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How Much Dog Insurance Coverage Do You Need?

In 2000, pet owners spend an estimated $7.2 million on veterinarian care. This figure increased to $11 billion in 2005. Now nearly $25 billion a year is spent on veterinary care. If you take dogs and cats, the metric is about 150 million dogs and cats in the U.S. Yet there were only 850,000 pet insurance policies in effect in 2007, according to the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues. Why is this?

Dogs are especially prone to injuries and accidents because they are so active, yet most people are reluctant to get premiums for their dogs because of the high prices. In a time when veterinary costs are skyrocketing, it is important that dog owners get some type of dog insurance. The question is – how much dog insurance is enough?

Even getting one of your dog’s teeth pulled, with anesthesia, x-ray, infection prevention, etc can easily run up into the thousands of dollars. Knowing this, is the bare minimum of dog insurance coverage even enough?

How Much Dog Insurance Do You Need

The average, monthly premium ranges from $20 – $40 twelve times a year. The younger your dog is when you purchase the policy; the cheaper the rates are. The required deductibles will vary based on the type of insurance you choose to get.

When deciding how much you want to pay for your premium (which will determine your coverage), remember that most serious veterinarian visits cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per incident. Over the life of your dog, your policy itself will cost you no more than $6,000.00

The Different Types of Dog Insurance

“Catastrophic coverage” or major dog insurance is what you want to have in the event of serious accidents and unpredictable conditions. With this policy, there is a low monthly payment but a very high deductible.

Comprehensive policies are affiliated with this type of coverage. It is a combination of routine coverage and catastrophic coverage. The deductibles for this type of policy usually begin at $500.

Wellness and Routine coverage applies to all normal procedures that dogs need to stay healthy. This includes standard care such as teeth cleaning, annual checkups, and vaccinations. This type of dog insurance offers the most economical coverage.

Chronic Condition coverage helps dog owners when their pets develop such long-term conditions as diabetes or osteoarthritis. The coverage amount depends on the insurer, and the insurance firm may even place limits on the payout amounts.

Genetic Condition coverage is only provided through a few, dog insurance firms. It is extremely expensive, and it covers a broad spectrum of genetic conditions that may affect dogs.

Now that you know more about dog insurance coverage, you should be able to choose the right plan for your favorite canine.

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How Do Pet Health Insurance Companies Figure Out Their Premiums?

Pet health insurance companies don’t pick their pet premiums out of a hat. While each company is different, there are some common ways that all pet care companies determine their premium rates.

General Statistics: Insurance companies keep a close watch on the pet trends around the country. From these numbers, they determine how much of a risk factor each discovery actually carries.

Location, Location: Where you live can be a big factor in how much you pay for pet insurance. City dwellers can find themselves paying up to three times as much as their country counterparts on most policies. Some companies calculate their premiums based on zip code while others use city and state as their guideline.

Older, Wiser, and More Expensive: Most pet insurance companies add a few extra dollars to the policies of cats and dogs over the age of eight. Puppies and kittens also tend to carry high premiums, as they tend to be more accident prone.

Genetic History: Certain breeds can be more expensive for insurance companies, which leads to higher premiums for pet owners. For example, Chihuahuas carry five times the risk of congenital portosystemic shunt than mixed breeds.

Cat vs. Dog: The war rages on! In this case, cats win, as they are cheaper to ensure than the average Fido. This is because cats have fewer unexpected illnesses and accidental injuries than dogs.

Spayed vs. Neutered: Neutered dogs carry a lower risk of prostate cancer and no risk of testicular cancer. Spayed females are much less likely to get mammary cancer and have no chance of getting a uterine infection.

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Choosing the Right Vet for Your Cat Insurance

Choosing the right vet for your cat is just as important as choosing your own primary care physician. Here are a few ways to make sure that you choose a veterinarian who fits in with your pet and your pet’s health insurance policy.

