Many families will be getting pets this year and they often will take the necessary steps to get their pet the proper immunizations and shots and a checkup. When considering Dog Health, one area that they fail to think about is Dog Insurance. 
It is important know the facts about Dog Health Insurance and whether it may be appropriate for your family. If you are considering a plan, you will want to know what is covered under your plan. Each dog insurance company is different in how they structure their coverage so it is important to understand the differences. You should pay attention to the deductible amopunts and maximum benefits.
Dog Insurance – What You Need to Know
Pre Existing Conditions
It is imperative that you determine if your pet plan covers preexisting conditions and what these conditions are. Most plans do not cover preexisting conditions. Some examples of these conditions are Allergies, Cancer , Diabetes, Lipomas, Hyperthyroidism , Urinary Tract infections.
Breed Specific Conditions
Check the insurance policy for breed specific conditions and what their coverage is. Breed specific conditions means the animal is predisposed to developing a condition based on the genetic makeup of the pet. The puppy is born with the defect although it may not manifest itself until later in life. An example is canine hip dysplasia or disc disease.
Chronic Conditions
Many dog insurance plans have disclaimers and specific rules for dogs with chronic conditions. Chronic conditions are illnesses which typically last 12 months or longer and are not considered curable.
Types of Dog Insurance Plans
Accident Only Plans
These dog insurance plans only cover specific accidents and illnesses are not covered. If you opt for this type of coverage, determine what is specifically covered. Typically, accidents like car accidents, poisoning, and swallowing a foreign object will be covered.
Full Coverage Plans
Most of these dog insurance plans will cover illnesses and accidents including cancer treatments. You can also add coverage to include dental work and prescription drugs. The important item to know is the annual maximums that will be paid out, the deductible you will have to pay for each event, and the annual lifetime maximum that the plan will pay out for each pet on the plan. Another important criterion to check is the age of your dog and what age level is accepted. Some plans will not accept dogs older than 6.
Payment Reimbursement
Check to see how a claim is paid out. Some dog insurance companies pay out as a percentage of the claim while others use a benefit schedule. Some Pet Insurance companies pay a percentage of the total bill, typically 80% or less depending on the coverage. With a benefit schedule, the insurance plan pre-determines an allowed amount. If the treatment is within the allowed amount, it will pay up to that amount minus the deductible. VPI Pet Insurance uses a benefit schedule. Two other notable pet insurance companies are Embrace Pet Insurance and PetPlan.
Check online and look for reviews of the dog insurance company. The company should have a rated underwriter and be well established with a good record of paying claims.
Dog Health Tip of the Day
One of the most important things you can do for your dog is provide a healthy environment in which they live. If the pet lives outside, ensure you maintain a clean doghouse for the pet. This includes fresh straw for their bedding so germs and bacteria will have a hard time establishing themselves. For indoor dogs, a smoke free environment is extremely beneficial. Also, vacuuming the carpet daily will prevent pet dander from causing problems for you and your pet. Ensure that you purchase the best vacuum for pet hair that you can afford. The results will be noticable. Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog. And a healthy dog means less you will need to spend on veterinary care.