10 Dog Insurance Comparison Points for New Owners

Owners can save money and get the best coverage for their dog with an informed comparison between insurance policies. Use these suggestions when comparing and contrasting plans.

1. Level of coverage: Find out what treatments are included in your plan, from basic checkups to cancer treatment.
2. Veterinarians: Some plans allow you to choose any veterinarian while others offer limited choices.
3. Deductibles: Compare the price of deductibles between plans.
4. Add-ons: Treatments and services like dental care, travel insurance and coverage of chronic conditions can be added on to plans.
5. Exclusions: Behavior or psychological problems, hip dysplasia and special conditions can exclude or limit coverage.
6. Genetic or pre-existing conditions: Find out how the plan defines pre-existing conditions and if they raise the price or exclude your dog from plans. There are insurance companies that concentrate on special conditions to give your animal personal coverage for his specific health problems.
7. Claims process: Look into deadlines, the filing process, payment details and claim limitations.
8. Payment options: What are the payment schedules, monthly rates, co-pays and reimbursement time for claims?
9. Multiple pet discounts: Some companies have special plans when you insure multiple animals; however, some companies will limit the number of 'high risk' breeds they will insure in a house, or ban any of these breeds from their insurance plans all together.
10. Increasing premiums: Most insurance companies increase premiums as a dog gets older, and sometimes if many claims are filed.