How Much is Pet Insurance for Dogs?
For many dog owners, pet insurance has been the only way to ensure their furry companions get their best medical attention without breaking the bank. However, getting an exact figure for the cost of pet insurance for dogs is pretty tricky since various factors play out to incur costs. Understand the factors controlling the pet insurance cost, how much dog insurance costs per month, and what is the cheapest insurance option for a dog with a pre-existing condition.
Factors Affecting Pet Insurance Rates
Breed:
Certain breeds of dogs have a higher tendency to develop specific health issues. Consequently, covering those breeds may become riskier. Larger breeds like Great Danes or Bulldogs are more likely to suffer from joint and heart disease, which may increase your premium. In contrast, smaller breeds that often do not have so many health issues may have lower insurance premiums.
Age:
Typically, the insurance premium for younger dogs is low as they are not at risk of having preset health conditions. With age, the dog's probability increases towards having arthritis, heart conditions, and kidney disorders, causing high insurance rates.
Their region of residence is sometimes a pricing determinant. Some regions have expensive veterinary services, while others may have too many pets. In insurance companies, their charges are determined by the average amount that medical treatment expenses in your area.
Coverage Type:
There exists a type of coverage, that divided into many types, including accident-only plans, accident and illness plans, and comprehensive plans with wellness coverage. Accident-only plans will be cheaper, but they do not include illnesses, while accident and illness plans are more comprehensive in nature and attract higher premiums in general.
General Pricing Range:
You can expect that average pet insurance for dogs can cost from $20 to $60 per month in relation to the factors stated above. A basic accident-only might cost between $20 and $30 monthly, whereas accident and illness plans can range from $40 to $70 monthly depending on the dogs' size. It should also be taken into account that prices may vary according to your dog's health, breed, or other factors.
Average Cost of Dog Insurance Per Month
The monthly cost of dog insurance varies based on factors such as age, breed, health condition, and the type of plan opted. Here is a rough estimate of what typical pricing for dog insurance may look like:
Breakdown of Monthly Costs
Puppy versus Adult Dog
Puppy insurance is normally cheaper than that of adult dogs. Since puppies are normally healthier than adult dogs, less at risk, and therefore qualify for lower rates, they often cost between $20 to $30 a month. However, older dogs often run higher in price, with costs reaching as high as $40 or more because of possible age-related issues.
Insurance Plan Type:
The type of coverage you choose will weigh significantly on the premium. An accident-only policy is cheaper, often around $20–$30 per month, but it won't cover illnesses. Accident and illness plans, which cover both types of health concerns, tend to range from $40 to $70 per month.
Affordable Pet Insurance for Dogs with Pre-existing Conditions
Most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, meaning that if your dog has been diagnosed with an illness before the policy starts, that specific condition won't be covered. However, there are options to help manage the costs.
What Are Pre-existing Conditions?
A pre-existing condition refers to any illness your dog had before acquiring pet insurance. These may range from chronic diseases such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, or diabetes. When one seeks insurance coverage for a pet, such conditions are usually excluded because they are known risks.
How Insurance Companies Tackle Pre-existing Conditions
Most insurance companies don't cover pre-existing conditions unless the condition is deemed "curable" or has been in remission for a certain amount of time. For instance, if your dog once had an ear infection and is now fully recovered, some providers may cover any future ear infections, but cancers or genetic defects, among others, are seldom covered.
Cheap Insurance
An insurance provider may offer limited coverage for pre-existing conditions or have specific policies designed for high-risk pets. Some may provide partial coverage after waiting periods, so shop around for that feature as well. You can look for wellness or preventative care plans, which help address the potential ongoing management of health issues for dogs with pre-existing conditions.
Additional Ways to Reduce Premiums
A higher deductible, by definition, usually means lower premiums, and thus the policy costs much less.
Reimbursement Percentage
Some offer reimbursement of 70%, 80%, or 90%. Picking a lower reimbursement percentile also lowers the premium.
Annually versus Monthly Payments: A few insurance companies offer discounts if you pay annually instead of monthly. This will save some money as the years go by, especially if you own two or more pets.
Conclusion
The costs of pet insurance for dogs vary with breed, age, location, and the kind of plan you choose. Average prices for these could range from $20 to $60 per month, though again, it depends on the individual needs of your dog. Even with pre-existing conditions, quite reasonably, you can still get affordable options; this is especially true if you find the right kind of insurer that is offering limited or partial coverage for the conditions. For the best value, always shop around, compare different policies, and keep in mind your dog's health when choosing coverage.