Responsible pet parents put a lot of time and consideration into caring for their dogs. But even if you’ve researched the ins and outs of pet insurance, you still may struggle with picking the perfect dog insurance plan for your pup.
Below is a helpful guide to help you choose the best plan for your furry friends.
Accident-Only Policy
In short, an Accident-Only policy covers your pet when they have an accident.
Accident-Only policies reimburse you for covered expenses related to diagnosis and treatment of injuries resulting from an accident. You will be reimbursed your chosen percentage after your deductible is met, up to the annual limit on your policy. Just remember that Prudent Pet has a 14-day waiting period.
For example: if your pup consumes hazardous material while playing outside, or breaks their leg jumping off the bed, you will be covered with an Accident-Only policy.
Consider an Accident-Only policy if:
- You want the most affordable option
Our Accident-Only policy doesn’t provide as broad of coverage but is more budget-friendly.
- You have more than one pet
Animals can get rowdy, and playtime can sometimes lead to more serious accidents.
- Your dog is young or still a puppy
It’s no secret puppies are naughty and curious by nature. Have peace of mind they’re always protected.
Accident + Illness Policy
Basically, an Accident & Illness policy covers your pet when they are hurt and sick.
This policy reimburses you for covered expenses resulting from accidents and illnesses. Policyholders are reimbursed their chosen percentage after their deductible is met, up to the annual limit on the policy. Remember that Prudent Pet has a 14-day waiting period.
This policy offers complete coverage for things like:
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Hereditary & Congenital Conditions
- Alternative Therapy
- Behavioral Issues
Consider an Accident + Illness Policy If:
- Your dog is purebred
Purebred dogs are likely to develop hereditary conditions as they age. Expenses related to chronic ongoing conditions can be costly.
- You have a puppy
Your baby pup may be healthy now, but anything can happen. Since pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, you should get covered early.
- You have a healthy adult dog
As your dog ages, they become more susceptible to accidents and illnesses, even if they are otherwise healthy. It’s best to insure them early since no pet insurance company covers pre-existing conditions.
- Your dog is social or attends doggy daycare
Make sure your pup is covered in case of emergencies – whether it’s a bite wound, kennel cough, or giardia.
Basic Preventive Add-on
Our Basic Preventive Add-on is a supplementary feature to your Accident-Only or Accident & Illness policy.
This add-on will reimburse you a certain amount towards basic preventive measures. If you stay up to date on wellness exams, your dog requires essential yearly vaccines, or you do annual dental cleanings, then the Basic Preventive Add-on may be right for you. There is no waiting period for our Basic Preventive Add-on.
When to Consider a Basic Preventive Add-on
You suspect your dog may need:
- Fecal test
- Heartworm Test
- DHLPP Vaccine
- Rabies or Lyme Vaccine
- Dental Cleaning
- Wellness Exam
- Deworming
Prime Preventive Add-on
Our Prime Preventive Add-on is a supplementary feature to your Accident-Only or Accident & Illness policy.
This add-on reimburses up to a certain amount for prevalent exams, cleanings, and vaccines. If you keep your dog current on wellness exams, all preventive vaccines, and dental cleanings, then this add-on may be the right fit.
There is no waiting period for our Prime Preventive Add-on.
When to Consider a Prime Preventive Add-on
You suspect your dog may need:
- Dental Cleaning
- Spay/Neuter
- Wellness Exam
- Deworming
- Health Certificate
- Flea/Heartworm Prevention
- DHLPP Vaccine
- Rabies or Lyme Vaccine
- Bordetella Vaccine
- Fecal Test
- Heartworm Test
- Blood Test
- Urinalysis
Customize Your Policy Price
Finding coverage for your pet shouldn’t break the bank. Prudent Pet provides customizable policies so you can tailor a policy that works for your pet’s lifestyle and your budget. Choose your deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit and create the perfect plan for your pup and your wallet.
- Deductible
A deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before Prudent Pet reimburses you for your veterinary bills.
If you have a higher deductible, you will have a lower monthly premium. However, a higher deductible means you will have to pay more out of pocket before Prudent Pet reimburses you.
- Reimbursement
Reimbursement is a percentage of how much money you get back from Prudent Pet after you submit your claim.
If you have a lower reimbursement percentage, you will have a lower monthly premium. However, you will not receive as much money back from Prudent Pet after submitting claims.
- Annual Limit
An annual coverage limit is a maximum amount Prudent Pet will pay in any given policy period.
If you have a lower annual limit, you will have a smaller monthly premium. However, this means Prudent Pet will pay out a more moderate amount annually to you in claims.
Other Considerations
Knowing that your pet has the right coverage is important, but there are other things to consider when purchasing a pet insurance policy:
- Location
The cost of veterinary treatment varies depending on your location; bills tend to be higher in urban areas and lower in rural places. Keep this in mind when choosing your deductible and annual limit – you may end up needing more (or less!) coverage than anticipated.
- Lifestyle
Your pet’s lifestyle greatly affects their needs. For example, if your dog is social with other animals or travels, then they are more at risk of injury or contracting an illness. Similarly, dogs who stay at pet-friendly hotels or attend doggy daycare may be required to keep current on their vaccines and exams.
Are you still unsure which Prudent Pet policy is right for you and your dog? Check out What Is and Isn’t Covered by Prudent Pet so you can have peace of mind that you’re making the right decision!