Being a new pet parent can be wonderful. Welcoming home a pet, especially a puppy is a joyous experience. Tweaking our daily routines around our little pets and learning to care for them can be deeply fulfilling. While having a puppy around the house is lots of fun, it can also involve some serious considerations, one of them being pet insurance. Nearly 87 million households in the United States have pets, and a great way to help safeguard against unexpected vet bills is through pet insurance.
Why Does My Puppy Need Insurance?
All puppies, regardless of their breed, are extremely playful and enthusiastic. Their adventurous natures and curiosity can lead to accidents and injuries even if we are super careful as paw-rents. So, it can be a good idea to get your puppy pet insurance to help you manage their veterinary expenses while looking after them – whether you are a first-time pet parent or a well-experienced pet parent.
Here are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to have a pet insurance policy up your sleeve:
Medical mishaps: According to the American Pet Products Association, one in three pets requires emergency medical care each year. Accidents can happen at any time.
Pet care is expensive: Most pet parents already know this. It can be a costly affair to care for pets, even if veterinary expenses are not included. When the medical bills are included, only a small percentage of pet parents can manage to cover these unexpected expenses on their own, according to a survey by Bankrate.
Accessible for common problems: A good thing about pet insurance for your puppy is that policies can cover common medical ailments such as digestive issues, allergies, skin infections, and so on. Pet insurance isn’t just for serious health issues.
Your puppy will age: It is hard to imagine that your tiny puppy will ever be old, but dogs tend to grow up very fast and before you know it, your canine buddy will have to deal with issues related to aging. It is better to think ahead while your pup is still young. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost half the dogs that live longer than 10 years will develop cancer during their lifetime. A pet insurance plan can help with peace of mind for unexpected medical bills, helping you focus on providing a good standard of living for your puppy even into their old age.
How Much Does a Pet Insurance Policy Cost?
According to Forbes Advisor, the average pet insurance cost for a puppy is $44 dollars per month with a $5000 annual limit, a $250 deductible, and an 80% reimbursement. And, if you wish for unlimited annual coverage, a $500 deductible, and a 90% reimbursement, the monthly premium is about $57.
7 Factors That Affect the Cost of a Pet Insurance Premium
Multiple factors can affect your pet insurance premium, and it may vary for different pet insurance providers. Here are a few factors that can impact pet insurance costs for your puppy:
Pet breed: Your pup’s breed can be a determining factor when it comes to insurance coverage. This is usually because some dog breeds are more prone to illnesses than others, which usually means more costs when it comes to their vet visits.
The age of your pet: It is a smarter financial choice to get your puppy insurance while they are still young. This is because as pets grow older, their risk for illness and injury increases, and so the insurance prices typically also increase. Pet insurance policies typically do not cover pre-existing conditions, so the longer you wait the more opportunity for your pet to develop a condition that then might not be covered by your plan.
Location: The cost of veterinary care for your puppy will vary according to where you live in the U.S. If you live in certain urban areas, you may have to pay more for pet insurance for your puppy due to the higher average cost of veterinary care.
Coverage type: One of the biggest factors that can impact your pet insurance cost is the kind of coverage that you opt for. A plan with accident-only coverage will differ in cost from a policy that covers accidents and illnesses. Common types of pet insurance coverage include accident and illness coverage, accident-only coverage, and optional routine wellness plans.
Deductibles: Typically, deductibles range from $0 to $1000. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium. Lower deductibles are beneficial because the amount you need to satisfy before the insurance kicks in is lower.
Discounts*: Some pet insurance providers offer a multi-pet discount for each pet enrolled after the first, or an employee discount if pet insurance is offered through your employer.
Reimbursement levels: Typically, pet insurance providers offer reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, or 90% of eligible veterinary bills. Choosing a higher reimbursement rate will increase your premium. Lower reimbursement rates will provide less cash back on eligible vet bills than a higher reimbursement rate would.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
A typical pet insurance claim looks like this:
Dog insurance that’s easy!
Spot makes it simple for pet parents to submit a claim and receive reimbursement for eligible services in just a few days.
Visit Any Vet
No vet restrictions! Visit any vet in the U.S. or Canada.
Submit Your Claim
Send us your bill online, in our app, or via fax.
Get Paid!
Get cash back quickly for covered vet bills either direct deposit or check – you pick.
What Do Pet Insurance Plans Cover?
Generally speaking, pet insurance policies include coverage for:
Injuries and accidents (bite wounds, swallowing harmful objects, broken bones)
Emergency pet care
Prescription medication
Aliments such as vomiting, diarrhea, UTIs
Specialty care
Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, lab work, MRIs
Make sure to carefully read and review the coverage offered by a pet insurance provider before enrolling your beloved puppy. This way you know exactly what is covered in your plan.
What Do Pet Insurance Policies Not Cover?
There are a few circumstances where pet insurance coverage will not apply. These circumstances typically include but aren’t limited to:
Breeding
Grooming
Cosmetic procedures
Obedience Training
Pregnancy
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Yes, pet insurance is worth it! If your pet becomes unexpectedly injured or ill, pet insurance can help you focus on their care and less on the cost of their treatment. With Spot plans offering up to 90% cash back on eligible veterinary bills, you can choose the best treatment for your puppy, helping give you peace of mind during a difficult time. Ready to enroll your puppy in a pet insurance plan? Get a free quote!
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
*Discounts may not be available in all states, and discount amount may vary by state. More information is available at checkout.
