Pet Healthcare Insurance

Dear Dr. Jody:  My wife and I are considering adopting a puppy from the humane society.  We have been doing some research to make sure we can budget enough for the routine veterinary visits that will be required annually.  Our biggest concern is how to financially handle any expensive emergencies that might arise over her lifetime.  Is there Blue Cross for dogs?

First, let me commend you on doing your homework before getting a puppy.  Providing adequate medical and dental care for a pet over an entire lifespan can be quite costly, and it is important to be aware of what those expenses are before committing to adopting an animal.  Your veterinarian will be happy to answer any questions you have about the costs of puppy ownership such as vaccinations, exams, parasite control, and spaying or neutering.

It is much more difficult to predict what types of illnesses or emergencies might arise over the puppy’s next ten to fifteen years.  Certainly there are some medical conditions and even injuries that are expected in certain breeds.  Before deciding on what breed of puppy to get, it might be helpful to contact your veterinarian and discuss what breed of puppy best suits your lifestyle and budget, as many breeds are predisposed to certain ailments.

As with children, though, accidents will happen.  Depending on the nature of the injury, the cost of treatment can often be quite considerable.  For example, a slip or fall can cause fractured limbs in a toy breed dog, or a sudden twisted knee can lead to a torn cruciate ligament in a healthy, active, large breed dog.  Both of these conditions usually require surgical correction, often at a referral centre.  Orthopedic surgeries can easily cost thousands of dollars.  When the alternative to treatment is euthanasia, owners are often faced with an incredibly difficult choice.

For peace of mind, pet owners are turning increasingly to pet health care insurance.  For about the price of a coffee a day, pet owners can now provide their pets with healthcare benefits similar to those we enjoy ourselves.  There are different levels of coverage available.  The least expensive packages cover only accidents and emergencies, while more comprehensive plans can include annual dental cleanings, hotel cancellation, advertising and rewards for lost and found pets, and routine vaccinations.  Most pet health care insurance companies do not offer third party billing, and pet owners are still required to pay their bill and submit the receipt for a prompt refund from their provider, less the cost of the deductable.  Most plans require a deductable be paid only for the first claim of the calendar year, after which all claims are deductable-free.  Many providers do not limit the number of claims that can be filed in a year, or even in a lifetime.  Insurance providers will insure pets of all ages, but previously existing conditions are exempt from coverage.

We all hope to never face an accident or sudden illness in our four-legged family members.  But when accidents do happen, it is reassuring for pet owners to know that they can provide the best care possible without  the worry of a bank-breaking veterinary bill at the end of the day.  Veterinarians do not sell pet health care insurance, but your veterinarian will be more than happy to provide you with brochures from reputable Canadian pet health care insurance providers and discuss the different levels of coverage that might best suit your pet.