Best Pet Insurance For Yorkshire Terriers In 2024

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Insurance companies often require puppies and kittens to be between 6 and 10 weeks old for coverage. Senior pets may not qualify for initial enrollment or may only be covered for accidents. However, once enrolled, most plans offer lifelong coverage provided premiums are paid.

Research What’s Covered

Most pet insurance plans cover surgery, hospitalization, and medications if your pet gets injured or sick. However, some items may come with extra costs or not be covered at all. For example:

• Exam fees: If your dog breaks her leg, the policy may cover surgery but not the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture or physical therapy may be covered by some insurers but cost extra with others.
• Behavioral treatment: Not all plans cover therapy for behavioral issues.
• Prescription food: Some plans don’t cover special diets, even if prescribed.
• Dental care: Dental coverage varies. Your plan might not cover conditions like gingivitis unless your pet had a recent cleaning, but wellness add-ons could pay for cleanings.

Most plans also exclude pre-existing conditions, cosmetic work, and breeding expenses.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Pet insurance plans often cap annual payouts, although some offer unlimited coverage. It’s your choice how much coverage gives you peace of mind for vet bills. With a healthy pet, you might only need to pay for routine care for years. But unexpected surgeries or serious illnesses could mean thousands of dollars in expenses.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Pet insurance plans typically reimburse a set percentage of your vet bill, with 70%, 80%, or 90% options available.

Some plans instead pay a fixed fee for treatments, which could be less than your vet charges, and you’d be responsible for covering the difference.

Most policies include a deductible, which is the out-of-pocket amount you pay before your coverage starts. Deductibles generally range from $100 to $250 or higher. Some policies require you to pay a deductible per incident, while others have an annual deductible.

Choosing a lower deductible and higher reimbursement rate generally increases premiums, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate can reduce your premium.

Check Waiting Periods

Insurance plans typically require a short waiting period, often around 14 days after purchase, before they begin covering general accident and illness treatments. During this period, medical expenses are not reimbursed. Some plans have extended waiting periods for specific conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, which are prevalent in dogs as orthopedic problems. Cruciate ligaments play a critical role in stabilizing the knee joint, and injury to them can severely affect a dog’s ability to walk.

Examine Extra Costs

Certain pet insurance providers cover routine services like vet check-ups and vaccinations. Before enrolling, calculate if the higher cost is justified by comparing the annual premium of the wellness plan with your average yearly expenses for these services. Remember to review the specifics, as “wellness” coverage can differ between insurers.

Compare Quotes

The cost of pet insurance changes depending on the insurer and the level of coverage you opt for. Some pet insurance providers offer discounts, like savings for covering multiple pets. However, a discount doesn’t guarantee it’s the best option. To find the right pet insurance, compare quotes from various plans with similar coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.