A few years ago when we first started owning dogs, we didn't used to worry about pet insurance, but we ended up paying a lot when the dog we had at the time became sick. Ever since then we gave taken out a policy on the dogs.

It only works out around £8 a month and while people might say it's a lot to pay if you end up not needing it, trust me, it's better than not having it but then end up needing it as some of the vets fees can be astronomical for operating on a dog.

I might look into this actually, thanks a lot. I haven't worried about insurance for my pet at all, since he's been very healthy for two years straight. I'm not sure I can find a good one in my country, but I'll look into it. What's the coverage like?

I didn't even know they existed, but having one sounds like a great idea. Expenses would be regained in a fairly short time, considering how much some operations can cost.
However, I'm wondering if insurance also covers vaccination costs (I don't think it does, but it's the first time I hear about this, so I'm not really knowledgeable).

It's just like having insurance on your child, or yourself. Doctor and ER bills can be astronomical, and while Vet visits don't usually amount of to five thousand dollars, Vet emergencies can cost quite a bit. I had a Staffy once who needed emergency after hours surgery on his leg, or he would have bled out and died. The bill itself was six hundred dollars! If we had had pet insurance I am sure it would have been a lot less. So I agree, having pet insurance is a really good idea! Anything can happen at any time, your dog could get lose, get caught by another dog, get hit by a car, get bitten by a bug that has a disease, run along a strand of flu or parvo. Anything could happen! And these bills can be extremely pricey! Do look into it guys! A really good site in order to help you get started with some really good pet insurance is the following link: http://www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance/best-pet-insurance

I might look into this actually, thanks a lot. I haven't worried about insurance for my pet at all, since he's been very healthy for two years straight. I'm not sure I can find a good one in my country, but I'll look into it. What's the coverage like?

It really depends on the insurance company and package you receive. Some insurance clauses may exclude certain breeds for example because they are prone to getting ill or charge extra. If you cannot find a reasonably priced plan in your country then a savings plan is the best way for you to go, you will have the peace of mind knowing that your pet will be treated should it encounter any problems in the future. Best of luck!

I didn't even know they existed, but having one sounds like a great idea. Expenses would be regained in a fairly short time, considering how much some operations can cost.
However, I'm wondering if insurance also covers vaccination costs (I don't think it does, but it's the first time I hear about this, so I'm not really knowledgeable).

In some cases, the insurance company may cover costs of vaccines, it really depends on who you choose. It is also unlikely because insurance plans cover the big stuff like surgery. What you are looking for in that regard is a wellness plan. Wellness plans typically cover neutering, nail trims, vaccines and deworming treatments.

In some cases, the insurance company may cover costs of vaccines, it really depends on who you choose. It is also unlikely because insurance plans cover the big stuff like surgery. What you are looking for in that regard is a wellness plan. Wellness plans typically cover neutering, nail trims, vaccines and deworming treatments.

That's the first time I hear about wellness plans and insurances for pets, I feel like a fish out of water! Do you, by any chance, know if such plans are also available outside of the US? As a European, I hardly ever hear about private insurances.

Yes, I agree that having health insurance for your pet is a good thing. My dog has one and it covered all his shots, his visit to the vet, and if something happened it won't cost us an arm and a leg for it. I rather paid a little bit a month than having to shell out a large amount which sometimes is impossible in my situation.

I might look into this actually, thanks a lot. I haven't worried about insurance for my pet at all, since he's been very healthy for two years straight. I'm not sure I can find a good one in my country, but I'll look into it. What's the coverage like?

I think a lot is going to depend on what country your in as different companies will have different rules I'm guessing, so what I say from a UK point of view might not be relevant you and where you live.

Over here we can get different policies, some that cover just basic checkups and boosters for the vaccinations to full coverage that will pay for any major surgery your dog may require, so depending on what you need and how much you want to spend, it's definitely worth looking in to and shopping around.

Where I come from, pet insurance is the exception rather than the norm. Some people are irresponsible pet owners and there is need to educate them on humane handling of dogs. Some dogs have to be rescued to shelters from cruel owners. It is however prudent to have one especially if one committed a tidy sum to acquire the pet. K9 dogs as well as other security dogs like sniffer dogs should be insured as they are exposed to security risks. Pets are family members and including them in an insurance plan is a part of integration.

Yes, I have a pet insurance covered. Not so great but better than nothing i guess. The costs of vaccines are affordable but I have put those insurances under good use with them.

We don't have that kind of insurance here but if we do, surely I would take the most expensive for our dogs. Never did I mind the expenses for our dogs. Even the grooming which costs $10, it didn't matter if I would bring our dogs to the salon twice a month. With the health, I would bring our dog to the vet clinic at the first sign of problem. In fact, the vet came last Saturday to check on the rashes of Pipoy whose tummy had so many red marks. The vet said it might be an allergy to dust (Pipoy is allergic to chicken and we do not give him chicken anymore). Until now, Pipoy is still under observation.

I wonder when the insurance companies in the Philippines would innovate on those pet insurance.

I have not heard of dog insurance in my country. But it is a worthwhile venture if the dog cost a premium. Another situation would be if the dog is exposed to many dangers especially in tough neighbourhoods. This may sound callous and I have to admit that I am an equal opportunity type of personality and if there is a dog insurance policy, I would gladly take it for sentimental reasons.

My dad has a fairly comfortable savings account so I don't think he's ever considered purchasing pet insurance, even though it is available where we live in the United States. However, I know several owners that have had to put dogs down because of accidents or illnesses that they couldn't even afford to attempt to treat. Surgeries can be thousands of dollars and can save a pets life sometimes, with no further complications, but a lower income family may not have that money to shell out at a moment's notice. A lot of people always argue the point with me that if you can't afford a dog, you shouldn't have one. I agree with that to an extent, but if you can afford basic vet care, vaccinations, shelter, food, and time and love, I think that there's nothing wrong with a lower income family having a pet. They are great companions for children and adults.