What Actually Matters When Choosing Insurance
I spent way too much time comparing prices online. Turns out that's not the most important thing.
The stuff that really matters is the boring fine print nobody wants to read.
Your Pet's Age Changes Everything
I got my first policy when my dog was already 5. Big mistake.
Older pets cost more and have fewer options. But here's the weird part... some companies won't even cover pets over 8 or 9 years old. At all.
So if you're thinking about insurance, don't wait. I know someone who tried to get coverage for their 12-year-old cat and got turned down by everyone.
Young pets also get better rates that stay locked in longer. My puppy's rate was half what I paid for my older dog, same company.
Budget Reality Check
I used to think $50 a month was expensive for insurance. Then I paid $2,800 for emergency surgery.
Now I budget $80 a month because I want good coverage. But that's after learning that cheap insurance isn't really insurance.
Here's what nobody tells you: high deductible plans seem smart until you're at the emergency vet at 2 AM. When you're stressed about your pet, the last thing you want is to worry about money.
I pay more monthly for a lower deductible. It's worth it.
Breed Problems Are Real
My Golden Retriever gets expensive because of hip problems. My friend's French Bulldog can't get decent coverage because of breathing issues.
Before I got my current policy, I googled common health problems for my dog's breed. Then I made sure those were covered.
Sounds obvious, but my first insurance company excluded hip dysplasia for large breeds. What's the point of insuring a Golden Retriever if you won't cover hip problems?
Mixed breeds get better rates, by the way. Less predictable health issues, I guess.
Coverage Types That Actually Work
The insurance companies make this confusing on purpose. Here's what different types of coverage really mean.
Accident-Only Is Usually Worthless
My first policy was accident-only because it was cheap. Seemed logical at the time.
Then my dog got an ear infection. Not covered. Allergies? Not covered. Dental problems? Nope.
Turns out most vet bills aren't from accidents. They're from boring stuff like infections and chronic conditions.
I kept that policy for a year and never used it once. Complete waste of money.
Wellness Coverage Math Doesn't Work
Wellness add-ons sound great. Annual checkups, vaccines, dental cleanings all covered.
But when I calculated it, I was paying $25 extra per month for coverage that saved me maybe $200 per year. The math just doesn't work.
I skip wellness coverage and just save that money in a separate account. Way better return.
Plus, wellness coverage often has limits. Like $150 for dental cleaning when it actually costs $400. What's the point?
Annual vs Lifetime Limits
This one's important. I learned about it when my neighbor's dog got cancer.
Her policy had a $5,000 lifetime limit for cancer. Sounds like a lot until you realize cancer treatment costs $20,000.
Annual limits are way better. If your pet gets sick one year, the limit resets the next year. With lifetime limits, once you hit it, you're done.
I specifically look for policies with no lifetime limits on major conditions. Costs a bit more but I sleep better.