The short and sweet answer is this: Insure your pet as soon as you can afford it.

It’s great to have cover at any age, but taking out a policy during the puppy days actually equates to lower premiums. Keep in mind that some pet insurance companies won’t insure pets over a certain age, although they’ll still be covered if you took out the policy when your pet was younger. Injuries and accidents aren’t age-appropriate. They happen at any age and at any time. While young dogs are more likely to be injured, older dogs are prone to age-related chronic illnesses.

Vet directory

Why you should insure your pet as soon as possible

Although we all want to be savvy shoppers and save on everything, there really aren’t specific times when you’ll score a better deal with pet insurance. There are no Black Friday deals when it comes to pet insurance. But there are times when you should be particularly considering the idea of insuring your pet.

If you didn’t take out pet insurance when you first brought your furry friend home, the best time to opt in is before the summer and winter seasons hit. That’s when your pets are at risk of illness and accidents since they’re exposed to the elements.

Get the timing right to insure your pet

Nobody buys medical aid with the hopes of spending enough time in the hospital to make the premiums worth it. We also don’t secretly hope we are involved in car accidents just to match our car insurance premiums. We buy insurance so we don’t go broke when the pawpaw hits the fan.

The same goes for pet insurance. You spend a certain amount per month so that you can take care of any health problems your pet encounters. Not so that Fido has R4,000 worth of accidents and illnesses to deal with.

And in essence, that’s why taking out pet insurance when you first bring your pet home is always the best idea. You never know when the unexpected will happen. And you don’t want to be on the fence about taking action because of how it will impact your budget.

Why you should insure your pet before summertime

Summertime sees us relaxing and unwinding after a long, hard year. But it can be a hazardous time of the year for your pets. You see, pets (and dogs in particular) spend more time outdoors during the summer months. Between the heat, plants, and other animals out there, the opportunities for injury are way too much to ignore.

But you can also insure them before winter, because:

Although the summer months are harsh on pets, that doesn’t mean that the winter is all magical for them either. Winter presents its own challenges. Our pets spend more time indoors, where they are exposed to toxic indoor plants we use to decorate our homes.

Just like heat can be an issue for pets, so can extreme colds. Hairless or short-haired pets are particularly in danger of illness and hypothermia. There are also the human-caused side effects of the cold weather to consider.

No such thing as the wrong time to insure your pet

While there are times when you might be considering pet insurance more than other times of the year, there is never a wrong time to do it. You can take out pet insurance during any time of the year. There isn’t any need to put it off any longer than you have to.

Need more information?

Here at Petz.co.za, we’re a little gaga about all things pet-related. If you’re not quite sure on when to insure your pet or you need help with comparing your options, get in touch with us today. Our team of pet lovers is ready to help you in any way possible!

The post The right time to insure your pet appeared first on Petz.

Is dog insurance really worth it?

The average pet insurance claim is around R4,000. But this can easily run into the tens of thousands if your pet develops a chronic condition. Before you think it isn’t worth it, just consider how you’d deal with that unexpected bill!

Pedigree dogs are more susceptible to illness, congenital disease, hereditary conditions and are also more likely to be stolen. Larger breeds are far more likely to suffer from joint problems while breeds like the bulldog are prone to respiratory difficulties.

Can you really afford to foot those bills on your own? We think it’s a no-brainer!

What does dog insurance cover?

When you first take out a dig insurance policy, a certain waiting period will apply. After that, here’s what you can expect your dog insurance policy to cover:

• General vet costs
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Long-term and ongoing conditions
• Dental care
• Additional care like homoeopathy, acupuncture and physiotherapy
• Breeding risks or costs

Along with veterinary bills, your dog’s policy might cover him for:

Theft

If your policy covers loss or theft, it should pay your pet’s purchase price. The insurance company might also pay for advertising costs to help you find your lost pet. Some service providers even foot the bill for recovery.

Behavioural treatment

The best dog insurance policies include treatment for behavioural problems.

Death by illness or injury

This part of the policy covers your pet’s purchase price, but there is usually an age limit that applies to death by illness. Most policies cover death by euthanasia if your pet has to be put down.

Kennel fees

If you, as the pet owner, have to go into the hospital for more than four days, your dog’s insurance usually covers the kennel fees.

How to get the best deal on insurance for your dog

Although pet insurance is generally seen as an unnecessary expense, there are ways in which you can save here.

You can buy insurance when your pet is still young and healthy. Waiting until they are older or have health problems will make it harder to get the cover you need. You’ll also probably pay much more for it.

Perhaps you should consider a policy that pays out throughout your pet’s lifetime. Lifetime cover isn’t the cheapest options and premiums can go up, but it covers conditions that require treatment year after year.

In short

Dog insurance is absolutely necessary, unless of course you have no end to your riches and have a super health dog. Some policies star from as little as R350 per month, which isn’t ridiculous when you consider the benefits. In the end, there really isn’t a price you can put on your pet’s health and overall quality of life.

The post Here’s why dog insurance is absolutely necessary appeared first on Petz.