4 Non-Illness Related Things Pet Insurance Covers

For millions of pet owners, their pets are a huge part of the family. As such, a growing number of pet owners today are investing in pet insurance.

More specifically, a recent pet insurance report by CNBC says that the number of insured pets has increased by over 18%.

By the end of 2020, almost 3.5 million pets were insured in North America.

That said, most people only buy pet insurance in relation to illness. After all, pet insurance is largely billed as a means to better provide for your dog’s medical needs.

Having said that, while addressing sickness is a big part of pet insurance, there are many other occasions when having pet insurance can come in handy.

Here are some of them:

Microchipping your adventurous pooch

Even the most behaved furry friends can sometimes be escape artists.

In fact, up to 15% of all pet owners have experienced having a pet stray at least once in a five-year window.

Unfortunately, when pets escape, they are exposed to cars, predators, and diseases. This is why microchipping is becoming more popular.

As detailed in our article on “The Pros & Cons of Chipping Your Dog”, getting your dog microchipped makes it easy to identify lost pets.

After a quick scan at a shelter or clinic, your pet can easily be returned to you.

Fortunately, many pet insurance providers include microchipping in their coverage.

With some providers, a pet insurance plan can even cover up to 90% of the procedure’s total costs.

In this way, you can be rest assured that your dog will receive a quality microchip that can keep them safer should they escape.

Compensating for injuries or damages

If your pet is particularly energetic or attached to you, they can have bouts of hyperactivity or aggression.

While you may be understanding about this, for those around you it may be more troublesome.

In some cases, this may even result in your pet accidentally damaging property or injuring other people or animals.

Furthermore, a CDC report on dog bite statistics reveals that almost 5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, with children being the most common victims.

As the pet owner, you’re responsible for shouldering all related costs and may even be liable for prosecution.

Fortunately, dog liability insurance pays for any injury and property damage inflicted by your pet.

For as little as $10 monthly, you can avail of dog liability insurance that can cover up to $50,000 worth of claims.

Spaying and neutering an adult dog

Spaying and neutering can cost you up to $250 depending on your pet’s well-being, your location, and how much your local vet charges.

Thankfully, a guide to pet insurance coverage on Sound Dollar explains that some plans shoulder this expense.

Specifically, wellness plans can cover part of the cost related to spaying and neutering your pet.

By paying your provider a fixed monthly rate, they may even offer to pay a larger percentage of your pet’s spaying or neutering fees so long as it’s not billed under preventative care.

Financially speaking, this means you’re less likely to make costly vet payments in the long run.

DNA testing for preventative care

DNA testing has become a popular activity among humans, but did you know they’re equally beneficial for your four-legged companions?

According to a post on Daily Paws about canine DNA testing, it’s noted that these comprehensive tests can uncover critical information about your pet.

This includes revealing their breed, health status, traits, hereditary predispositions, ancestry, and even relatives.

For dogs of all breeds, this information can help illuminate the best care and lifestyle needed.

For dogs adopted without any recorded history, DNA testing can also help owners create a more customized preventative care routine.

Today, pet insurance providers similarly see the value of DNA testing. As a result of this, some providers may even offer a free DNA test with your plan.

Through this, you can better understand your dog’s genetic makeup and unique needs.

It’s a common misconception that pet insurance is only for pets with health concerns.

But pet insurance plans come in many forms with diverse benefits.

When you protect your dog with pet insurance, you’re not only offering them better healthcare but a better holistic lifestyle no matter what.