Best Pet Insurance For Chihuahuas In 2024

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

Puppies and kittens must typically reach 6 to 10 weeks old to be eligible for insurance, depending on the insurer. Older pets may not qualify for initial enrollment or may be limited to accident coverage. Once enrolled, most plans ensure continuous coverage as long as premiums are paid.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance typically covers expenses such as surgery, hospital care, and medication if your pet becomes sick or injured. However, certain things may not be covered or could cost extra. Some examples include:

• Exam fees: Some plans cover treatments like X-rays and surgeries but won’t reimburse you for the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative therapies: Coverage for treatments like acupuncture and physical therapy may be included in some policies but cost extra in others.
• Behavioral therapy: Treatments for aggression or behavioral issues may not be included in all policies.
• Prescription food: Special diets, even when prescribed by your vet, may not be covered by some plans.
• Dental care: Coverage for dental issues, like gingivitis, varies widely between plans. Some plans may require recent dental cleanings for coverage, while wellness plans might cover cleanings.

Pet insurance also usually excludes pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, and breeding-related expenses.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Many pet insurance plans limit annual payouts, though some do not impose such restrictions. 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 unforeseen surgeries or serious illnesses could result in significant costs.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Pet insurance plans often reimburse a percentage of your vet bill, with options like 70%, 80%, or 90% available when you sign up.

Some plans pay a standard fee for treatments, which may be less than what your vet charges, so you’d need to pay the remainder.

Most plans also have a deductible, the amount you must pay before the insurance starts covering costs. Deductibles can range from $100 to $250 or higher. Some policies apply this deductible per condition, while others reset it annually.

Lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates generally lead to higher premiums, while higher deductibles and lower reimbursement rates result in lower premiums.

Check Waiting Periods

Typically, insurance plans have a short waiting period, typically about 14 days after purchase, before they cover general accident and illness treatments. During this time, medical expenses are not reimbursed. Some plans have extended waiting periods for specific conditions like cruciate ligament injuries, which are common orthopedic issues in dogs. Cruciate ligaments are crucial for knee stability, and their injury can impair a dog’s ability to walk.

Examine Extra Costs

A few pet insurance firms offer coverage for routine services like vet visits and vaccinations. Calculate if it’s worth it by comparing the yearly cost of the wellness plan with what you’d typically spend annually on these services. Review the details, as “wellness” coverage can vary among insurers.

Compare Quotes

Pet insurance costs vary according to the insurer and the coverage amount. Some insurers offer discounts, like savings for covering multiple pets. However, a discount doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best deal. To discover the right pet insurance, compare quotes from various plans with comparable coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement caps.