dog health insurance
If you’re like most animal lovers, you can’t put a price tag on your furry friend’s life. But unfortunately for some pet owners, giving their beloved dog the care they need and deserve can be a huge financial burden.
Pet insurance is meant to compensate for expensive vet bills, but these premiums aren’t exactly cheap, either.
Despite the 22.5% increase in the number of insured dogs from 2019 to 2020, the majority of dogs are still uninsured.
While it’s true that pet insurance can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in emergency room costs, low-income individuals and families may struggle to pay the monthly premiums and wonder, “Is there free health insurance for dogs?”
Unfortunately, the answer is no, there is no free pet insurance for dogs unless your employer offers it as a voluntary benefit. In the following sections, we’ll discuss why and how you can get affordable pet care in other ways. Why You Can’t Get Free Dog Insurance
The difference between pet insurance and human health insurance is that the former is subsidized (partially or fully) by the government.
This means that the state pays part of your premium directly to the insurance company and you are responsible for the rest. Low-income families may be eligible for government-funded programs such as Medicaid or Medicare, but these do not cover medical costs for pets.
In the area of human health care, the federal government sets regulations to protect the public and promote access to health care. Pet insurance, on the other hand, is regulated by the state. For this reason, the price of the same insurance plan may vary depending on where you are.
However, federal regulations also mean that rules, limitations, and protections for pet insurance (eg, increasing rates, exclusions from coverage, claim denials, and definitions of pre-existing conditions) may vary by location.
Unlike human health insurance, which cannot be changed if you want to change your coverage, pet insurance companies allow their customers to change their minds. Most states require insurance companies to offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows owners to cancel their pet insurance and receive a 100 percent refund if no claims are made.
Alternatives for low-income families
Just because you can’t get free dog health insurance doesn’t mean you don’t have other options for affordable pet care. If you don’t have the cash to cover your dog’s vet bills, you may want to consider pet insurance options.
First, talk to your veterinarian or veterinary clinic about deferring payment or a payment plan. Most of them will work with you to ensure your pet gets the medical care it needs.
Your local humane society or animal rescue group may also be able to provide you with information about other organizations in your area that help pet owners pay vet bills. You should also check whether you are eligible for a charity grant.
Another option is to ask for donations via crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or directly from family and friends. Other options to explore include vet financing like CareCredit For Pets, mutual funds like Pawp, vet discount plans through PetAssure or AlignCare, and so on.
Discounts on pet insurance you may be eligible for
While there is no such thing as free pet insurance for dogs, you can still get a plan at a discounted rate that fits your budget. Many companies offer discounts on pet insurance for various criteria, such as:
More than one dog insurance policy for each furry family member in your household with the same insurance company
Combines different insurance policies, such as pet insurance for renters, travel insurance or liability insurance
Member-only discounts offered by certain pet insurance providers such as USAA, AARP and Costco
Savings for current and former military members from providers like Armed Forces, Embrace Pet Insurance, etc.
Lower deductibles for each year your pet does not receive a claim payment
Cheaper rates for pet insurance are offered through employer plans or health care providers
Do dogs really need insurance?
Most veterinarians recommend dog insurance for most of their patients, and some dogs require more insurance than others. Some owners are surprised that indoor dogs need pet insurance just like outdoor dogs need pet insurance.
But health insurance may not be the best decision for all dogs, including seniors and pets with pre-existing conditions.dog health insurance
Where to find cheap pet insurance
Dog owners can choose from a variety of plans, many of which are quite affordable. For example, young, healthy dogs are eligible for pet insurance that costs $24 per month. For older pets who have become too old for comprehensive insurance, collision insurance can be a good and more cost-effective option.
The best way to find cheaper dog insurance is to compare offers from different providers. Pawlicy Advisor’s free online tool lets you compare pet insurance policies side-by-side to see what each plan covers and check lifetime value. This way, you can be sure to find the best insurance for your pet and your budget.
Important points
Unfortunately, there is no free health insurance for dogs, but you may be able to get free, deferred or discounted veterinary care through charitable contributions. The good news is that you can also consider other options such as: B. Charitable contributions, crowdfunding, pooled funds such as Pawp, CareCredit financing, etc.
Another option for buying pet insurance if your budget is limited is to opt for accident plans, which usually cover emergency veterinary care.dog health insurance
You can also get pet insurance at a discounted rate. Most providers offer discounts on a variety of bases, including military discounts, discounts for multiple pet insurance policies, lower deductibles for each year you don’t file a claim, etc.
Licensed Insurance Producer – Pawlicy Advisor
Kari Steere is a property and casualty insurance agent licensed in all 50 states and has focused solely on pet insurance since 2019. An animal lover with a rescued terrier named Barry, she runs a ranch in Oregon and rehabilitates all animals that come her way.check whether you are eligible for a charity grant...click hare…