Pet Insurance For Dogs: Is It Worth It?






A pet insurance plan can give you peace of mind whether your hunting dog is prone to trauma in the field or suddenly has an unexpected medical problem. (Photo Camille Noldan)


Whether or not you openly admit gambling and cover betting, whether you train and hunt a hunting dog under cover of birds or have it participate in field trials, you are striving to beat the odds that your dog is injured at some point. Sprains, lacerations, collisions with wild animals, punctures, fractures, the list goes on. We take this inherent risk in owning and managing our dogs and it does not end in trauma on the court. As pets, our dogs can ingest a foreign object or develop a chronic illness requiring advanced veterinary care. We do our best to monitor our dog’s behavior at home and in the field, and we train and condition them to avoid preventable injuries. Sooner or later the unthinkable can happen, and when it requires an emergency vet visit, it’s going to cost you dearly. You might leave the tour with a big bill, but if your dog is insured you won’t be the one to hurt you in the end.

Choose a good plan

Like choosing a puppy, finding an insurance plan that is right for you depends on your needs and circumstances. A variety of plans with different coverages are available from companies like American Kennel Club, Fig, At national scale, trupaion, In law, Healthy paws, and more. Like your puppy’s pedigree, be sure to read the fine print and make an informed decision. Many carriers offer emergency plans only and may have supplemental wellness and routine coverage to better protect your puppy. Some plans cover hereditary and congenital problems, others do not. Some carriers even have plans or options that cover alternative and rehabilitative therapy and end-of-life services. Operating on a reimbursement framework, most plans will come with a waiting period, monthly or annual premium, annual deductible, maximum annual or lifetime payments, and exclusions. not covered.

A Deutsch Kurzhaar on the verge
Just like finding the right breed of hunting dog, take stock of your lifestyle and your dog’s expectations in order to choose an appropriate pet insurance plan. (Photo Camille Noldan)

Many plans offer options to fully cover maintenance items such as vaccinations, preventative measures, exams, prescription drugs, dental cleanings, and other routine care. Think about how much paste you’ll be handing out each year and that monthly insurance premium that might start to seem a bit cheaper.

Many dog ​​owners sign up for emergency or accident plans just to cover unexpected hospital visits. These plans often cover emergency surgeries, x-rays, lab tests, tooth extractions, and hospitalizations. Coverage can begin after you reach your deductible, or the plan can cover a certain amount for individual procedures.

There are a handful of items that these policies may and may not cover, including, but not limited to dog food, grooming, breeding, cloning, behavior issues, conditions. pre-existing, optional cosmetic treatments or repeated injuries.

Pet insurance is chargeable

John Noldan, of Wells, Maine, has a pair of short hairs and a volunteer, accident-prone Deutsch Kurzhaar, Jäger. The pointer packs are part of the accident care policy and the complementary well-being plan via Nationwide. A few years ago, Jäger swallowed a cat toy, which prompted the family to take him to the local veterinary hospital for help. Although the toy was successfully removed from his small intestine, there was a complication during the operation and Jäger became septic. He was rushed to an emergency clinic and after another successful surgery he was medically cleared to return home. The Noldans had to pay $ 6,000 to initiate emergency surgery. They relied on Care Credit to cover the cost, knowing that they had a policy with Nationwide to reimburse their payment. The first visit to the local vet for $ 1,900 and the emergency visit of $ 8,500 were covered by their policy at an incredible 85% rate.



On the first day after recovering and wanting to get some fresh air and exercise, Camille Noldan took Jäger for a light workout and threw a bumper into the woods. He came back with a scoop, but instead of the bumper he came back with a bite of porcupine butt and a muzzle stuffed with quills. Back to the emergency room for this stubborn dog. John laughed, saying that Jäger had tried his luck with porcupines almost a dozen times now, but his rock-solid politics continue to pay for the porcupine problems 100%.

Jäger later broke a tooth while scavenging a deer antler and required root canal treatment. Covered. 100 per cent. Despite frequent visits to Jäger’s vet, the Noldans have not experienced any loss of coverage or rate increases other than the slight annual increase as Jäger ages for another year.

A Deutsch Kurzhaar with a face full of porcupine quills
No matter how hard you try to protect your hunting dog, the unthinkable can happen at any time. (Photo Camille Noldan)

“There’s no question he wouldn’t be with us today if we didn’t have insurance,” John said. “And the monthly premiums we pay would never match what the plan paid for hospital visits – conservatively, that’s $ 15,000 to $ 20,000 they paid for this dog.” Noldan added that working with Nationwide has been almost effortless on his part. “The claims process is also easy. Everything is done online now or on their mobile app. I send a photo of my invoice and I am reimbursed by direct deposit quickly.

Some dogs are tough-headed and prone to incidents. It might just be a matter of time for you. For anyone considering purchasing a policy for their hunting dog, John suggested, “Insurance isn’t for when you think you’re going to use it, insurance is for something that happens when you. hadn’t planned, so it’ll give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about whether you can take care of your dog or deplete your savings account. Do not be too long. The prices are cheap when you start them young. If anything has to happen, it will probably be in the first year or two. Be prepared to pay for it and hope you don’t have to use it, but it’s there if you need it. It’s a small price to pay for security.

Wear Is it necessary to insure?

The decision to enroll your dog in a pet insurance plan depends on your personal situation. Take stock of your dog’s activity and your expectations of him. Keep in mind that raising a puppy is a lot like raising a child. They’ll likely make bad choices and get into trouble at some point along the way. Insurance coverage doesn’t start and end with the flap of a tailgate, it ensures that your companion will be taken care of both during and out of service.

There are a multitude of different pet insurance companies and plans. Do your own research, get referrals from friends, and consult with your family to decide whether or not to register your dog. There are alternatives to a standard insurance policy. Cash reserves, credit cards, CareCredit, and direct payments work very well for many dog ​​owners. Whether you go and pay a monthly bonus for peace of mind or roll the dice and try your luck, keep a close eye on your dog in the field and at home and be prepared to handle whatever he can. meet.



About Chuck Keeton

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