It’s any pet owner’s job to make sure that their fur baby’s needs are met. Whether it’s food, exercise, or grooming, you shouldn’t spare any expense. But one need that is arguably the most important, yet most overlooked is their pet’s health. Whenever we look at our pets and see them happy, and healthy, the farthest thing from our minds is the thought of them being sick. The only time we ever think about our dog’s health is when they’re not their usual jolly selves.
But the thing with sickness is that it happens almost unexpectedly. How do you protect your pet from something that comes about with very little warning? Especially so if your dog is as active as the Labrador Retriever, which makes it very prone to accidents. Luckily, you can easily cover your bases with pet insurance. Pet insurance makes sure that you are well-equipped when the unexpected happens and you can give the best care to your pet in such an eventuality.
If you’re having a hard time choosing the right pet insurance, or are stuck on what you need to do, don’t worry. We’ll be taking a look at what pet insurance is, and what you should be looking for, and we’ll even throw in a list of the 5 best pet insurance for Labrador Retrievers.
How Does Dog Insurance Work?
Pet insurance works the same way as regular healthcare for humans. You pay a monthly fee, and if your pet gets sick or injured, your pet insurance pays the bill, or part of it, depending on the plan you’ve contracted. It’s a great way to save on veterinary bills since paying these out of pocket can cost you thousands of dollars.
Not all sicknesses or treatment procedures are covered by pet insurance, however. Some illnesses, such as hip dysplasia, a common problem amongst Labrador Retrievers, are usually not covered. Some pre-existing health issues are also not covered. So, before you pay for your pet insurance, make sure you do a bit of research as to what they are willing to cover in case something bad happens.
What are the Costs of Modern Veterinarian Medicine?
The importance of pet insurance isn’t that apparent until you realize how much the average veterinary medical bill is. Once you do know how much money it could take to treat your beloved Labrador, the monthly cost of pet insurance might seem to be a smaller fee compared to what you may have to pay out of pocket.
Now, depending on what you’re taking your pet to a vet for, you can pay anywhere between $120 for vaccine shots and $50 for physical exams to as much as $1000 or more for surgery. The bulk of what you pay is for the tests, which will help the vet determine what the problem is with your dog. Usually, it’s not just one test they have to do at any given time, but a combination of one or more.
Here are some of the more common tests done in veterinary clinics:
- Fecal Exams ($20 – $40)
- Heartworm Tests ($50 – $60)
- Geriatric Exams ($80 – $100)
- Allergy Tests ($200 – $250 for skin tests, and $225 to $350 for blood tests)
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
Now that you have an idea of how much the average veterinary bill can cost you, and how little pet insurance costs, you can start asking whether it’s all worth it. The answer is a definitive yes.
What’s more, the benefits of pet insurance don’t stop with the amount of money you save. You also have peace of mind knowing that whatever problems you will have with your Labrador, you will be able to give them the best treatment possible without breaking the bank.
Pet emergencies can be a financial nightmare, and the only thing that can make this situation manageable is a good pet insurance plan.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance for your Labrador Retriever
Choosing the right pet insurance plan for you and your Labrador Retriever can be pretty overwhelming. There are ways for you to make the whole process easier though. Here are some of the things you can do to help you choose the best pet insurance for Labrador Retriever dogs.
Ask Your Veterinarian for Advice
Many veterinary practices work closely with pet insurance companies, so one of the best sources of information would be the veterinarians themselves. Not only can they help you with your dog’s overall health, but they can also give you advice on which illnesses you’ll need coverage for your Labrador Retriever.
Compare Pet Insurance Basic Plan Options
It’s very tempting for many of us to simply go for the first insurance plan that we find. That’s fine of course if it already fits all the criteria you’re looking for. However, it’s never a bad idea to do a bit of research and make comparisons between different plans. Some pet insurance companies have different offerings that your initial first choice might not have. Of course, when you compare your options, don’t just stop with the price. Check whether they cover exam fees, whether they have annual limits, or how much they’re willing to reimburse at any given time.
Examine the Cost of Extras
Some pet insurance companies do provide extra coverage as part of their services. They usually aren’t part of the main plan and are not always necessary. Some of them can be very helpful though, such as providing coverage during travel or providing coverage over items your dog ends up damaging. Vet fees for annual checkups could also be covered by pet insurance extras. It’s always a good idea to check the costs of each extra
Research an Insurance Provider’s Credibility
Another thing you’ll need to look into is the insurance provider’s credibility. Sometimes, the insurance provider doesn’t have the best business practices when it comes to pet insurance, and it’s not always readily apparent. Take the time to look into an insurance provider’s credibility. Go into forums, read reviews, and even talk to your friends and family for information. It can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Enroll Your Labrador When It’s Young and Healthy
When your dog is older, it’s more prone to getting sick, with many underlying illnesses showing up as they age. This will make it more difficult to find an insurance company that is willing to cover your Labrador Retriever. Get your dog covered when they’re still young and without any illnesses. This not only improves your chances of getting it insured, but you can also end up getting cheaper insurance options.
The Best Pet Insurance for Labrador Retrievers
Trupanion
Trupanion makes use of a unique deductible structure, where you only need to pay for a deductible only when your pet develops a new illness. Another thing that’s unique to Trupanion is that you don’t have to wait too long for reimbursements. Your veterinarian can have it all done right at checkout. You simply have to pay your portion of the bill, and Trupanion pays your vet right then and there. This makes the whole trip stress-free, not just for you, but also for your pet.
Learn more: trupanion.com
Wagmo:
Wagmo Wellness is a pet insurance and wellness company that focuses on preventative care. Their plans cover routine checkups and emergency services like most companies but also accidental injuries or illnesses.
Learn more: wagmo.io
Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace Pet Insurance rewards responsible pet owners by giving them huge coverage when they enroll their pets early. Also, Embrace offers an optional rewards plan that provides you with an allowance that can cover your monthly check-ups, vaccinations, grooming, and other extras not covered by the standard plan.
Learn more: embracepetinsurance.com
Related post: Labrador Retriever Health and Care
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