Is German Spitz pet insurance worth it?
Taking out pet insurance can be both a financial and emotional decision. While you can fund vet expenses out-of-pocket, at times the economic burden can become emotionally stressful.
Accidents and illnesses can arise unexpectedly and this can involve emergency vet visits that can easily run into thousands of dollars. Without a safety net, you could be left to choose between your dog’s health and your finances.
Pet insurance can help bridge the gap between your out-of-pocket expenses and your dog’s medical bills. This can alleviate the potential shock to your finances and give you the peace of mind you need to help your dog recover from its medical issues.
Common health conditions for a German Spitz
With an average long lifespan of 13 – 15 years and weighing approximately 21 to 29 pounds, the German Spitz can develop various health conditions throughout its life. Here are some common health conditions a German Spitz can experience:
- Eye conditions: Common eye conditions can include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and retinal dysplasia. This can lead to blurry vision and in severe cases complete loss of sight.
- Collapsing Trachea: An inherited disorder, this is where the windpipe collapses upon inhalation which can cause respiratory distress. Medication can be used to treat the dog and vet visits will be required.
- Epilepsy: Seizures can be triggered in dogs but with the right treatments in place, your dog can lead a happy and normal life.
- Patellar Luxation: Due to movement of the kneecap, this can cause dislocation in the knee and become very painful for the dog. Your dog may experience problems walking, standing, and keeping balance.
What does pet insurance cover for a German Spitz?
Pet insurance can help cover a range of diagnostics, medication, and treatments to help bring your dog back to good health when it falls sick or has an accident. Depending on your coverage, you could have the following costs reimbursed:
- X-rays, ultrasounds, and scans: A visit to the vet could require several tests and diagnostics to determine the best treatment path for your dog. Pet insurance can cover you for x-rays, ultrasounds, MRI scans, CT scans, blood tests, and urinalysis.
- Accidents and illness: If your dog gets injured or suddenly falls sick, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment and medication required to bring your dog back to good health.
- Surgery & hospitalization: In severe cases, your dog may require surgery or have to stay overnight to recover. This can be expensive; pet insurance can help cover these costs so that you can focus on your dog getting better.
- Alternative therapies: Some insurance plans include alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathy, and chiropractic treatment. This can differ between policy providers, but it can be a useful addition if your dog requires alternative treatment to get better.
Depending on your budget, you can opt for accident-only coverage or accident and illness policies. Accident-only provides a more limited coverage but can be a cheaper option. You can also choose to purchase wellness coverage to help cover the cost of routine check-ups and preventative care.
How are insurance premiums determined for a German Spitz?
Many different factors determine the cost of your pet insurance coverage. Some of these factors include:
- Age: With age, your dog can become more susceptible to developing genetic health conditions or illnesses. For older dogs, it can also take longer to recover from illness, potentially requiring longer treatment plans. This is likely to be reflected in higher premiums.
- Breed: As certain breeds are more likely to develop hereditary health conditions, this can increase the cost of your insurance premium.
- Location: Certain geographical locations where the cost of veterinary care is high can increase the premium of your policy.
- Reimbursement level: After paying the deductible you will be reimbursed a percentage of your veterinary bills. This can be anywhere from 50 – 100%.
- Deductible: The upfront amount that you will pay to cover the cost of your dog’s medical bills until your coverage will help you cover the costs. This can be a per-year amount or a per-incident amount. Typically, the higher the deductible you pay, the lower the premium.
As with any insurance policy, there will be exclusions. It’s important to read the terms and conditions so that you’re fully aware of the exclusions before taking out a policy. Some of these exclusions can include breeding costs, cosmetic surgery, behavior issues, dental disease, and pre-existing conditions.
How to choose the best German Spitz pet insurance?
When shopping around for the best pet insurance policy, there are many factors to look out for to make sure the policy and coverage will be suitable for your dog’s needs. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind as you shop for a plan:
- Look for relevant policy add-ons: Many policies have add-ons that can help keep your German Spitz in good health. Some of these policy add-ons include dental coverage, wellness check-ups, and behavioral therapies.
- Adopt a long-term perspective: As your dog gets older it can become more difficult to change their pet insurance plan as some insurers won’t provide coverage for older dogs, especially if they have pre-existing conditions. It’s best to get started with a good plan from the start to avoid unexpected costs later on.
- Read the terms and conditions: It’s always best to read the fine print before purchasing a policy so you are fully aware of the coverage provided, the waiting periods, and the exclusions of the policy.