How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost?

Dog insurance is a good idea for dog owners who do not or will not have the necessary funds available to handle expensive veterinary bills should their pets become ill. With technological and medical advancements, modern veterinary can be very expensive. A typical trip to a veterinary emergency room can cost $1000 or more. Pet owners who love their pets but do not want to go broke caring for them as they grow older should seriously consider insuring their pets.

Average Cost Of Dog Insurance

The average cost of dog insurance will be different depending on the age and breed of your dog. As your dog ages, certain conditions are expected. Different breeds are prone to different medical ailments, with some breeds having a reputation for short life spans and significant medical problems. Dog insurance cost will vary depending on the policy chosen. The typical dog insurance policy will cost between $22 and $28. Companies differ as well as to the kinds of policies they sell and what they cover. Most dog insurance plans work where the pet owner pays the vet bill at the time of the visit, and then files for reimbursement from the insurance company afterwards. That money usually arrives in about 30 days. Besides the premiums, these policies have deductibles of $50 or higher, and copayments, fees that should be factored in when evaluating dog insurance cost. They also might have riders providing an array of preventive measures for an additional premium of about $10 a month as another addition to the cost of dog insurance.

Dog Liability Insurance Cost

This kind of pet insurance is not the same as health insurance. Dog owners are legally liable for damage and injuries caused by their pets. In some jurisdictions, this is a strict liability situation. Dog liability insurance protects the pet owner and possible victims. It has been reported that roughly one third of all homeowner policy claims are dog related, with claims running as high as $300,000. Certain breeds of dog are considered “high-risk” breeds, and several insurance companies will not issue policies on homes with these dogs. This list of potentially dangerous dogs includes Pit Bulls, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and wolf hybrids. The cost of dog insurance for a policy with $50,000 worth of coverage can be as much as $300 a year.

Dog Walking Insurance Cost

People who run a pet walking business should have insurance as well. This insurance is to cover situations where the dog breaks loose and attacks someone while on a walk, or does damage to property. Pet walkers and pet sitters can buy insurance, or they can join an organization such as Pet Sitters Associates. Membership in this group costs $174 a year and comes with basic insurance. These insurance plans can be expanded for additional premiums adding to dog insurance cost.

Dog Health Insurance

Dog medical insurance was created to help people deal with the ever increasing costs of veterinary medicine. As medical technology improves, it gets more expensive. Procedures thought impossible to be performed on a pet just a few years ago are now routine, but some of these can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance cost for policies of this type runs about $30 a month, and can be less for dogs that have been spayed or neutered. Some companies also offer multi-dog discounts. Because pre-existing conditions are not covered, it is important to begin coverage while the dog is a puppy to get the maximum benefit.

Older Dog Insurance

As dogs age, the cost of dog insurance gets more expensive and coverage becomes limited. This is why it is important to begin insuring your dog as a puppy. Long term coverage is best so that your pet remains covered for any recurring conditions as they age. Some insurance programs for older dogs are merely discount plans and require vets to participate in their program in order to cover the pet. There are companies that have no age restrictions and provide 80% reimbursement of charges even for older dogs to alleviate dog insurance cost. Trupanion is a company that actually specializes in covering mature pets from 8 to 14 years of age. Policies for older dogs tend to have more restrictions. Pet owners want a policy that will last for the remainder of their dog’s life.