Happy New Year, furriends! Just like people, us dogs will inevitably have health concerns and accidents that result in doctors visits sooner or later. To help your family have financial peace of mind for times like these, it’s really important to have good insurance coverage!

If you’re considering getting pet insurance, read on!

Why should you get pet insurance? For one, accidents happen when you least expect it. The last thing you want is for your family to be stuck deciding to forgo necessary treatment for you due to cost, which happens too often when people are unprepared. Secondly, depending on your breed, you may be more prone to certain diseases and health concerns. This can range from minor ear infections to dental issues to major organ failure. A good way to find out what you may be at greater risk of having is to take a DNA test, like Embark! That way, your humans can ensure you get good preventive care and enjoy life to its fullest. With these in mind, vet bills can still be very costly for major procedures and treatments. Your family can save a lot of money by having good insurance coverage that will take on the bulk of the cost.

What should you look for? First, see if your humans have discounted pet insurance offered through their employers. Some offer a lower monthly premium than the listed market price. Others will even allow you to pay for the premium pre-tax! Second, pay attention to any prerequisites such as age restrictions, health screenings, and blackout periods. Third, take a look at how they handle pre-existing conditions and any specific health concerns you have, as well as any automatic rate changes due to age. Last, compare the deductible, reimbursement levels, premium, and any sign-up fees to pick a plan that’s best for you!

Here are the pet insurance plans I researched and would recommend:

• HealthyPaws (Customizable reimbursement level, includes coverage for behavioral treatment, easy online claims process)
• PetPlan (Sick visit exam fees covered, comprehensive dental illness, VirtualVet visits, some behavioral treatment)
• Trupanion (Customizable annual deductible, includes some dental illness coverage and cremation)
• VCA CareClub (Membership, not insurance! Wellness plans that include vaccines and exams catered to your dog’s age – great for puppies)

Stay healthy!
– Butters The Pup 🐾