Best Pet Insurance For Bichons Frises In 2024

Check Whether Your Pet Is Eligible

For insurance purposes, puppies and kittens generally need to be between 6 and 10 weeks old, depending on the company. Senior pets might not qualify for initial enrollment or may only be covered for accidents. Once enrolled, though, most plans guarantee coverage for life if premiums are maintained.

Research What’s Covered

Pet insurance typically helps cover expenses like surgeries, hospital stays, and medications if your pet becomes ill or injured. However, some companies either don’t cover certain services or charge extra for them. Examples include:

• Exam fees: If your dog breaks her leg, some policies may cover treatments like X-rays and surgery, but not the vet’s exam fee.
• Alternative therapies: Coverage for treatments like acupuncture and physical therapy varies, with some companies charging more.
• Behavioral therapy: Treatment for aggression or behavioral problems may not be covered under some plans.
• Prescription food: Some insurers won’t pay for special diets or supplements, even when prescribed by a vet.
• Dental care: Dental care coverage varies, with some plans only covering issues like gingivitis if your pet has had a recent cleaning. Wellness plans may cover routine cleanings.

Most pet insurance policies also exclude pre-existing conditions, cosmetic procedures, and breeding costs.

Decide How Much Coverage You Want

Most pet insurance plans have a limit on annual payouts, though some do not. You need to decide on the amount that gives you peace of mind for paying vet bills. If your pet is generally healthy, you might only need to pay for routine care for several years. However, unexpected surgeries or serious illnesses could lead to significant expenses.

Understand Reimbursements And Deductibles

Pet insurance policies usually reimburse a percentage of your vet bill, typically allowing you to choose 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement.

Alternatively, some plans pay a set amount for each treatment, which may be less than what your vet charges, and you’ll be responsible for the rest.

Most policies also include a deductible, which is the out-of-pocket amount you pay before the insurance starts covering expenses. Deductibles usually range from $100 to $250 or more. Some plans require deductibles per condition, while others apply it annually.

Lower deductibles and higher reimbursement rates generally increase premiums, while higher deductibles and lower reimbursement rates reduce premiums.

Check Waiting Periods

Insurance plans generally include a brief waiting period, typically about 14 days after purchase, before they cover general accident and illness treatments. During this period, medical expenses are not reimbursed. Some plans impose longer waiting periods for specific conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries, a common orthopedic problem in dogs. These ligaments play a critical role in knee stability, and injury can affect a dog’s ability to walk.

Examine Extra Costs

Several pet insurers cover routine services like veterinary check-ups and vaccinations. To determine if it’s worth it, compare the annual cost of the wellness plan with what you’d normally pay each year for these services. Check the details, as coverage for wellness benefits varies by insurer.

Compare Quotes

Pet insurance prices vary by insurer and the amount of coverage chosen. Some insurers offer discounts, such as savings for insuring multiple pets. However, a discount doesn’t ensure it’s the most cost-effective choice. To find the best pet insurance, compare quotes from several plans with comparable coverage amounts, deductibles, and reimbursement limits.