Is pet insurance worth it for an Australian Cattle Dog?
Australian cattle dogs tend to live relatively long lives for their size and this can result in expensive treatments in case of an illness. Veterinary bills for certain diseases and injuries can be thousands of dollars and most people might not be able to pay for these costs out of their own pocket.
Enrolling your dog for pet insurance can get your reimbursement for medical bills. It will also help that your pet has access to the best medical care if they need it.
Common health conditions for an Australian Cattle Dog
Although a healthy dog breed, Australian Cattle Dogs can still run into certain health issues during their lifetime. Some of the most common health issues that they are prone to are:
- Retinal atrophy: This is a degenerative disease that results in a progressive loss of vision. It causes the cells to deteriorate with time and can lead to complete blindness.
- Von willebrand disease: This is a common issue that can occur in Australian Cattle Dogs. It is a blood disorder that causes the blood to not clot properly and can lead to excessive bleeding in case of an injury.
- Liver shunt: This is typically caused by a birth abnormality known as congenital portosystemic shunt which causes reduced blood flow to the liver. It can result in abnormal behaviours like disorientation, seizures, etc.
- Osteochondrosis: This is a skeletal disorder that affects the joints of rapidly growing dogs. It is caused by abnormal cartilage growth and can lead to intermitted lameness or your dog being in constant pain.
What does pet insurance cover for an Australian Cattle Dog?
The type of insurance plan you buy will determine the amount of coverage you get and there are typically a few different types that you can choose from.
- Accident only: This type of insurance covers costs that are a result of accidents or injuries.
- Accident and illness: This is the most popular type of pet insurance plan. It covers medical costs incurred due to accidents and illnesses.
- Maximum benefit: These plans provide a fixed amount of coverage for different health issues or accidents. This coverage is valid until the maximum coverage is reached without a time limit.
Before you buy a plan you should be aware that insurance policies have exclusions that are not covered. These exclusions can include pre-existing conditions, routine care, etc.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for an Australian Cattle Dog?
Pet insurance premiums are decided based on a few different factors and can vary greatly. The premium for your Australian Cattle Dog will be determined by the following factors:
- Breed, age and gender: Most insurers take this information into account when calculating your premium. Your dog’s breed’s susceptibility to hereditary illnesses plays a factor. Additionally, older and male dogs have higher insurance premiums.
- Insurance plan type: The type of insurance plan you buy will have an impact on the premium you pay. Typically, the more coverage you opt for the more you will end up paying.
- Location: The cost of medical care for your pet varies depending on the location. Therefore, your location will play a part in determining your insurance premium.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for an Australian Cattle Dog
When you are shopping for pet insurance for your dog, you should consider a few factors before you make a decision. Here are a few things you should consider:
- Recognize your pet’s needs: Australian Cattle Dogs have needs specific to them and are more prone to suffer from certain medical complications. Knowing the needs of your pet can help you buy the most relevant insurance plan for your dog.
- Compare insurers: When you are looking to buy a pet insurance plan, you should compare the different options available in the market. This will help you get a plan that suits your needs and budget.
- Understand the coverage: Different insurers may have different policies and exclusions. It is a good idea to inquire about the coverage that is provided so you don’t have any confusion.
- Insurer track record: You should look into the insurance companies history and try to gather information about their services and the way they process claims.