Does my dog need health insurance?
When we bipeds have a stomach ache, a backache and feel unwell, we pull out our insurance card at the doctor's office and the costs are taken care of. If your four-legged friend receives a higher bill at the practice, it's up to you to cover that amount.
Pet health insurances specifically for dogs work similarly to ours: A certain amount is paid monthly and in case of illness, the insurance reimburses a part or even the entire bill for your furry friend.
Overview of pet health insurances: Information and costs
Unlike us, the contribution is - logically - not calculated based on salary. Admittedly, our four-legged friends earn a snack or two each day →Snack and have plenty of love to give, but that can't be used as currency - what a pity! If you want to insure your dog so that costs at the vet are covered, you have to reach into your own pocket.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Tierkrankenversicherungen unterstützen dich bei den Rechnungen in der Tierarztpraxis. Durch die Vielfalt an Anbietern gibt es Tarife für alle Felle.
The basis for a healthy and long life for your dog is not in their paw - it is much more in your hands to reduce the risk of numerous diseases through a →healthy and species-appropriate diet, ensuring a good quality of life and, above all, joy in the bowl.
Unser Futter für Hunde: gesund, ehrlich, lecker.
What factors determine the cost of dog health insurance?
Since the contribution is not based on salary, other parameters must be considered. First, it is estimated how high the risk is individually for your dog to become seriously ill. This is determined by characteristics such as:
- Age: The older a dog is, the more likely it is that a larger procedure or more intensive treatment will be necessary. This results in higher costs for the insurance, and the amount is higher than for young dogs.
- Breed: Not every dog breed has the same health predispositions. Breeds with known genetic problems, such as hip dysplasia in German Shepherds, are rated higher in terms of cost. Size also matters, as some surgeries can be more expensive for →large dogs than for →small breeds. But be careful: Some hereditary diseases and breed-related problems are excluded by certain insurers. It’s worth taking a close look at the fine print.
- Tariff: There are various insurances, and not all cover the same services. Some owners only want to insure their dogs for surgeries, while others opt for comprehensive health insurance. Depending on the tariff, prices vary based on which services are to be covered. The tariffs at most providers range from basic to premium, and you can expect costs from €10 to over €100 monthly, depending on the service. The following services can be insured for dogs under different tariffs: surgeries, medication, inpatient stays, outpatient treatments, pre- and post-treatments.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Alter, Hunderasse, Tarif: Der Preis einer Hundekrankenversicherung setzt sich aus verschiedenen Aspekten zusammen.
So when it comes to the question of how expensive dog health insurance is, the rule is: The insurance is more expensive if
...your dog is already older,
...its breed is predisposed to (hereditary) diseases and it belongs to a large breed,
...you choose a low deductible and
...the maximum reimbursement limit is lower.
Does dog health insurance cover all costs?
Before you take out insurance, you should first look closely at the terms and conditions. The so-called maximum reimbursement limit indicates the maximum amount of costs per year that will be covered. Once this limit is reached, there will be no further reimbursements from the pet health insurance for the rest of the year.
The deductible shows you what portion you have to cover financially for each bill. Depending on the tariff, it may be that the dog health insurance covers all costs of a treatment.
Health insurance for older dogs: Is there an age limit?
Even at an advanced age, you can usually still insure your dog. However, the costs for health insurance for four-legged seniors are often higher, as the chances of serious illnesses increase.
Some insurers, however, also set age limits, meaning you would need to insure your dog before the age of 10. Here, too, providers vary greatly, and you can inquire with the respective insurance company whether your older dog can still be insured.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Auch, wenn dein vierbeiniger Senior noch agil ist, besteht für Hundekrankenversicherungen ein höheres Risiko für schwere Erkrankungen und höheren Kosten.
Did you know that your four-legged friend also relies on a →healthy and adapted diet in old age? If your furry friend is a bit older, they generally need less energy and more nutrients. Since you should never dose supplements on your own, you can consult with veterinarians to adjust the food appropriately for their age.
Behandlungsbegleitend an eurer Seite: Pets Deli VET
Conclusion: Is health insurance for dogs worth it?
The everyday life of our four-legged friends is full of adventures, encounters, and sometimes also unplanned incidents. Even →dog breeds that are considered healthy can be involved in accidents or suddenly fall ill. Starting in October/November 2022, costs will also rise according to the fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT). Not only will basic services become more expensive, but practices will also be allowed to double or triple costs at their discretion - depending on the severity of a case.
Many insurers offer tariffs with good coverage for low monthly amounts. So, if you want to be on the safe side and not face huge sums for a major surgery, a health insurance for dogs is highly recommended. However, we advise a critical comparison of several providers. Reviews from other dog owners provide insight into whether services are reliably provided and whether the provider is reputable.