  • Get referrals from friends and family. Word of mouth is always your best bet when it comes to choosing your cat’s future veterinarian. Call around to friends and family members and ask for their local recommendations. Keep in mind that some pet insurance policies require you to choose an in-network veterinarian. If this is the case, ask your insurance provider for a list of qualified vets in your area before you start asking for personal recommendations.
  • Find out how many vets are available in each office. While many clinics choose to employ only one veterinarian, you might want to consider a clinic with at least two to three vets. In the case of an emergency, clinics with one veterinarian are less likely to provide the type of care that you need, simply because their resources are limited.
  • Ask potential vets for a list of client referrals. Vets with positive client relationships often post happy letters and thank you notes around their lobbies or on their websites. If you don’t see any obvious signs of satisfied customers, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.
  • Make sure your vet understands alternative medications and supplements. A vet who does not take the time to have opinions on the new trends in pet science may not be progressive enough to ensure your cat’s future health happiness.
  • Visit your top two choices. After you’ve narrowed down your list of potential veterinarians, make an appointment with your top two choices for your cat’s routine checkup. While in the office, observe how the vet interacts with your animal to help make your final decision.

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Dog Bite Coverage

According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites cost insurers $356.2 million in 2007, up 10.5 percent from the previous year.  Since 2003, the cost of these claims has increased by 28 percent. In response to the spike in claims, many insurers have decreased—and in some cases eliminated—dog bite coverage.

Homeowners and renters insurance policies that cover dog bite liability provide between $100,000 and $300,000 in coverage—which may not be enough. Since you are personally responsible for the remainder if the claim exceeds the limit, you may want to purchase supplemental coverage through a personal excess liability policy. This will provide between $1 million and $10 million additional coverage. The first $1 million costs $150–300 per year; the second million about $75; and each million after that, about $50 annually.

Dog bite coverage provides the victim compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Disability

Many insurers charge a higher premium after a dog’s first attack or exclude him altogether since he then poses an increased risk. Some companies will maintain coverage providing you enroll your dog in behavior modification classes.

If you have difficulty obtaining dog bite coverage because of a prior attack, you have a couple options:

  • Check to see if you have the right to appeal under the law that determined your dog to be dangerous. Be sure to do this right away, as you only have small window in which to do it.
  • Look into purchasing an umbrella policy to cover what your homeowners or renters insurance won’t. Let your agent know you need coverage specifically for canine liability, and explain the circumstances of your dog’s history.

If you cannot insure your dog against bites, you may need to surrender him to a rescue organization or a shelter. Keeping an uninsured dog with a history of aggression opens you to almost certain financial loss. Bear in mind, you must disclose his history or you’ll still be liable to future victims.

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Dog Bite Law

dog-bite

Dog Bite Law can be a little complicated since it is a combination of state, city, and county law. The outcome of a case in San Francisco, California could be entirely different than an identical case in Dallas, Texas. The key determining factor is whether or not the jurisdiction follows the “one-bite rule.” This essentially gives a pet owner a “one bite free” card—meaning he will not be held responsible for his dog’s first attack. Many scholars and judges have fought to repeal this rule across the board since it absolves an owner of responsibility and ignores the victim’s suffering.

Eighteen states observe the one-bite rule. They include: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming. In these states, you must prove the animal had a dangerous propensity to win your court case.

If you can establish the dog’s behavior indicated he’d eventually attack, you have a decent chance of winning. In the remaining states, dog owners are generally liable for bites, assuming the victim did not trespass or provoke the animal.

Since jurisdiction plays a large role in determining your rights as a victim, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney before taking action. Most cases are as simple as filing an insurance claim; and 99 out of 100 of them are settled out of court.

Lawyers who represent dog bite victims do not charge anything upfront. They take their fee from the settlement, usually between 25 and 35 percent. If you act as your own lawyer you’ll avoid paying this fee—but you could take home up to 90 percent less in your settlement.

If you’re a pet owner, be sure your home or renter’s insurance provides coverage for injuries inflicted by dogs or animals in general and has a limit of at least $100,000 for personal liability.

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Dog Owner Liability Insurance

All dog owners should have a home owner’s or renter’s insurance policy that provides at least $100,000 in personal liability coverage for injuries their pets inflict. This will provide adequate compensation for most dog attacks except the most severe, and ensure you won’t lose any of your assets or income because of an incident. In some cases, other types of insurance may apply. For example, if your dog attacked someone in a car, your automobile insurance policy would likely cover the incident.

