Compare Dog Insurance Before You Buy

As medicine continues to advance for humans, so too for our pets. Our pets undergo cataract surgery, chemotherapy, hip and knee surgery, dental surgery almost as routinely as people do. While these treatments and procedures greatly improving our pet's quality of life, they are hardly inexpensive, even if performed at the humane society. The last I checked, my healthcare plan didn't provide coverage for my two Jack Russels, which are certainly members of my family. As a matter of fact, I've yet to encounter a healthcare plan that does. As a result, pet insurance, a mere cottage industry 20 years ago has grown into a significant industry with many providers. Compare dog insurance providers carefully or you could get stuck holding the bag. Buy the best dog insurance policy for your best friend so that you will never have to face an ethical dilemma over finances.

Above: Molly, our 5 year old Jack Rusell, required emergency surgery to remove three large rocks she had swallowed. She now weighs 50% of her former weight since 90% of her stomach and intestines were removed in the life saving surgery.

Dog insurance has increased in popularity in recent years, due to the advances in veterinary science. Veterinarians can offer treatments and procedures that were unheard of just a few years ago, such as radiation therapy, transplants, and MRIs. Such advances have been accompanied with a hefty price tag as evidenced by a 70% increase in veterinary costs in the past five years, to over $20 billion.

Dog insurance policies are similar to human insurance policies. Annual premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits are priced accordingly. Most plans also have co-pays and caps that limit how much will be paid out anually.

Items to be aware of:
Some policies won't cover older pets
Certain breeds are excluded from coverage
Pre-existing conditions are normally excluded
Most insurers offer a multi-pet discount

Policy costs will vary from provider to provider, based on the breed and the speicific plan chosen. Some packages are comprehensive, including annual checkups and vaccinations, spaying/neutering and death benefits. Some plans only cover accidents and illness.

If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition, make sure this is not excluded under the policy. It doesn't make sense to buy a policy that won't pay.

Check to see if your insurer excludes or charges a higher premium for your breed.

Review any age limits for coverage. Some insurers start coverage right away, while others require the pet to be 8 weeks old. Some plans don't cover pets over 8 years old while other have no age limit.

If you have more than one pet, ask about a multiple pet discount.

Make sure you understand what you are purchasing. Some policies cover only accidents. Most policies cover accidents & illnesses, while others offer comprehensive coverage, including preventive care (checkups, vaccinations, neutering, etc.) along with accident and illness coverage.

Review the deductibles, co-pays and caps on coverage. Some insurers will pay 80% of the costs for treating your pet's illness, while others will pay 100%. Make sure you select an insurer that provides the coverage you need.

U.S. Insurers
PetPlan: 9.39
Embrace: 9.09
Pets Best: 8.75
Petfirst: 8.72
Trupanion: 8.63
PurinaCare: 8.4
Pet Assure: 7.75
Hartville/ASPCA: 5.81
VPI: 4.85
Pet Partners (AKC): 4.78
PetCare: 3.94

Canadian Insurers
Petsecure: 9.37
Vetinsurance: 8.63
PurinaCare Canada: 7
PC Financial: 4
PetCare Canada; 3.94

Dogs can exhibit peculiar behavior indeed. Leave everyday objects within range of their paws and jaws and our inquisitive friends could well suffer painful consequences. Rocks, balls, pacifiers, pebbles, string, peach pits, pencils, even diapers have all become part of the menu for many unfortunate diners who have acquired an unusual eating habit known as Foreign Body Syndrome. Dogs seem to be the most skillful of all pets when it comes to swallowing objects they most definitely should not.

There seems no end to the range of bits and pieces they can consume. One theory is that this instinctive need in some domestic dogs harbors back to a time when their ancestors would hunt down a good square meal and eat the whole carcass, bones and all. A similar theory is based on a dog's love of chewing, a habit which often leads them to experiment with whatever falls in their path. If they don't spit the object out, then chances are they will probably end up swallowing it.

In the eyes of our dog Molly, the stone garden in our yard must have appeared as as a smorgasbord of gastronomic delights. Molly loved foraging in the garden, but on one fateful day, we took notice of a dramatic change in her condition, which included labored breathing, extreme lethargy, lack of movement and loss of appetite. This gave us serious concern and we immediately brought her to the veterinarian. We soon discovered that Molly had swallowed 3 fairly large rocks, which became lodged in her intestines and stomach. This required immediate life-saving surgery.

The best dog insurance plans on the market would have saved us a substantial sum of money, but we had put off this purchase. Don't make the same mistake we did. Once you add a dog to your household, compare dog insurance plans and seek out the best plan for your breed from among the many providers. You will sleep better at night knowing your pooch is covered, regardless of what may be lurking in his/her belly.

