What are the best dog health insurance plans in Vancouver?
Dogs make up almost 80% of insured pets in Canada. They're part of the family, and therefore, you ought to provide them with the care and attention they deserve.
Health insurance for dogs enables you to prevent major expenses from future medical treatments. In other words, it'll help you financially if your doggy gets sick or injured.
The good thing is there are a ton of options when you're a first-timer in buying dog health insurance in Vancouver. But that could also be a bad thing because you may end up with the wrong insurance plan. So, before you start looking at the different options, you must learn how this works.
How dog health insurance works
Like most other types of insurance, you pay a monthly premium to your insurance company. Whichever plan you choose, it'll cover the costs of ongoing medical treatments. These may include preventive care, emergency expenses, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, and surgery.
You'll have the option to select different coverage limits depending on what you think is reasonable for your doggy's age and breed. Then, you pay a deductible for each treatment distinct from your chosen plan. You can also opt for higher coverage limits and lower deductibles if your pooch is older and you suspect that he may suffer from some pre-existing health conditions.
Is it really important?
Your pet's health is a priority. That's why you need to look at several dog insurance plans in Vancouver and compare which one best suits your needs and budget.
Most of the time, when it comes to major expenses like surgery or procedures that require long-term care, it can be financially draining for your family. That alone is reason enough to invest in a dog health insurance plan.
Not all plans work for everyone
There are many things that you need to consider when purchasing a suitable dog health insurance plan in Vancouver.
Sometimes, the best-planned coverage may not work for your pet because of breed or age. For instance, some breeds are more prone to hereditary problems.
You need to adjust not only the coverage limits but also the monthly premiums. On top of that, there may be other charges like co-insurance and co-pays. What's more, your dog's age is another crucial factor in selecting a plan that'll work best for them.
Dog insurance options in Vancouver
From full coverage to budget-friendly options, we believe these are the top dog health insurance plans in Vancouver:
PetPlan Canada
This plan is one of the most complete when it comes to coverage. Your pet will be guaranteed full reimbursement if he needs treatment for hereditary and congenital conditions, cancer, chronic renal failure or digestive problems.
Pet Plan Canada offers up to 90% reimbursement for your senior dog seven years or more of age. With over four decades in existence, you're confident that the money you put in will be worth it.
Pros
You get to choose the plan that best suits your preference
You have the option to pay monthly or for a full term
Cons
The rates may be expensive for new pet owners
Older pets are required to undergo veterinary screenings
Trupanion
This insurance plan represents convenience as it offers a direct vet pay option. The rates are also flexible because there's a low-cost option for new pet owners. The coverage limits will depend on how long you want to pay, but it all comes down to 90% coverage.
Pros
Guarantees full reimbursement for hereditary conditions, cancer, chronic renal failure or digestive problems
The deductible is "per condition" basis
No lifetime cap on accidents
Cons
No preventative treatment coverage
No customization or add-ons for a single plan
Petsecure Secure 4 Plan
This option rightfully belongs on this list because of its built-in preventative care. This plan will automatically cover the costs of over 100 wellness plans, including Fecal, Heartworm and Cancer Screening tests. That alone makes it ideal for pet owners who focus on preventive rather than emergency treatments.
Petsecure also offers a benefit limit of up to $20,000 for emergency treatments that require surgery. It's important to understand that this amount will only be reimbursed if your pet is diagnosed with a pre-existing condition after signing up.
Pros
It covers 100% for pre-existing conditions
Flexible coverage limits from $2,500 to $20,000
Built-in preventative care
Cons
A rather expensive option compared to other plans on this list
It doesn't include hereditary conditions
Pets Plus Us
Pets Plus Us takes pride as the best available option for dog owners in Vancouver who want accident-only coverage. That means you will not be reimbursed for hereditary conditions, cancer or chronic renal failure. However, accidents are guaranteed to be covered whether it's what your pet ate or if he somehow accidentally ingested medications.
But note that the company also offers a combination of accident and illness, but you expect to pay more for it.
Pet owners must also understand that the coverage limits only apply to accidents that occur during "covered out-of-pocket expenses." That is why it's mandatory to acquire a low-cost plan before raising the limits.
Pros
The best dog insurance for senior dogs seven years or above
Coverage limits are flexible
Con
Slow reimbursement
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dog Insurance Plans
Now that you know the top options for dog health insurance plans in Vancouver, the next step is to determine how much it'll cost you. To do that, you must weigh in a handful of factors:
Age - Senior dogs are likely to suffer chronic renal failure, leading to expensive treatments. This is why it's best to consider life insurance plans that will help you pay for expensive procedures. The same thing applies if your dog has any hereditary conditions.
Breed - Some dog breeds are more prone to chronic health problems than others. Be sure you know your dog's vulnerabilities when getting pet insurance.
Coverage Limits - Is it better to pay for a plan that features higher coverage limits? Or will you be satisfied with affordable rates knowing that your dog is covered at around 70%? This depends on how much you're willing to shell out every month.
Conclusion
These options will provide you with good value for your money. It's only a matter of finding the one that will address your dog's health needs and budget. Consider comparing plans from various providers to avoid overpaying and wasting time. There's no one-size-fits-all option, so it's best to be open-minded.