Dog insurance is worth it if you have the right policy. As long as you make sure you have comprehensive coverage, it is worth the cost. Vet bills are on the rise, and we are stuck in the middle of a cost of living crisis.
Every Corgi owner’s worst fear is their dog getting sick. We always hope that it won’t happen to us and that we will somehow be spared the tragedy of losing them to it. More than that, we don’t realize just how much veterinary treatment costs until the bill is handed to us. That’s why so many Corgi owners choose to invest in dog insurance.
It can feel like a big expense, and there are times I have questioned whether or not I should keep my insurance policy, but it can be a lifesaver. You never know when an unexpected vet visit might come up that you can’t afford. But dog insurance isn’t perfect, and there are downsides to starting an insurance policy.
So, is dog insurance worth it? That’s what I’m here to find out.
Key Takeaways:
- Dog insurance is there to provide coverage for numerous health conditions
- It doesn’t cover pre-existing health issues
- Dog insurance covers most emergencies, but some can be gray areas
- It can be expensive, but it does cover up to 100% of the costs
- Many owners waste money on the wrong plan for their Corgi
How Does Dog Insurance Work?
Dog insurance is there to help cover the cost of expensive vet bills when they need medical treatment. It helps to reduce the financial pressure on you while ensuring your dog gets the care they need. All you lose is the deductible, which is an amount you usually get to choose when selecting a policy.
Insurance can be used for a number of treatments, but it is best to only use it for big surgeries and emergencies. This is because you will get charged a premium for every claim you make, increasing the cost of insurance when it is renewed the following year. Despite this, dog insurance remains an excellent tool to keep your Corgi in good health.
The Benefits Of Dog Insurance
The good thing about dog insurance is that you will be reimbursed for most of your veterinary costs. Many policies start at 70% reimbursement, but there are plenty that will offer 80-100% of your money back (after your deductible). It all depends on your chosen policy.
As long as your veterinary practice is licensed, almost all insurance policies can be used there. If you’re lucky, you might even have a vet who will charge through the insurance company, so you only have to pay the deductible. This used to be common practice for many vets, but the downside is that it seems to happen less and less.
The Drawbacks Of Dog Insurance
Of course, there are downsides to dog insurance as well. It’s expensive every month, and the prices only get higher every year they get older. It can be a lot to try and cover, especially when you still need to pay the entire vet bill upfront in most cases.
Unfortunately, dog insurance does not cover preventative care (spaying, neutering, and vaccines). Additionally, it doesn’t cover any pre-existing conditions either. This means you cannot get any insurance coverage for a condition your Corgi has already been diagnosed with. However, they will be covered for any new and unrelated conditions.
Most Corgi owners also end up wasting their money on an insurance plan that doesn’t actually cater to the needs of their dog. They buy a standard plan with no customization because they don’t think about the conditions their Corgis are predisposed to. I was the same once.
What Does Dog Insurance Actually Cover?
You will find that most plans cover the following:
- Accidental injuries
- Unexpected illnesses
- Chronic disease
- Dental illnesses
- Hereditary conditions
- Surgery
- Cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Prescription medications
- Diagnostic testing
- Emergency exam fees
There are some plans that will cover these issues:
- Alternative treatments
- Behavioral therapy
- Vacation cancelation fees
- Lost pet advertising and reward
- End-of-life care, euthanasia, and cremation or burial
However, no plans will cover the following:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Pet supplies
- Cosmetic procedures
- Elective surgeries
- Boarding or daycare
Weighing Up The Costs of Vets and Insurance
The average cost of dog insurance is $56.30 per month. This can vary according to where you live, the veterinary care in your area, the age of your dog, and their breed. For example, dogs over the age of ten can cost in excess of $156 per month. This is because they have an increased risk of developing various health issues.
But what is that like compared to the cost of treatment? Veterinary surgeries can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more, and that doesn’t even include the cost of medicine, x-rays, bloodwork, and other tests or equipment used. Therefore, it costs a lot more to pay for the vet bills upfront than to start an insurance policy.
What Are The Alternatives To Dog Insurance?
The only real alternative to dog insurance is to put money aside every month into a savings account. This can be a great way to be prepared for unexpected expenses while also avoiding paying premiums for insurance. Of course, the downside is that other life emergencies can lead to the vet funds being depleted.
Outside of this, crowdfunding is the only other option you have. While this can be massively successful, and many dogs have been saved through it, there is no guarantee you will get funding. It’s the luck of the draw, and your Corgi’s life would be at stake as a result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Mandatory To Have Dog Insurance?
No, it is not mandatory to have dog insurance. Owning a dog isn’t like having a car where it needs to be insured for you to have it. However, dog insurance can be a good idea if you want to be covered for any vet bills your dog might end up with. Additionally, it can also protect you if your dog attacks another and you need to pay for the other dog’s vet bills.
Do Most People Insure Their Dogs?
Yes, most people insure their dogs. However, around 45% of dog owners do not have insurance. This is often due to things like the price and rising premiums, as well as a general lack of information about why it’s a sensible choice. Even if your dog is healthy, insurance helps keep you both protected if the worst happens.
What Is The Best Age To Get Dog Insurance?
You should get dog insurance when they are young. Puppies are often prone to accidents, and by the time they are seniors, their health will typically decline, and they are more likely to need treatment. Insuring them from a young age ensures you are always covered no matter what happens. It’s always best to be safe, considering the cost of vet fees.
Final Thoughts
Dog insurance will always be worth it with the correct coverage. As long as you choose a comprehensive option that covers emergency very visits as well as the development of conditions such as cancer, IVDD, and other health problems, you’ll be fine. Yes, it can be expensive, but it could also save your Corgi’s life.
Of course, there are other options available. Things like having a separate savings account can be a great way to save up for unexpected vet visits. However, life happens to us all, and you might find yourself dipping into your emergency funds. If you’re strict with yourself, saving up for vet bills can be a good alternative. But insurance will always be better.
💬 Over to you! Do you have an opinion on dog insurance based on where you live in the world? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
