Best Pet Insurance For Border Collies In 2024

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

To be insured, puppies and kittens generally need to be 6 to 10 weeks old, depending on the insurer. Older pets might not qualify for initial enrollment or could only receive accident coverage. Once enrolled, most plans offer lifetime coverage if premiums are consistently paid.

Research What’s Covered

Most pet insurance policies cover things like surgeries, hospital stays, and medications if your pet is sick or injured. But some companies charge extra or don’t cover certain services. For example:

• Exam fees: If your dog breaks a leg, your plan might pay for X-rays and surgery, but not the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative treatments: Some policies include therapies like acupuncture and physical therapy, while others charge extra.
• Behavioral therapy: Not all plans will cover treatments for aggression or other behavioral issues.
• Prescription food: Many plans won’t cover food or supplements, even when prescribed by your vet.
• Dental care: Dental coverage varies. Some plans may cover illnesses like gingivitis only if your pet recently had a cleaning, while wellness plans may cover the cleanings themselves.

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

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Most pet insurance plans set a maximum payout per year, though some offer unlimited coverage. You need to decide on the amount that gives you peace of mind for covering vet bills. If your pet is generally healthy, you may only need to pay for routine care for several years. However, unexpected surgeries or severe illnesses can result in significant expenses.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Pet insurance plans usually reimburse you for a percentage of your vet bill, with options like 70%, 80%, or 90% available when purchasing your policy.

Alternatively, some plans pay what the insurer considers a standard rate for treatments, which may be less than what your vet charges, leaving you to pay the remaining balance.

Most plans include a deductible, the amount you must pay out of pocket before coverage begins. Deductibles often range from $100 to $250 or higher. Some plans apply this per illness or injury, while others use an annual deductible.

Generally, a lower deductible and higher reimbursement rate increase premiums, while a higher deductible and lower reimbursement rate will lower your premium.

Check Waiting Periods

Typically, insurance plans have brief waiting periods following purchase, usually about 14 days, before they cover general accident and illness treatments. During this waiting period, no medical expenses are reimbursed. Some plans impose longer waiting periods for specific conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, which are common orthopedic issues in dogs. These ligaments are crucial for knee stability, and damage can hinder a dog’s mobility.

Examine Extra Costs

A few pet insurance firms provide coverage for routine services such as veterinary check-ups and vaccinations. Before committing, assess whether the additional expense is justified by comparing the yearly premium of the wellness plan with your usual annual expenses for these services. Note that coverage details for wellness care can differ across different insurers.

Compare Quotes

Pet insurance costs fluctuate based on the insurer and coverage amount. Certain insurers provide discounts, like savings for insuring multiple pets. Yet, a discount doesn’t necessarily equate to the best deal. To find the most suitable pet insurance, compare quotes from various plans that offer similar coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.