Insuring your dog: why and how to choose?

Why is it useful to insure your dog?

" Max has never had an accident and does not know the pangs of illness ": this is a famous example of a preconceived idea, which pushes some owners to turn their backs on animal health insurance. And yet! Insuring your 4-legged companion has many advantages in certain situations.

No dog is safe from accidents or illness.

No, a dog's life is not always a bed of roses. Unforeseen events, such as illnesses and accidents, can arise without warning as he trots along the path of life. As you probably know, veterinary costs can reach colossal sums, to the great displeasure of your wallet.

Typically, annual healthcare costs for a domestic canine range from €500 to €1,200. Routine procedures, such as sterilization and vaccinations that need to be renewed each year, can result in costs that can be very high. Unfortunately, the bills are likely to start to skyrocket if Fido is seriously injured or falls prey to a nasty illness...

For example, hospitalization for a gastric torsion – which some large breeds, such as the Great Dane , Boxer , Dobermann or Rottweiler , are particularly prone to – results in a bill of between 3 and 4 figures. Similarly, radiotherapy sessions to combat the cancer that has invaded your furry friend's body cost several thousand euros.

Also note that laboratory blood tests, ultrasounds and X-rays suggest expenses between €50 and €100 on average. Prices vary depending on the service and the clinic where Toutou has set foot.

Several veterinary expenses can be reimbursed

As the guardian of a dog, you have a duty to preserve its health and well-being. As such, it is your responsibility to pay for veterinary procedures to treat it. Unfortunately, some considerable expenses are not always anticipated. Without care, your canine partner is exposed to suffering, or even death in the most serious cases. Due to lack of financial means, people abandon their pets or have them euthanized. Does the ball of love that brightens your daily life deserve to suffer so much? Certainly not.

Therefore, dog health insurance can be interesting in order to take care of your dog properly, save money and cover unforeseen expenses, especially if your budget is limited.

Depending on the formula you choose, the expenses related to your dog's care are partially or completely covered. A real relief for your bank account... Faced with an unexpected event, you can say goodbye to Mr. Stress and go to the vet with a light heart.

How to choose insurance for your dog?

Do you feel like finding the insurance contract that best suits your needs is proving to be a particularly difficult task? Don't panic, the editorial team at Chien.fr has some great advice for you!

Find out and compare offers before signing

Before you jump at the first insurance contract that is offered to you, we invite you to do some research. The more information you have, the more likely you are to get your hands on the offer that meets your expectations.

Your investigation can begin on the Internet, the famous goldmine of information. In just a few clicks, you have access to a large number of offers and their descriptions. In addition, do not hesitate to go fishing for advice from professionals in the canine sector, such as veterinarians, breeders and trainers. The latter can provide you with valuable advice.

Also, get information through word of mouth. Do you know trustworthy people who have taken out dog health insurance? Talk to them and ask them questions to get reliable information.

Study the formulas carefully

During your search, sort through the offers. Often, 3 levels of guarantees are offered to the future subscriber:

• The economic formula. This is the cheapest on the market. It covers part of the costs related to major claims (surgical operation, medical examination, hospitalization, etc.).
• The intermediate formula. Care relating to accidents and illnesses is partially reimbursed.
• The complete formula. Expenses generated by accidents, illnesses and routine care are largely or completely covered.

Next, sift through all the terms of the insurance contract to check that the offer is indeed adapted to your little companion. So, study the subscription terms, the exclusions, the age restriction, the benefits, the contributions (will their amount increase over the years?), the reimbursement ceiling and the general conditions.

Don't forget to pay special attention to the waiting period, which is the length of time your pet is not covered. This interval (between 24 hours and 6 months) extends from the signing of the contract to its actual taking out. During this latency period, which helps prevent fraud, no reimbursement is possible.

Similarly, analyze the deductible, that is, the portion of care not reimbursed. Indicated as a fixed amount or percentage, it varies from one insurance company to another and does not necessarily apply to all veterinary acts. Also find out about its evolution over time. The older the dog gets, the more the deductible is likely to increase. Finally, it can be deducted in one go; or each month, quarter, or even year.

Of course, be sure to take a look at the cancellation conditions. Is Médor 's health insurance valid for life? You will certainly be more relaxed knowing that your beloved ball of fur remains covered until his last breath.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure that all the information is clearly mentioned in the contract. No ambiguity! Today, you have the possibility to request quotes online – usually free – before making your final decision.