Many big insurers are trying to exclude this coverage from their policies to save money because a third of all claims involve dog bites. Some go so far as to remove it from a plan that previously included it so it’s important to inquire about this when your purchase a plan. Also, ask whether the plan:

  • Excludes certain types of dogs
  • Limits the number of times it will pay out for dog bits claims
  • Limits the amount of money it will pay out
  • Limits the household residents or other people who are covered

An insurance policy generally covers you and others in your household who are your relatives or dependents (under 21 years old). A person covered by your insurance policy cannot file a claim as a victim—so you will not receive compensation from your policy if your dog bites your daughter. Your insurance company may also cover your hired help, including pet sitters and walkers, meaning they wouldn’t be able to file claims, either.

If you need to purchase dog owner liability insurance separately because your plan does not include it, contact one of the following companies:

Lester Kalmanson Agency, Inc.

P.O. Box 940008

Maitland, Florida, 32794-0008

(407) 645-5000

Eva Reed

The Ohio Insurance Exchange

117 West Main Street, Ste 103

Lancaster, OH 43130

800.473.1215 Phone

740.681.9945 Phone

Evolution Insurance Brokers

Rick Lindsey, President / Underwriter. Phone: (801) 304-5510 Fax: (801) 304-5595

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Which Dog Supplements You Should Choose

Dog supplements aren’t just for pets with nutritional deficiencies. They can improve your dog’s health and increase his lifespan, assuming you know which ones to get.

Glucosamine helps with arthritis. Many dogs deal with joint issues because their food contains high levels of uric acid. A Glucosamine supplement should help improve your dog’s mobility, since this is the substance found naturally within the joints.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids reduce inflammation from arthritis, slow the development of metastasis in certain cancers, and prevent certain cardiac problems. They include:

  • Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
  • Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
  • Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA

Omega-6 Fatty Acids help with dry skin, dull coats, atopy, and autoimmune disease. They include:

  • Linoleic acid (LA)
  • Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
  • Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
  • Arachidonic acid (AA)

Apple Cider Vinegar helps boost the immune system and improves stamina, and is also a general detoxifier.

Use one that is raw, unpasteurized, unheated, and organic. Do not give to dogs with chronic yeast infections or overactive intestines.

Enzyme supplements help aid digestion.

If you dog experiences bloating, diarrhea, gas or other symptoms that indicate stomach issues, use enzymes to help prevent serious future problems—like allergies, cancer, and premature aging.

Antioxidants help slow the aging process by protecting against damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants include:

  • Vitamins A, C, and E
  • Carotenoids, Selenium
  • Coenzyme Q10
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

You should check with your veterinarian before adding a supplement to your dog’s diet, particularly if he already takes medication, to avoid any adverse effects. Also, be sure to investigate all the ingredients in whatever dog supplement you choose and the manufacturer. These steps will keep your pet healthy and safe.

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Legal Rights of Dog Bite Victims in the USA

Every year, approximately 4.7 million people suffer dog bites in the United States—and 800,000 of them require medical treatment. If you’ve been victimized and left with physical and emotional scars, you may be entitled to monetary compensation.

Dog bite law can be somewhat confusing since it is a combination of city, county, and state law. All states without exception hold a person civilly liable for a dog bite if he ordered the animal to attack the victim; or if he knew the dog bit someone previously or had a history of aggression toward people. Almost all states consider a person responsible for negligence that leads to a bite. Dog owners, landlords, care centers, and former dog owners can all be held accountable for such injuries.

The following states are “one bite” states—meaning they may shield a person from responsibility if it’s the first time a dog’s bitten someone:

  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Maryland
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming

If your attack occurred in a one-bite state, the law protects the dog owner and other parties connected to the dog unless the court finds previous attacks, negligence on the owner’s part, or pet ownership for the sake of hurting people.

The other 32 states impose statutory strict liability for dog attacks, meaning the owner is legally liable to the victim. Some states allow certain exceptions, for example, if the victim was trespassing or if he provoked the dog by abusing him.

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, consult with an attorney to ascertain how city, county and state laws affect you specifically. You may receive money through the owner’s insurance (homeowners, renter’s, landlord’s, and more) for:

  • Medical treatment, now and in the future (for example, scar reduction)
  • Psychological counseling to address the trauma
  • Loss of earnings during your treatment
  • Torn clothing and broken glasses
  • Medications
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future disability

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Breeds That Might Not Qualify for Dog Insurance

cocker-spanielMost pet insurance companies offer policies for healthy dogs once they reach the age of eight weeks old. However, some dog breeds carry exceptions with many of the larger pet insurance companies. When adopting a dog, you may want to consider these conditions when choosing the appropriate breed for your budget and lifestyle.

