It can be a heartbreaking experience to see your dog get sick. In addition to the emotional worries, the medical costs for your dog can be high. This raises the question for many dog owners whether and how they can insure their sick dog. In this blog we explain how you can insure a sick dog, what the benefits are and what you should pay attention to.
Why insure a sick dog?
Medical treatments for dogs, especially those with long-term illnesses or chronic conditions, can be financially taxing. By purchasing insurance for your sick dog, you can cover many of the costs and prevent unexpected financial situations. With dog insurance, you can learn more about your options and see what reimbursements are available for medical care and treatments.
Common Diseases in Dogs
Dogs, like people, can experience a wide range of health issues. Here are some common diseases and conditions in dogs that insurance can be helpful for:
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition in which the hip joints do not develop properly. This can lead to pain, lameness and movement problems. Treatments can be expensive and sometimes surgery is necessary. - Arthritis
Arthritis is common, especially in older dogs. This inflammation of the joints can cause a lot of pain and often requires long-term medication or physical therapy in dogs . - Skin allergies and infections
Allergies to pollen, food or flea bites are common in dogs. They lead to itching, skin irritation and sometimes infections, which require treatment and medication. - Heart Disease
Heart problems are most common in older dogs and certain breeds. Treating heart disease can be expensive due to the medications and regular checkups required. - Cystitis
Cystitis, or bladder infection in dogs , is an inflammation of the bladder lining that is usually caused by a bacterial infection. This infection can cause discomfort and pain when urinating and can present with a wide range of symptoms. - Digestive problems
Digestive problems such as a sensitive stomach or intestinal inflammation are also common and may require long-term treatment, such as special diets and medications. - Eye Problems
Some breeds are prone to eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma. Surgery or regular eye treatments may be necessary.
By purchasing insurance, you can get help with the cost of treatment for these and other common conditions. However, some conditions may not be covered if they were already present at the time of application.
What should you pay attention to when insuring a sick dog?
Insuring a sick dog can be more difficult than insuring a healthy dog. Insurance companies look at the health of your dog at the time of application. Therefore, keep the following in mind:
- Exclusions for pre-existing conditions
As mentioned above, many insurance policies do not cover pre-existing diseases or conditions. It is therefore important to check with your insurer to see what coverage you can get for your dog’s health issues. - Different insurance plans and coverage levels
There are different plans available that vary in coverage and cost. Make sure you choose the right insurance based on the care your dog needs and your financial situation. For example, some plans only cover emergencies, while others also cover the cost of preventative care.
The Moment of Insurance: The Earlier, the Better
It is a smart choice to take out insurance for your dog early, even before health problems arise. Many insurance policies have a waiting period during which you cannot claim coverage. By insuring your pet in time , you prevent your pet from remaining uninsured during important treatments and examinations. This is also the case for other pets such as cats, birds & rabbits.
