Is pet insurance worth it for a Cane Corso?
There’s no way to predict if and when our pets will fall sick and how much it will cost to get them back to good health. At times, this can involve costly visits to the vet which can quickly balloon out of control.
The Cane Corso is a pure breed and has a greater chance of developing genetic health conditions than a mixed breed. Health issues can require treatment for injuries and illnesses, and the biggest costs can come from unexpected emergencies and surgery.
The right pet insurance can help your Cane Corso, ensuring they receive essential medical attention and potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
Common health conditions for a Cane Corso
Cane Corso is susceptible to hereditary health conditions that can become problematic during your dog’s lifetime. Some health conditions that can be of concern are:
- Hip dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that can cause pain and arthritis due to abnormal development of the hip joints. In severe cases, your dog may be unable to stand up, walk or run and may require surgery. For mild cases, changing your dog’s diet and adequate exercise may be sufficient.
- Gastric dilatation volvulus (stomach bloat): Caused by a sudden accumulation of stomach gas. If not treated urgently, it can be life-threatening for your dog. Surgery is very likely to be required and unfortunately, the cause is not always known.
- Entropion: This is an inherited disease that affects the eyelids, where the lower or upper eyelids roll inwards. It’s painful and can cause swelling, and irritation. The treatment will depend on its severity.
- Canine Cancer: Many dietary and environmental factors can contribute to cancer, but evidence suggests that there are higher rates in pure breeds indicating genetics play a strong role. As your Cane Corso gets older, the likelihood of developing cancer increases.
What does pet insurance cover for a Cane Corso?
Pet insurance covers a range of treatments and procedures for your Cane Corso. Based on your plan, you could receive the following coverage:
- Accidents: Coverage can cover costs arising from accidents. Your pet insurance plan can cover medication, medical supplies, MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, hospitalization, surgery, and blood tests.
- Injury: If your Cane Corso gets a knee injury, there is a stronger chance that they will get another one. Some insurance policies will cover the first incident and not the second injury, while other policies will cover all knee-related injuries.
- Breed-specific conditions: Hereditary conditions are common for a Cane Corso. Pet insurance can cover treatment required for genetic conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, diabetes, thyroid disease, and respiratory infections.
- Vet labor: Vet bills from consultations and undertaking your pet’s treatment.
Many pet insurance policies provide routine check-ups as an add-on to the policy. In addition, dental coverage may be limited or you may need to purchase a separate policy.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Cane Corso?
Many different factors determine the cost of your pet insurance coverage. Some of these factors include:
- Breed: A pure breed is likely to be susceptible to more genetic health conditions than a mixed breed. This can increase the cost of your policy premiums for a Cane Corso.
- Annual coverage: If your dog is more susceptible to illnesses and diseases that require expensive medical treatments, you may require higher annual coverage. This will increase the cost of your premium, but can also give you peace of mind in knowing that your Cane Corso has coverage if needed.
- Medical history: If your Cane Corso has a history of health issues, coverage may either be limited or premiums will be higher to account for the additional treatments that may be required.
It is important to note that some insurance providers will not cover your dog for reoccurring conditions such as a knee injury. There are typically also exclusions that apply for pre-existing medical conditions and preventative care.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Cane Corso
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing your plan:
- Waiting periods: Some policies start a specified number of days after the effective date of the policy and the waiting period can also vary depending on the type of claim you make. For instance, the same policy could have a 3-day waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, and a 6-month waiting period for knee conditions. If your Cane Corso has an accident and you file for a claim before a waiting period is over, you’re unlikely to be covered.
- Carefully read plan details: Pet insurance plans can differ in cost and coverage. While some plans may provide dental coverage for your dog, others may provide coverage in cases of an accident. It’s important to understand your dog’s needs and carefully read through the details of the plan to ensure you have adequate coverage in case of an emergency, accident, or illness.