Is Chihuahua pet insurance worth it?
We all want to take the best care of our pets to ensure they stay safe and healthy. But it doesn’t take much to come home and find that your dog has swallowed an item and needs an emergency visit to the vet.
In addition, Chihuahuas are a pure breed and they’re likely to develop hereditary and genetic conditions over their life. This can have health risks that require treatments and medical care where costs and out-of-pocket expenses can quickly get out of control.
Pet insurance can cover many of your out-of-pocket expenses and give you the peace of mind that your dog will receive the medical care necessary to get back to good health.
Common health conditions for a Chihuahua
A healthy Chihuahua can live as long as 20 years however due to their small size; they can often suffer from health issues. Some common health conditions they may experience are:
- Tracheal collapse: An inherited disorder, this is where the windpipe collapses leading your dog to start coughing severely. Factors that can increase the likelihood of this occurring include exposure to cigarette smoke, respiratory infections, and obesity.
- Luxating Patellas: Dislocation of the kneecap, in severe cases your dog may need surgery to correct this.
- Dental problems: Due to their small size and mouth, Chihuahuas can be more susceptible to gum disease.
- Hydrocephalus: Spinal fluid builds up around the brain which causes swelling. Sometimes this can lead to seizures and cause pressure and damage to the brain.
What does pet insurance cover for a Chihuahua?
It’s important to enroll your Chihuahua into a pet insurance plan while they are healthy and young as the majority of providers do not cover pre-existing conditions. Based on your plan, you are eligible for the following coverage:
- Emergency care: Accidents and illnesses can come up without notice. A pet insurance plan will cover treatments required to bring your dog back to good health.
- X-rays, ultrasounds, and scans: If your dog gets injured, an X-ray may be required to determine the best course of treatment. In addition, ultrasounds and scans can help check for other medical conditions that may cause a health issue.
- Prescription medication: Your vet may prescribe medication for your dog if required to treat an infection or an illness.
- Surgery and hospitalization: If your Chihuahua gets injured and requires surgery, this can quickly become very expensive. In addition, if your dog needs to stay in a hospital to recover, your pet insurance will cover the costs so you can focus on helping your pull through.
The majority of policies cover accidents and illness. However, depending on your budget, you can opt for an accident-only policy which is cheaper and will cover your dog for certain health emergencies.
It’s a good idea to double-check if your plan covers alternative treatments. These can differ depending on your policy provider and can include physical therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and chiropractic treatments amongst others.
Plus, as Chihuahuas are susceptible to dental problems, some pet insurers may have dental coverage as an add-on benefit to the policy.
How are insurance premiums determined for a Chihuahua?
Many different factors determine the cost of your pet insurance coverage. Some of these factors include:
- Age: As your dog ages, coverage will become more expensive. It will also be harder to change policy providers as most insurers will not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- Breed: As purebred, Chihuahuas can have hereditary and genetic conditions over their life. This can increase the premium of the policy.
- Deductibles: High deductibles will be reflected in lower premiums but this also results in higher expenses for you as you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket until your policy limits have been reached.
- Annual coverage limits: Higher coverage results in higher premiums. The majority of insurers have a maximum payout per active policy period, but there are a few insurers that provide unlimited coverage.
- Location: Veterinary care costs can differ by location. If there are fewer services available in your area, you could pay a higher premium.
It’s important to note that every policy will have its limits and exclusions. To avoid any surprises, it’s a good idea to read the terms and conditions before purchasing a plan.
How to choose the best Chihuahua pet insurance?
Before you buy pet insurance, there are many factors to look out for to make sure the policy and coverage will be adequate and suitable for your dog’s needs. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind as you shop for a plan:
- Consider your Chihuahua’s needs: With certain hereditary conditions and health problems, it’s important to assess your Chihuahua’s needs first and purchase a pet insurance plan that can provide adequate coverage for treatments and procedures should a health issue arise.
- Take a long-term outlook: It’s difficult to change your pet insurance plan later in life as some insurers won’t provide coverage for older dogs. It’s best to get started with a good plan from the beginning to avoid unexpected costs later in life as your dog gets older.
- Look for relevant policy add-ons: To keep your Chihuahua in good health, regular checkups with the vet are a good idea. Look for policy add-ons that can cover the costs for routine checkups and appointments.