Should You Have Insurance for Your Chihuahua?

Should You Have Insurance for Your Chihuahua?

When you buy a Chihuahua, you are really buying a companion who is going to be with you for as long as twenty years in some cases.

That means that while you may be all caught up in Chihuahua gifts, and Chihuahua clothing (that are admittedly cute!), you also need to consider practical things, like insurance.

What Is Canine Insurance?

Canine insurance, or health insurance for your dog, is not a new idea. 

It works pretty much along the same lines as health insurance for humans. 

Every month, you pay a membership fee, and in return for that fee, you are covered for medical expenses, including operations and hospital stays, as well as certain medications, up to a predetermined level.

What Does Dog Insurance Cover?

There are various policies out there, that offer different benefits, but most good dog insurance policies will have a combination of all or some of the following:

• Vet bills
• Death benefits
• Boarding fees
• Holiday cancellation
• Theft or loss, as well as covering advertising and rewards in some cases
• Accidental injury
• Third party liability (if your dog happens to injure someone else!)

When you look at that list, it’s easy to see how those costs can quickly add up, and it’s that long term cost that is prompting more and more owners of dogs (whether it’s a long haired Chihuahua, or a great Dane) to seriously consider dog insurance!

How to Choose Insurance Company

If you have decided that your Chi is precious, enough to you to make sure that you are always covered when something goes wrong, then you are going to be looking for a good insurance company.

The first thing you are going to need to assess is price.  These can vary wildly, but it is usually not the best to base your decision on price alone.  Rather compare the services covered by the policy you are considering, and compare it to the premium.

Next, you will probably what to look at reviews from clients of a particular insurance company.  There is no better way to tell whether an insurance company is great, or not, than to read reviews from their existing clients.

Finally, consider any other factors, like exclusion clauses, your dog’s age and special needs, and anything else that may be important.  Remember that even once you have made a choice, there is nothing stopping you from switching to a different service provider later on!

Is Insurance Important for Your Chihuahua?

Yes. Insurance is a grudge purchase, and it is nowhere near as fun to shop for as Chihuahua gifts, but, like any dogs, Chi’s can have accidents or illnesses, and the costs can quickly mount up.  Also, remember that like any pedigreed breed, there are congenital conditions that Chihuahua’s are predisposed to.

Make sure that your Chi is covered for any eventuality, and then have fun shopping for Chihuahua clothing!  You will both have a lot more fun if you are not worrying about having to spend a fortune if your dog gets sick or hurt!