Recent Reviews

Embrace
P Matsui, 6/4/2009

10/10 Phenomenal Customer Service
Working with Embrace has been one of the most pleasant experiences I've had with any business. Our bulldog developed a severe limp when he was only 11 months old and after consulting with a couple of orthopedic specialists, came to the conclusion that he would need to undergo surgery to repair a patellar luxation (make sure you get a second opinion...the first surgeon wanted to do some exotic TPLO surgery to fix a cruciate that turned out to be perfectly intact). After surgery (which went very well) we submitted our claim for the initial X-ray with our regular vet, the consult with the surgeon we went with, and for the surgery itself. The claim took a little while (~2 months) to process, but that was entirely due to the delay in getting detailed records from the different providers. Embrace kept me in the loop the entire step of the way about what additional items they still needed and how I could help in getting them, and ultimately the claim was accepted - very fair and transparent. Can't say enough about how customer-oriented and caring they are. While I hope not to have to submit another claim for our boy, it makes it much easier knowing that we have a policy with such a great company.

Wellness Policy with 1st year puppy - Embrace
Delphine T., 5/6/2009

Not having owned dogs for almost 15 years, pet insurance was a new concept for me. After doing extensive research I chose Embrace because they offer congenital coverage and also take regional expenses into account. Since I live in the "expensive" NE this applies to vet bills here. I was curious to see my first claim with their wellness program as I just went through the vaccination series for my cane corso pup, along with the usual digestive/intestinal upsets that seem to go along with new pups. They promptly re-imbursed me the full amount allowed for the year. All they required were detailed vet bills with a written report from the vet office. I am most pleased and intend to spread the word that they are one of the better (if not the best) insurance companies available. Highly pleased with all aspects of my dealings with this company.

They support me in doing whatever it takes... - PetPlan
Vanessa V., 5/7/2009

After having 2 greyhounds with osteosarcoma and one with a brain tumor and paying for their care out of pocket, we finally got smart and looked into pet insurance. Being in the (human) insurance industry, I did quite a bit of research on the insurers and plans out there, including AM Best rating, underwriting philosophy, rate filings, and customer reviews. After filing a few claims, I have to say - I couldn't be happier with my policy. My questions were answered on my first call/email to customer service, my claim checks were received fast, and I love being able to check the status of my claim and policies online. We have and will continue to always do whatever it takes to keep our dogs healthy and help them recover if they fall ill; my experience with Pet Plan makes me feel that they are my partner in that endeavor. I recommend Pet Plan to anyone who wants the peace of mind to know that they can make decisions on their pets' healthcare with the pet in mind, not the vet bills.

I will not review my policies - VPI
Linda S. 4/30/2009

We received our 2 puppies in February and insured them in May. A labradoodle and a goldendoodle from one of the country's top breeders. In July, the goldendoodle was diagnosed w/ megaesophagus and is a happy, healthy dog that has to drink his food and sit up in his chair for 20 min after eating. His vet had seen him since we got him and there was no hint of a diagnosis until July. The diagnosis cost around $1000. It was denied by VPI as a pre-existing condition. Their sales pitch on their coverage did not match at all. They pay very little and deny or give excuses that they cannot read what is mailed or faxed. I have had to resubmit a number of times. If you want to insure your pet, I would not recommend VPI.

Embrace
Lynn H., 6/23/08

I recently changed from VPI to Embrace. The weekend after my 15 day waiting period was up I noticed something wrong with my pet's eye. A visit to the vet began an on going amount of visits to an eye specialist and neurologist. Embrace had to process my claims and look at previous vet history at the same time, as I was just past the waiting period. They were fast and kept in touch with me the whole while. They paid what the insurance said they would pay in a prompt manner. I am very pleased with them and have recommended them to my vet's office and friends with pets and also added my other dog onto the plan. What a pleasure after dealing with VPI who told me what the vet should have charged and what they would and would not pay. I, too, wish I had know of Embrace earlier.

Petplan
Marcia and Jake (Doberman), 10/7/2008

Pleased with Petplan Insurance for My Doberman
My 1 yr old Doberman was diagnosed with pancreatitis during an emergency vet visit late one Sunday night in September. I ended up taking him back for a second visit that same night because of bloody diarrhea and vomiting. My own vet concurred with the diagnosis, and I submitted my claim and the receipts from the emergency clinic and my own vet to Petplan USA. My reimbursement check arrived about 2 weeks later, with no questions asked. I was very pleased with service and the response to my claim. I've had a different pet insurance for my Dobermans for years, but switched to Petplan USA because they do not exclude treatment of hereditary diseases, of which Dobermans have several. My previous insurance did not cover these conditions, and I had trouble getting claims (for ordinary problems) paid in an expeditious manner. That is why I am so pleased with these recent situation and Petplan's great service. The customer service representatives I have talked with at Petplan USA are courteous, knowledgeable and very responsive. I will be happy to recommend Petplan USA to anyone who asks me about pet insurance!

Does the provder have a proven track record and reputation?

Does the company employ veterinary professionals? As a customer, you should expect that your dog insurance provider employs qualified people to back their promises.

Does the provider offer annual policies with clear renewal terms?

Do you understand how reimbursements are determined?

Does the company specify coverage exclusion?

Does the company provide broad coverage or will a lifetime cap be imposed on policyholder benefits. Instead,

Does the company cover annual check and customary routine care for your dog?

Are you limited to a veterinary network or required to pre-certify?

Gary Weiss has worked in the financial services industry for over 25 years, specializing in risk management and risk mitigation. He is a frequent commentator and contributor on numerous web-based forums.