There are many companies now offering pet insurance and one I'm looking at is the pet insurance provider for the ASPCA. They have four plans to choose from, ranging from $15 a month to $92 a month. At first glance, it looks like it's worthwhile. I just have to figure out which plan. For example, the $15 a month plan covers 90% of vet bills related to accidents such as broken bones and swallowed objects. It covers x-rays, meds, lab tests, surgery and hospitalization. There is a deductible but you can choose your level, starting as low as $100.
This isn't the coverage for Jes because she's a bulldog - which means she isn't running after anything. This couch potato has a very low risk of breaking a bone. And she has a sensitive stomach so she isn't inclined to eat anything other than her grain-free food!
But if I had known about this insurance when my Golden Retriever, Jake, was alive - this would have been the perfect policy for him!
And, as Old Dog Care Guide points out,
"The older dogs become, the higher their chances of suffering from some form of ill health or aging condition. These health issues are inevitable, so getting your old dog pet insurance is a way of making sure you’ll be able to afford any vet bills that come along with old age for your pooch.
In general, pet insurance works pretty much like the health insurance plans for humans. Most pet insurance plans cover:
- Treatment for accidents, diseases, and illnesses
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Cancer and chemotherapy
- Diagnostic and laboratory tests, like X-rays and MRIs
- Drugs and medications"
So it might make sense to look into pet insurance for dogs before your pooch gets into what is considered "old age" for dogs. If you need some help figuring out when your dog enters "senior" status, here's a chart of the top breeds and when they're considered AARP-eligible.
