Annual Coverage gives you peace of mind for a full year when it comes to your dog’s health
While you probably know why it’s important to have your dog covered by pet insurance, all the numerous different policy types and options available might send you running for the hills. While it might seem complex at first glance, the good news is there aren’t really that many different policy types available, and once you understand them, they’re fairly straightforward. One of the available policy types to choose is called annual coverage. Like any policy, it does have its positive and negative sides.
All About Annual Coverage
Annual coverage is a yearly policy, which needs to be renewed every 12 months. In each one year period, you’re given an allowance (let’s say $12,000, although the exact amount varies between policies and providers). This means that the insurance company will pay up to $12,000 of veterinary bills in the year. This could be for one illness or injury, or for a number of separate ailments. At the end of the 12 months, the policy must be renewed, and any condition your dog suffered during this period will be counted as a pre-existing condition.
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What Are the Pros of Annual Coverage?
The main advantage of getting annual coverage for your pup is that it’s cheaper than most other kinds of policies. If you’re on a budget, but you still want to make sure your dog is insured in case of a medical emergency, then this might be the best kind of coverage for you. It can be a good option if you don’t want to be paying out for huge monthly premiums. Plus, it does offer a comprehensive level of coverage for short-term illnesses or injuries.
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What Are the Cons of Annual Coverage?
The biggest problem with annual coverage is that it falls down when it comes to recurring injuries or chronic diseases. For instance, if your dog was diagnosed with diabetes, annual cover would pay for the veterinary bills for the rest of your policy duration. However, when it became time to renew, the diabetes would be listed as an existing condition and therefore they wouldn’t cover any more costs. If your dog never gets a chronic ailment, the great! But, if he does, you could be in for some hefty vet bills.
Costs Involved
It’s hard to estimate the exact cost of an annual coverage insurance policy for your dog, but it’s safe to say that it will be the cheapest option for getting your pooch’s veterinary bills covered. Insurance premiums can vary depending on what company you go with, where you live, how old your dog is, what breed he is, and whether your dog has a patchy medical history. The best idea is to shop around, if you’re looking for the cheapest option. However, it’s important to consider the deductible, as well. The cheapest policies usually have a high deductible, which is all very well if you don’t claim or you can afford the high deductible if you do have to claim. Make sure that the deductible is within your budget, or you could be left in a tight spot when it comes to claiming on your policy.
The Bottom Line
No one else can tell you what kind of policy is best for you and your dog. Although many people prefer to go with a slightly more expensive policy, which offers better protection for their dog in case of a chronic condition, it really is a personal matter. If you’re willing to take the risk or if you have a limited budget, annual cover could be exactly what you’re looking for.
