You may consider your pets as family members or children. They are the light of your lives and the reason for your happiness. Of course, your dog’s cute tail wags and breathtaking smile will be the highlight of a busy day.
Did you know that 66% of American households own a pet in 2023? However, it was only 56% in 1988. That means 88.9 million houses have a pet now. It signifies a gradual rise in pet ownership in the last 30 years.
But what if these gentle creatures get injured or injure someone else? One thing pet parents fail to analyze is the amount of money their canine companion can incur from medical costs.
For example, the recovery costs can be substantial if they get sick or injured. Similarly, you might face legal repercussions if your dog bites someone. That is why dog insurance is crucial. This insurance will partly or fully pay for your dog’s treatment.
Read on to learn more about the different types of pet insurance.
#1. Insurance When Your Dog Bites
Imagine you are playing with your beloved furball in the park, and they suddenly feel threatened by someone. As an instinct, they will go and bite that person to protect you or themselves.
What will happen next? Of course, the victim will ask for financial help for their treatment or file a complaint about you. Did you know that around 4.5 million people get injured by dog bites every year?
The fees will become extremely expensive if you try to pay them from your pocket. That is where a dog liability or dog bite insurance comes in.
It is a liability policy that covers costs in case your dog injures someone or destroys someone else’s property. This financial aid protects you and your dog against liability claims from someone else’s medical expenses or legal fees. According to Dog Bite Insurance, dog owners can get insurance limits of up to USD 300,000.
#2. Insurance When Your Dog Becomes Ill
Your dog can have a sudden infection, underlying conditions, or pain that needs immediate treatment. Imagine hearing them whining and wincing in pain. Of course, you would want to give them instant relief.
To do that, you will take them to the vet. Did you know that 21% of people have spent over USD 1,000 for one-time vet emergencies? However, only 12.9% of pet parents trust insurance policies for their expenses.
That is why dog health insurance will be a good option. It covers illnesses like cancer, ear infections, digestive issues, arthritis, and other pre-existing conditions. If you have this type of insurance, the provider will reimburse at least 70-100% of the diagnosis and treatment costs.
This policy is comprehensive and offers a wide range of coverage. It gives pet parents peace of mind when caring for their sick dogs. Moreover, this insurance ensures they get the best treatment without worrying about finances.
#3. Insurance When Your Dog Has an Accident
According to PetPedia, 10,000 dogs are injured or killed in accidents every year. In 2022, insurance companies paid almost USD 1 billion for dog-related injuries. Accidents can occur anytime, and you might not be financially prepared for it.
Hence, an accident-only insurance plan can be your dog’s safety net. This insurance will only cover medical expenses and veterinary care for accidental injuries. Some include bite wounds, broken bones, toxic ingestions, and torn ligaments.
Accident-only insurance will pay for any pet emergency like MRIs, bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasounds. You will get coverage on surgical procedures or overnight hospitalizations as well. However, it does not cover treatment costs for common illnesses like obesity, tumors, allergies, etc.
Even then, you can claim coverage for unexpected vet bills. Therefore, with this insurance plan, you need not worry about emergency treatment for your dog.
Underrated Dog Insurance Policies in America
Accident, liability, and illness coverage are the most common types of insurance for dogs. However, there are other uncommon dog insurances that you can choose from:
- Pet wellness plans as an add-on to insurance policies. These will offer coverage for additional costs on routine pet care like neutering, grooming, microchipping, and more.
- Auto insurance for your dog offers financial aid for collision-related medical expenses. Your four-legged friend will have guaranteed coverage with this, as it covers all car accident-related injury costs.
- Life insurance policies for your dog offer you a reimbursement if they disappear or get stolen. It can cover your dog’s funeral costs as well. However, only parents of dogs that generate value, like service dogs, can use this coverage.
The Bottom Line
Dog insurance comes in different types and forms. For example, liability insurance will cover any damage or injury caused by your dog. It can be a dog bite or property damage.
Similarly, a dog’s health insurance will cover the costs of any treatment or disease that your dog has. It can be pre-existing conditions or sudden illnesses. Accident-only coverage provides financial support when your dog has an accident. It covers medical bills for broken bones or hospitalization.
Other than these common insurance policies, pet parents can use pet wellness plans, life insurance, and auto insurance. Irrespective of the insurance policy or policies you choose, your beloved canine friend will have a financial safety net.
