes the following:
  • Accident & Illness
  • Hospitalization
  • Surgery
  • Hereditary Conditions
  • Diagnostics
  • Prescription Medications

Plus Preventive Care:
  • Vaccinations
  • Annual Exams
  • Dental Scaling & Polishing
  • Spaying/Neutering
  • Heartworm & Flea Control

For more information on dog health insurance USA plans visit canine health insurance.

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