Why Do I Need Health Insurance for my Puppy?

Few things are quite as cuddly as a puppy, but with those cute little faces can come some costly vet bills. Puppies not only require vaccinations, de-worming, and frequent checkups, but can also develop other unexpected conditions related to their immature immune systems and native curiosity.

Another thing to remember is that a puppy's immune system is not yet fully developed. While they're busy exploring their new surroundings they can be more susceptible to infectious diseases such as kennel cough and parvovirus. While most of these infections are curable, immediate treatment is often necessary.

Puppies will also instinctively use their mouths to explore their new surroundings, and sometimes will taste or eat something that can cause real health problems. All it takes is a puppy wandering onto a fertilized lawn or swallowing a piece of blanket to make her very sick.

Getting insurance for your puppy now will mean less stress and financial burden if a trip to the veterinarian is needed.

Budgeting for Puppy Wellness Care

Puppies may require up to 8 visits to the veterinarian in their first year of life. You'll need to make sure your puppy gets all of the recommended checkups, vaccinations and de-worming that your veterinarian recommends, as well as possible spaying or neutering, and micro-chipping. Insurance can help you cover this.

What Else Does Puppy Insurance Cover?

Insurance for your puppy will reimburse you for costs associated with diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, cancer and chemotherapy treatment, and even alternative and homeopathic therapies.

When is the Best Time to Buy Insurance?

Now, while your puppy is still, well, a puppy! The reason for this is so that you avoid getting any pre-existing conditions that may reduce your coverage in the future. It's important to have the insurance before you actually need it because pet insurance is the one thing you can't get when you need it the most.

What If I Have a Purebred Puppy?

Purebred puppies are more susceptible to genetic and breed-specific health issues such as hip dysplasia, cherry eye, or luxating patella. Many of these conditions can be debilitating or life-threatening and can cost thousands of dollars to diagnose and treat. In these cases having insurance lets you focus on caring for your puppy without worrying about your finances.

Choosing a Plan for Your Puppy

Planning for your puppy's health by getting pet insurance is all well and good but how do you choose a plan? You should look for a pet insurance company that covers genetic and breed-specific conditions. You won't be left guessing what conditions might be covered so get the broadest coverage you can.

Also find out if the plan you're looking at has per-incident or lifetime limits. Some companies use benefit schedules that can drastically limit the amount of your reimbursement.

How Much Will Insurance for my Puppy Cost?

Insurance for young puppies costs around $30-$35 per month, a little more if you opt for a wellness plan too. The premium varies by the breed of your puppy, where you live, and the amount of coverage you choose.  Don't forget, you can get discounts on your puppy's health insurance if puppy is spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, or if you have multiple pets insured. Back