Is English Springer Spaniel pet insurance worth it?
Taking the very best care of our pets can at times mean you have to pay out-of-pocket for wellness check-ups and medical costs. Accidents and illnesses can happen unexpectedly, and when they do, you may be required to take your dog to the vet for an examination.
Many breeds including the English Springer Spaniel can be susceptible to genetic health conditions, and these health issues can become a financial burden on the household budget.
Pet insurance can help provide coverage for costs incurred when accidents and illnesses happen throughout your dog’s life. It can also give you the peace of mind you need during a stressful time, that your pet’s health conditions can be financially covered.
Common health conditions for an English Springer Spaniel
A healthy English Springer Spaniel can live as long as 15 years when in good health, however, they can be susceptible to various health issues. Some common health conditions they may experience are:
- Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency: A genetic disease that can cause your English Springer Spaniel to become weak and lethargic. They may also experience muscle cramps and anemia.
- Ear infections: With long droopy ears, the English Springer Spaniel can be prone to developing ear infections. This is likely to require vet visits to avoid chronic ear problems later down the road.
- Eye conditions: As a breed, the English Springer Spaniel is 24.6 times more likely to be at risk for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). It’s a good idea to take your dog for routine eye check-ups to prevent any clouding or sight loss.
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition common in dogs, due to abnormal development of the hips, it can be painful for the dog to walk or stand. Severe cases can require surgery.
What does pet insurance cover for an English Springer Spaniel?
Pet insurance can cover a range of treatments and diagnostics to help keep your English Springer Spaniel healthy and safe. Based on your plan, you could receive the following coverage:
- Emergency care: Accidents can happen and when they do pet insurance can help cover the costs of treatments and procedures needed to bring your dog back to good health.
- Tests and diagnostics: X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI scans, CT scans, blood tests, and urinalysis can be covered under pet insurance.
- Prescription medication: If your dog requires prescription medication to treat an illness, your costs are likely to be reimbursed.
- Breed-specific conditions: These can include genetic conditions, congenital conditions, chronic conditions, and hip dysplasia. It’s a good idea to read the terms and conditions to make sure that hereditary conditions that are likely to come up for your dog are covered.
In addition, pet insurance policies can typically come under three different types of coverage. These are accident-only, accident and illness, and routine check-ups. Generally, accident-only policies are a cheaper option as they don’t provide coverage for sickness or illness.
You may also have the option to purchase certain policy add-ons, such as dental coverage which can be beneficial if your dog is prone to dental issues.
How are insurance premiums determined for an English Springer Spaniel?
Many different factors determine the cost of your pet insurance coverage. Some of these factors include:
- Breed: An English Springer Spaniel is subject to certain genetic health conditions and depending on the type of treatments required, this can increase the cost of your insurance premiums.
- Annual coverage limits: The more extensive your coverage limits, the higher your insurance premium is likely to be. You can lower your premium, by opting for less coverage.
- Reimbursement rate: Depending on your budget, you can choose to lower your reimbursement rate to make your pet insurance plan more affordable. However, keep in mind that you will be responsible for paying a larger amount out of pocket.
- Age: With age often comes illnesses and medical issues that can require a visit to the vet. Younger dogs are generally cheaper to insure than older dogs.
- Payment of policy: Many insurers will provide an annual discount when you pay for the entire policy upfront. If you choose to pay monthly, this can increase your premium.
When taking out a pet insurance policy, be mindful to read the terms and conditions as almost all policies have exclusions attached. Common exclusions can include cosmetic treatment, pre-existing medical conditions, teeth cleaning, microchipping, pregnancy or birth, and preventable diseases.
How to choose the best English Springer Spaniel pet insurance?
When shopping around for the best pet insurance for your English Springer Spaniel, it’s important to compare different insurers and policies. As your dog ages, changing providers can result in higher premiums as your dog is likely to have previous medical conditions. Therefore, starting your dog out when they’re young on the best pet insurance plan can help to alleviate the stress of finding a different insurer later on. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing your plan:
- Waiting periods: This is where the effective date of the policy occurs after the start date of the policy. If your dog has an accident or illness during the waiting period, they may not be covered for medical expenses. Be sure to read the fine print when you take out your policy.
- Calculate your premiums: As premiums can increase with the age of a dog, it’s a good idea to calculate the lifetime cost. This can help you balance your coverage needs with your household budget.