We hate to think about anything happening to our much-loved canine companions such as accidents, illness or our dog getting lost. Life happens however, and the unexpected can occur at any time – and when it does, it counts to have all protections in place to help cover the costs, give your dog the best care and make the situation as stress-free as possible.
What exactly does pet insurance do, however? What does it include, and do we even need it at all?
Read on for our guide to pet insurance for dogs and how having the right policy can give you, as a dog owner, peace and reassurance.
What is pet insurance for dogs?
Insuring your pet simply means you pay a regular premium to a pet insurance provider so that if unexpected costs arise related to your dog, you’ll receive compensation.
Having pet insurance for your dog means you’ll be helped to cover costs, for instance, if your dog dies, gets ill or injured and needs veterinary treatment. Depending on the terms of the cover, you could also receive financial help if your dog needs to stay in a kennel, have important surgery, or gets sick or hurt when overseas.
Types of pet insurance
There are various types of pet insurance for dogs available, so you can choose the one most suited to your dog’s needs and/or your financial situation.
- Lifetime cover pet insurance
The most common type of pet insurance will cover costs for the span of your dog’s lifetime, and is the most comprehensive form of pet insurance. You’ll usually pay yearly for each year of your pet’s life, and it may get more expensive as they get older.
- Non-lifetime cover pet insurance
Sometimes called annual cover, you will pay out yearly on a rolling basis. Choosing this type usually costs less and you can shop around each year for the best deal – however the cover is generally less comprehensive and might not include the protection you need.
- Accident only pet insurance
This is the most basic type of dog insurance, and only covers if your pet has an accident (for instance, if they’re hit by a car) but doesn’t cover treatment for illnesses or health issues.