Large Dog Breeds Exceptions: Many companies offer an exclusion for German Shepherds, Great Danes, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Terriers because of their history with hip dysplasia.

Bulldog Issues: Bulldogs have many health problems, thanks to their flat facial structures and breathing issues. They tend to react negatively to warm weather and can have problems sleeping at night. Many bulldogs also suffer from hip dysplasia as they age.

Cocker Spaniel Waiting Period: Many pet insurance companies will not ensure an English Cocker Spaniel until the dog is two years old. This is because this breed of dog has been known to develop Familial Nephropathy, a genetic condition that is normally fatal. The disease tends to make an appearance in the first two years of a Cocker Spaniel’s life, which is why pet insurance owners require the two year waiting period.

Liability Insurance Requirements: According to the Lester Kalmanson Agency, certain dog breeds must have liability insurance before some pet health insurance companies will consider coverage. This list typically includes:

  • Akitas
  • Boxers
  • Chow chows
  • Doberman pinschers
  • Great Danes
  • German shepherds
  • Pit bulls
  • Siberian huskies
  • Presa Canario bulldogs
  • Alaska malamutes

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Top 10 most expensive veterinary treatments

VPI identified the top ten most expensive veterinary treatments:

For Dogs:


  • Intervertebral Disc Disease—$2,844
  • Lung Cancer—$2,032
  • Gastric Torsion (Bloat)—$1,955
  • Foreign Body Ingestion (small intestine)—$1,629
  • Cruciate Rupture—$1,517
  • Foreign Body Ingestion (stomach)—$1,398
  • Cataract—$1,244
  • Bone Cancer—$1,059
  • Pin in Broken Limb—$1,000
  • Brain Cancer $916

For Cats:

  • Foreign Body Ingestion—$1,629
  • Urinary Tract—$1,399
  • Foreign Body Ingestion (stomach)—$1,391
  • Rectal Cancer—$1,011
  • Bladder Stones—$989
  • Intestinal Cancer—$942
  • Hyperthyroidism (Radiation)—$920
  • Fibrosarcoma (Skin cancer)—$780
  • Acute Renal Failure—$565
  • Mast Cell Tumors—$497

If your dog or cat needed one of these expensive treatments what would you decide? Dip into savings, rack up debt, or euthanize your pet? If you have a pet insurance policy—paying between $200 and $400 annually—you wouldn’t need to make that choice.

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Pre-Existing Conditions and Pet Insurance

It’s one of the biggest annoyances with human health insurance: the pre-existing condition clause. This means if you have a condition that existed before you got insurance you might not be covered, or you may be covered after a 9-month waiting period.  It’s not quite the same for pets.

Most pet insurers completely exclude pre-existing medical conditions. Sometimes they remove the exclusion if the condition is curable, like an ear infection or a broken leg, but this doesn’t help you if your dog has kidney disease.

If your pet does have a condition that might cost a lot to treat, you may want to consider an alternative to insurance coverage. Pet Assure, for example, covers all pets, regardless of age or condition. It works like a discount dental network. You pay $99 per year for one pet or $149 for up to four, and save 25% on veterinary care, including office visits, shots, and surgery. There are no exclusions, no deductibles, and no waiting periods for reimbursement. The only limitation is that you must use a veterinarian within the network. Of course that’s just one-fourth of your bill. If surgery costs $2,000 you’ll still have to pay $1,500—but it’s better than having to pay it all!

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Pet Insurance and Emergency Coverage

Routine visits to the vet aren’t what drain your savings account—it’s the emergencies that do it, like sudden illnesses, broken bones and car accidents. All pet insurance providers are different, and you likely won’t have time to read the fine print right when something happens. Before you commit to a plan, ask plenty of questions about emergency care.

Many companies offer different levels of coverage depending on your income, situation, and your pet’s age and breed. For example, VPI Pet Insurance—the nation’s oldest and largest pet insurer—offers six levels. The Superior Plan reimburses you for 90% of eligible emergency expenses up to a certain amount, after a deductible. Take this example from the VPI website:

A VPI policy holder had a two-year old Border collie in Encino California. The dog swallowed a toy and needed surgery, hospitalization, medication and follow-up care. The policy holder filed a claim for $1270. The plan allowed a benefit of $1059 after a $50 deductible—meaning $1009 in eligible expenses. VPI covered 90% of that for a total of $908.10. The policy holder ended up paying $361.90 out of pocket.

