Do vet bills feel like they are skyrocketing higher?
It’s because they are!
Every year medical care spending for pets rises which is why health coverage for dogs has been gaining traction.
Makes sense. People need a way to afford these insane expenses.
One factor is that clinics are investing in more sophisticated equipment and advanced diagnostic tools. This increases costs across the board.
In any case, it is time to weigh in on this debatable topic…
K9 Health Insurance Is Usually Not Worth It
We know that you want your dog to be covered for unexpected illnesses, surgeries and even medications.
But doing this makes much more sense:
Set aside a fund for your buddy’s future medical bills.
Consider that these pet insurance companies have many unhappy customers. There are so many stories about how they wiggled their way out of payment obligations.
Health insurance for dogs (it could be argued) is a big scam!
Canine Insurance Rant
Co-pays, annual caps and deductibles apply to the pet insurance industry too.
It is just like how regular health insurance works.
In other words, the game is stacked against you!
Throw in extra fees for older dogs, rules on pre-existing conditions and you’ll probably need a doctor yourself after learning, “what’s the catch” in the dog insurance industry.
It’s A Judgement Call
Most companies offering dog insurance are making a killing with your hard earned dollars.
In our opinion, the math just doesn’t add up. Self-funding is the way to go.
Start saving now!
Pets typically need about $4,000 to $7,000 in treatment over a lifetime.
Be realistic about how much you can actually do for your dog medically (no matter how much you love them).
Art of the Doggie Deal
Networking with neighbors, who also own dogs, is very smart.
These people have been to the locals veterinarians. Get the scoop about pricing, affordability and payment flexibility.
Visit those vets and discuss dog health insurance with them.
Many clinics are willing to cut a deal in order to take on new clients. Negotiate!
Good Deeds Come Back
Our neighbor volunteered at an animal shelter run by a vet tech.
And it didn’t go unnoticed! Her dog will be taken care of if the need arises.
That is health insurance through good deeds. Food for thought!
Pro Tip: The best, and cheapest, health insurance for dogs is preventative care and a healthy diet.
The Bottom Line
Instead of buying dog health insurance, for say $30 per month, set aside that amount for a dedicated 401k-9 (that’s a joke folks!)
Ideally, you’d do this early on with a puppy.
This self-funded health insurance will be there, for your dog, when they need it.
Depend on yourself, not an insurance company intent on controlling costs and maximizing profits.
Our dog had a catastrophic event and Trupanion did just what they said they would. They paid 90% for accidents only. There were no caps or qualifiers. They paid for each of her ACL surgeries several years before that.
If you have an active dog, and one that has opportunity to have supervised ranging, it’s good to know they have a safety net. Without it, we would have had to put her down or obtain a second mortgage!
I have Pets Health Plan through Hartville. I have had a few claims and they have been great. It’s $23 a month, $100.00 deductible with no co-pays. The yearly pay out is up to $8,000, I believe.
I have been shopping for pet insurance. You can’t recommend the best one? There has to be a decent company out there.