Pet insurance for dogs is a lot like human health insurance. You pay a monthly premium and your vet bills are at least partly reimbursed, after you have paid a certain amount on your own (the deductible).
Pet insurance plans generally all cover some basics, including treatment for illnesses and injuries. Beyond that, the best dog medical insurance depends on your particular situation. Do you want additional coverage for wellness care like yearly exams and shots? Do you want a plan with a high or low deductible? There are a lot of choices to make, but here are some basics to help you decide.
This article is adapted from our in-depth report, The Best Pet Insurance Companies for 2021: A Pet Parent’s Guide.
How much is dog insurance?
The premium cost for dog health insurance is based on factors including the breed and age of your pet, and where you live. Most plans give you options when it comes to the amount of deductibles, annual payouts, and total lifetime payouts, and all these choices also affect the cost.