Here’s another example. ASPCA pet insurance offers five plans, and each of them includes accident coverage. The Sterling Plan—the top-of-the-line—costs $68/month for cats and $77 for dogs. It covers 80% of just about everything with a $100 yearly deductible, an incident benefit up to $2,500, and a maximum yearly benefit of $13,000. If the Border collie owner had this plan, she’d have paid $334. You can also get peace of mind with a cheap pet insurance policy. ASPCA’s Safety Plan starts at $7.50/month for cats and $9.50 for dogs. Of course this only provides basic accident coverage, meaning your out-of-pocket expenses may be higher.

It can be somewhat confusing, so be sure you ask lots of questions before choosing your veterinary insurance provider. That way you know what to expect for reimbursement and when you can expect to receive it.

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Pet Insurance and Pre-certification

Before you choose a veterinary pet insurance policy, you need to consider whether the provider requires pre-certification. This means they require prior approval before paying out a claim.

On the one hand, pre-certification gives you peace of mind. You know for certain your pet insurance provider will cover a treatment before you pay—and they typically pay these claims quicker because they pre-approved it. On the other hand, you may not have the time to fill out pre-certification forms before an emergency procedure.

Some companies, like VPI Pet Insurance, don’t require pre-certification. Embrace Pet Insurance makes it optional so you can ensure you’ll be reimbursed for some of the priciest treatments, including:

  • MRIs
  • CAT scans
  • Hip replacements
  • Home visits
  • Any cost you anticipate will be over $1,000

You fill out a one-page form with your veterinarian, then Embrace gets back to you within 10 business days letting you know exactly what you can expect for reimbursement.

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Drawbacks to Pet Insurance for Large Dogs

As we mentioned before, veterinary pet insurance generally does not cover congenital diseases—conditions that are present at birth. Many large dogs are prone to such defects, including hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as other bone and joint problems. Also large breeds tend to be more active and accident-prone, and for this reason, pet health insurance providers generally charge more to cover them. It’s a simple concept, really: the greater the risk, the more you have to pay for coverage.

If you have a large breed—like a Doberman or a Labrador retriever—there are certain things you should consider to determine whether or not insurance is a smart choice. Is your dog aggressive? Does he spend a lot of time outside without supervision? Are you able to pay for costs associated with the congenital conditions listed above?

Keep in mind that most veterinary health insurance policies reimburse you after you pay for treatment. That means you have to have the full amount up front, and then will get some of it back. If you can’t afford to do that, health insurance might not make sense. It might be better to take the $25–40 you would spend monthly and put it in an account. This way you might have the amount you need when your dog needs medical care.

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Pet Insurance Covers Alternative Therapy for Pets

Pet health insurance is a smart investment because it covers routine care and expensive treatments for your dog or cat. But that’s not all you get. According to a PRLog press release, most pet insurers now cover some form of alternative therapy, as well.

Of course not all pet policies are created equal. For example, Embrace Pet Insurance covers physical therapy and hydrotherapy for rehabilitative dogs so long as the provider belongs to one of the following:

  • American Veterinary Chiropractic Association
  • The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy
  • The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture
  • The American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association

Not sure how these alternative therapies help pets? Here’s a little breakdown:

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture helps reduce pain and inflammation to speed the healing process. May include acupuncture needles and electric stimulation. Acupressure is a similar procedure without the needles; it relies on gentle pressure from the hand instead.

Massage Therapy

Massages are great for dogs with bone and joint problems. They also promote flexibility and help with the early detection of lumps underneath the skin. Just like people-massages, they utilize different techniques, including kneading, stroking, and rubbing.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic therapy benefits dogs with joint, muscle, and nerve problems by adjusting the bones in the spine. If your pet has difficulty with mobility or is recovering from an injury, chiropractic care may be the best treatment method.

Whether you pursue an alternative therapy or not it’s still wise to consider pet insurance. That way if your pet contracts an unexpected illness, you won’t have to think twice before calling your vet.

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