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Finding the best pet insurance for dogs can be tricky for pet owners. For the most part, it includes extensive research, understanding the basics of the policy, and then finding the company that offers the best value for money.
While word of mouth may be the fastest method for choosing the ideal insurance company, using real data and comparing companies can help you make the most informed decision.
Making sure the pets are covered in the event of any and all unforeseen circumstances by our insurance provider is a good starting point.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage for Dogs
There are three types of policies for dogs:
- Comprehensive
- Accident-only
- Wellness
Each policy type covers different circumstances and can be purchased individually or as an add-on.
1) Comprehensive Pet Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive pet insurance coverage is the most complex and diverse of all available policies on the market. It covers between 85% and 90% of all vet bills, including accidents, illnesses, etc. A wellness care program can be included as an add-on to this policy to cover further pet health expenses.
While it is the most versatile, comprehensive coverage is also the most expensive option. With this type of policy, dog owners can receive the maximum benefit of pet insurance. Depending on the policy, it can provide up to $20,000 annually in coverage.
2) Accident-Only Pet Insurance Coverage
This policy’s name is self-explanatory. It costs less than a comprehensive package and covers about 90% of vet bills in the event of an injury caused by accident. Annually, it can provide about $5,000 in coverage.
3) Wellness Pet Insurance Coverage
This type of policy typically covers the basic and any additional needs. It includes:
- Wellness exams
- Flea, tick, and heartworm medications
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Fecal and routine blood tests
- Microchipping
- Grooming
- Medicated shampoos
- Nail trimming
- Gland expression
- Pet activity monitors
- Training classes
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Teeth cleaning
- Prescription diet food
Pet owners can get this type of coverage or combine it with the previous two policies.
The wellness package usually covers about $500 worth of services annually. It typically has a set price on maximum usage for each of its services.
Pet Insurance Companies for Dogs in 2022
The pet insurance companies we selected for 2022 offer reasonable premiums, and their level of coverage is extensive (up to 90%). They provide wellness benefits and specific services such as heartworm prevention and immunizations. Furthermore, breed-specific conditions are covered as long as they are not pre-existing.
Insurance plans for dogs start at $20 per year, with no restriction on the number of claims filed. Hence, for most pet owners, Healthy Paws will provide the best overall value. The table below shows the pros and cons of choosing Healthy Paws as your pet insurance company.
Best Overall Value |
|
Pros | Cons |
No caps on claim payouts | No wellness plan or preventative care |
Unlimited annual benefits | 15-day waiting period for accident and illness |
99% of claims processed in 2 days | Charges a one-time $25 fee |
Submit claims via email, fax, online, or using the Healthy Paws’ mobile app | Limits deductibles and reimbursement options for pets over age 6 |
Visit any licensed veterinarian |
|
Customers appreciate how much the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance cares for animals and the high level of care. They have a 4.6/5 rating for excellent customer service and follow-up after a claim.
Best budget coverage |
|
Pros | Cons |
No waiting period for preventive care | Preventive care riders work on an itemized basis, not an annual limit |
Visit any vet – no network required | Unlimited coverage is not an option |
Affordable monthly premiums | 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses |
Reimburses alternative therapies | Not managed by ASPCA itself |
Covers microchip implantation |
|
The factor that separates Figo from other pet insurance providers is its multiple benefits, which is a company’s trademark. Figo offers convenient online access, extensive coverage, cutting-edge technology, and live access to a veterinarian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The table below shows the pros and cons of Figo’s services.
Best 100% coverage |
|
Pros | Cons |
24/7 virtual vet visits and customer service through an easy-to-use app | Some policies have lifetime limits of $100,000 |
Zero networks needed across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico | The unlimited policy has an annual $20,000 upper limit in Washington and Massachusetts |
The short waiting period of just 3 days for injuries and 14 days for illnesses | 6-month waiting period for knee injuries |
30-day money-back policy, provided you haven’t filed any claims | Doesn’t cover routine or preventative care |
May reimburse up to 100% of the vet bill |
|
Pets Best is well known for its tremendous support for insuring senior dogs. There is no maximum age limit; therefore, aging dogs may still be covered. However, like all insurers, Pets Best will not cover pre-existing conditions.
Best for competitive pricing |
|
Pros | Cons |
Offers accident-only and wellness plans for a flat rate | Doesn’t cover holistic, herbal, or experimental therapies |
24-hour helpline staffed by veterinary experts | The accident and Illness plan won’t cover the prescribed diet, vitamins, or supplements |
Very low premiums |
|
Direct reimbursement to your vet, meaning less out-of-pocket for you |
|
Wide range of deductible choices |
|
Pumpkin is a new company that quickly gained popularity. It was launched in April 2020 by Zoetis, the world’s largest global animal health company. They offer 24/7 customer service support, and their insurance premiums are customizable.
After the deductibles, Pumpkin will pay 90% of the costs associated with accidents and illnesses. Pumpkin’s pet insurance is available to households with several pets, and each additional pet receives a 10% discount.
Exciting newcomer in the pet insurance industry |
|
Pros | Cons |
No upper age limit and breed exclusions | Only two annual coverage limits, no additional reimbursement options |
14-day waiting period for all conditions | Just one year in business |
Fast and easy online claims processing | Only insures dogs and cats |
Covers dental illness and preventative care coverage |
|
Does Dog Breed Play a Role in Insurance?
Certain dog breeds and cross-breeds are predisposed to certain conditions. This leads to more costly pet insurance policies for these breeds.
Pit bulls, rottweilers, chihuahuas, and French bulldogs, are among the top 10 dog breeds with higher insurance premiums.
1) Pet Insurance for Pitbulls & Rottweilers
In general, large breeds age faster and have shorter life spans than small ones. Pet insurance providers see these breeds as a liability concern and having one will increase the pet insurance rate.
While all dog breeds have the potential to bite in the right circumstances, larger breeds have the physical ability to cause more damage. These breeds are energetic and prone to injure themselves and others by accident. As a result, insurance firms see them as high-risk.
2) Pet Insurance for French Bulldog
Bulldogs are afflicted with various diseases due to years of selective breeding for more “desirable” characteristics, such as short muzzles or petit size.
As one of the most specific and difficult breeds to insure, they are prone to many health challenges, which will require regular vet visits.
Below are the conditions that French bulldogs are prone to:
- Breathing difficulties due to narrower nostrils and an elongated soft palette
- Bone disorders- French bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia, resulting in arthritis
- Eye issues- They are prone to inward turning eyelids (Entropion), which would require surgery
- Bladder stones- Irritation or inflammation in the bladder wall can cause stones in the urine
- Heat sensitivity- Heatstroke is very common due to panting through smaller airways
- Heart disease- They are at risk of heart disease and heart murmurs
- Allergies and skin conditions- They are prone to food allergies and environmental allergies from dust mites, grass, or pollen which can cause legions on paws, leading to infection if constantly scratched or bitten
3) Pet Insurance for Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are twice as likely as mixed breed dogs to need claims filed for costly hereditary disorders. Since they are one of the smallest dog breeds, they are also prone to size-related concerns, including:
- Respiratory problems caused by a constricted trachea
- Overfeeding and obesity
- Injuries, mainly when playing with larger dogs
Is Pet Insurance Worth it for a Dog?
Pet insurance provides financial peace of mind. It allows medical discussions to focus on the right treatment for the dog rather than how much it will cost. Therefore, selecting the best pet insurance for dogs can give pet owners an advantage in worst-case scenarios.
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— Written by the
Shortlister Editorial Team
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