With the cost of pet healthcare growing at 5 times the rate of human healthcare over the last decade, pet ownership has become an expensive proposition. Just the routine check-ups and annual vaccination schedules for canines can range from $200 for a smaller dog to upwards of $500 for a healthy dog. Couple this with other expenses, food, accessories, boarding if needed, and Americans easily spend $1000-$2000 per year on their four-legged family member.
A recent survey revealed just how much dog lovers are willing to put their money where their heart is. When asked about how much someone would spend to save the life of their dog, a whopping 38% said they would spend whatever it takes. With the new sophisticated medical procedures that have been adopted from human health treatment, those numbers could climb into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Even what is considered routine care continues to climb, as more communicable diseases emerge and mandatory vaccinations are developed. Canines are more heavily regulated by municipalities as to mandatory vaccines for certain diseases, especially those that could be contracted by humans.
Dog health insurance, the thought of which used to make people snicker, is now a very real consideration for many who want to properly care for their pet and guard against a devastating choice should their dog require extraordinary life-saving measures.
When looking at the benefits of health insurance, be careful about the details of the policy. There are some policies that cost less than $10 per month, but these usually are designed as accidental injury coverage and may have 80% coverage, or a couple hundred dollar deductible. Also watch for deductibles that are per visit versus per year. It makes a huge difference.
Dogs have routine vaccines, dental care, perhaps nail clippings, and if any chronic illness or condition, scheduled check-ups throughout the year. Some policies will cover these, but may limit which conditions they cover. Also look for policies that exclude certain breeds or ages of dog, or charge a premium price for them.
Unlike felines, canines will often survive the initial trauma from a car/dog accident. This type of trauma requires extensive and expensive life-saving measures. If this is a concern for you, then health insurance for your dog makes perfect sense. It would not be impossible to think that upwards of $10,000 could be expended in that situation.
If you are a budget-minded individual, dog health insurance can more accurately help you assess what your annual pet care costs will be, versus on-the-spot payment. Even with the dog insurances, you typically must pay up front and then be reimbursed by the insurance carrier.
These days, answering an ad 'free to good home' or choosing from a box of free puppies at a garage sale or friend's house is just the beginning. Many times, the cost of the pet itself is the smallest part of the total cost of dog ownership and care. As veterinary costs climb, and are predicted to climb steeply through at least 2012, dog health insurance is nothing to laugh at any more.