Best Pet Insurance Policies For Your Dog

Some say that, in life, you should expect the unexpected. You probably know that is easier said than done. Dog insurance provides invaluable peace of mind that your pet is protected should the unexpected happen, regardless of your financial situation.

How does dog insurance work?

Simply put, pet insurance helps you cover the cost of vet bills, so you can rest assured that your dog will receive the best possible care regardless of what your bank account looks like when the unexpected happens.

Similarly to car insurance, the cost of your dog insurance will vary depending on what’s included in your policy as well as other factors like the age/breed of your dog and where you live.

When you choose a policy, you will pay a premium, which is usually monthly, to carry the insurance. Your chosen policy will define what is covered, such as accidents only or more expanded coverage of wellness visits, etc., as well as how much of the cost will be covered by your insurance policy.

When your pet needs care that is covered by your policy, you will pay a deductible, which is stated in your policy. After your deductible, your insurance company will typically work with the veterinarian to pay their portion of the cost of care. A representative from your chosen health insurance company can talk you through the specifics of how the claim process works for that company.

For example, if your policy offers 90% coverage for new illnesses with a $100 deductible, you will pay $100 at checkout and then 10% of the remaining balance. If your pet gets sick again in that year (or the period of your deductible), you will only pay 10% of the bill, since your deductible has already been met.

Who is dog insurance for?

Everyone! The cost of veterinary care can add up very quickly, especially as your dog ages or if he/she has a chronic illness. Even if you believe you have plenty of money saved up for emergencies, the cost of treatment and follow-up care will bring a quick financial burden on you and your family. Dog insurance will lessen the blow of an unexpected accident or a long-term medical condition so that your money is still safe for you to enjoy your pet and your life.

By considering dog health insurance as an investment and protection in case of emergency, it becomes less of a question of if you should consider pet insurance and more of a question of which dog insurance policy is best for you and your dog.

What should I keep in mind when searching for a dog insurance policy?

Many factors go into your choice of which dog insurance policy works best for you and your pet.

1. Cost of Dog Insurance

One of the biggest things to consider is cost. You will want to determine what you can afford to pay in a monthly premium as well as how well you might be able to manage the deductible should your pet get sick. Often, plans with a low monthly premium have a higher deductible and vice versa. If you don’t have much flexibility in your budget for a larger deductible, for example, it may be best to choose a plan that costs a little more each month in order to have a lower deductible.

2. Age of Your Dog

Age of your pet is also important to consider. Many plans require that a puppy reach a certain age (often between six and eight weeks) before offering coverage. Additionally, some plans do not cover senior dogs. Plans that do cover senior dogs may have varied levels of coverage as your pet ages.

3. How Much You Want Your Policy to Cover

Finally, you’ll want to consider how much you want your pet insurance policy to cover. Besides accident and illness coverage, many providers now offer wellness plans that cover the cost of routine veterinary care, and advanced treatment for conditions such as cancer. Additionally, you’ll need to think about things such as dog dental care being included in your plan. Of course, plans that cover more often also cost more, so you will have to decide how much you will want to pay up front versus at the time your pet becomes sick or injured.

With a growing range of dog health insurance policies and alternative methods of funding pet health care, we're confident that you'll find the best pet insurance options that work for your dog and your finances.

How do I use the charts below?

The cost of your dog insurance will vary depending on what’s included in your policy. Your level of coverage, co-payment amount, deductible options, and even the age and breed of your dog and where you live, can all affect your monthly insurance premiums, which is why it’s important to compare a range of insurers to find a policy which best suits your individual needs and budget.

The charts below highlight plans from the United States, Canada, or both. You’ll find basic information for a variety of companies, including monthly cost, coverage, deductible, and age limit (if any). You’ll also find a rating and number of reviews, which you can click on to read hundreds, even thousands, of reviews from actual pet owners who have worked with that company.

We’ve provided a variety of information to help you compare and research plans to find the best fit for you. When you’re ready to move forward with a company, click “Get a quote” to get started quickly!