Dog Insurance Information

When is the best time to get dog insurance? Information and personal experiences welcome.

Should I get insurance on my 6 week old puppy or should I wait until she's 4 months?

Gale's Reply:

By insurance, I assume you are referring to medical insurance that will help cover veterinary bills. (There are other types of insurance such as liability.)

The most compelling reason to get coverage sooner rather than later is that once your dog has an illness or injury, that particular condition will likely be considered pre-existing and insurance won't cover it. Getting your puppy insured while she's still a puppy without a significant medical record makes that scenario less likely.

Not all insurances will approve a 6 week old puppy. Embrace Pet Insurance will. Petplan is another. Most policies will begin coverage by 8 weeks of age.

Routine care isn't usually covered unless you purchase a policy that includes a wellness plan. If you are looking to save money on vet expenses, you may want to consider a discount card program like Pet Assure.

Ultimately, pet insurance isn't about saving money. It's about peace of mind. It's about knowing that if your dog needs a procedure costing thousands of dollars, you're covered. And, from that perspective, the sooner coverage starts the better.

Want to know more? Check out this article on pet insurance information.