Why insure your dog?
Contrary to what you might assume before owning a dog, veterinary fees are almost as high as healthcare costs for humans. As a result, when illness or an accident strikes, you can quickly face expenses that are heavy for an average budget.
Some owners might be tempted to postpone treatment for financial reasons. That means risking even higher and more urgent bills when you least expect them.
Insurance lets you approach the care your dog needs calmly, at the moment it is needed.
When is the best time to insure your dog?
We will not pretend otherwise: insurers prefer to cover young dogs. You can insure your puppy from the very day you adopt it, and that is in fact what we recommend. Your policy will then evolve alongside the issues that come with your dog's age, for the rest of its life.
Finding an insurer willing to cover a dog that is already elderly is harder. Past the age of seven you are likely to meet a number of refusals. It is better to act early, while all is well.
How do you insure your dog?
From one insurer to the next, some things stay the same and others differ. It may seem obvious, but do take the time to compare offers and find the one best suited to your dog and to what you expect. Comparison sites let you run simulations and help you find the best value for your particular situation.
What are the reimbursement rates?
They depend on the insurer and on the plan you choose. The more expensive the plan, the higher the rate. Only top-of-the-range plans reach 100% reimbursement of medical costs. On average, expect something between 50% and 80%.
Then read the details on caps and excesses carefully.