No one ever plans on their dog getting sick, but the fact is that dogs can and do get sick, sometimes very seriously. One of the most serious illnesses a dog can get is parvo, a virus that can affect dogs of all ages.
If your dog contracts parvo, it’s important to know what your pet insurance policy covers, so you can make sure you can afford to treat your furry friend.
Different Insurances Offer Different Coverage
The first thing to keep in mind is that different pet insurance policies offer different coverage. Some policies may cover the cost of treatment for parvo, while others may only cover a portion of the costs.
In this case, you might consider pet insurance reviews made by experts as well as customers to see what they think of the coverage and the cost.
Choosing the right insurance company can prove the most important factor since it will determine what exactly you are paying for and that you won’t be caught off guard by a large bill for treatment that isn’t covered by your insurance.
Therefore, when looking at reviews, pay attention to what customers say about their experience with the company. Were they satisfied with the coverage? Did they feel like they received good customer service? Was the claims process easy to understand and follow?
You should also look at the reviews to see if there are any common complaints among customers. For example, if a lot of people are saying that their claims were denied or that the coverage isn’t what they expected, then that’s something you’ll want to take into consideration before buying a policy.
The Conditions That Must Be Met
Once you’ve chosen an insurance company, it’s important to understand the conditions that must be met for your dog to be covered. Most policies have a waiting period before they go into effect.
This means that if your dog contracts parvo within the first few weeks or months of your policy, you may not be covered. This is something to keep in mind when choosing a policy, as you’ll want to make sure you choose one with a waiting period that works for you.
On the other hand, there is the question of the age of your dog. Many policies will not cover dogs that are older than a certain age, typically around 10 years old. However, this isn’t always the case, so it’s important to check with your specific policy to see if there is an age limit.
In certain states, there may also be a requirement that your dog is up to date on its vaccinations. This means that if your dog is not vaccinated and contracts parvo, you may not be covered.
What Does Parvo Treatment Cost?
The cost of parvo treatment can vary depending on the severity of the illness and how quickly it is caught and treated. However, treatment can be very expensive, sometimes costing thousands of dollars.
If your dog does contract parvo, the first thing you should do is take them to the vet as soon as possible. Early treatment is crucial for the best chance of recovery, so don’t delay in getting your dog the care they need.
Once you’re at the vet, they will likely run some tests to confirm that your dog has parvo. Treatment will then be based on the severity of the illness. In some cases, dogs may only need to be treated with fluids and antibiotics, while others may require more intensive treatment, such as hospitalization.
The good news is that, with early treatment, most dogs recover from parvo. However, the virus can be deadly, so it’s important to take any necessary precautions to prevent your dog from getting sick in the first place.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Another thing to keep in mind is that most pet insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. This means that if your dog has already been diagnosed with parvo before you get a policy, they will not be covered.
Some policies will make an exception for this, but they are typically more expensive and may have other conditions that must be met. For example, some policies require that you have been taking your dog to the vet regularly for a certain period before the policy will go into effect.
Additionally, even if your dog has never been diagnosed with parvo, some policies may not cover them if they are considered to be at high risk for the virus. This is typically determined by factors such as the dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle.
For example, toy breeds and puppies are often considered to be at higher risk for parvo because they have not yet been vaccinated. Similarly, dogs that live in areas with a high incidence of parvo are also typically considered to be at higher risk.
Get a Quote
If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance, it’s a good idea to get a quote. This will give you an idea of how much it will cost to insure your dog and what kind of coverage you can expect. When you’re getting a quote, be sure to ask about coverage for parvo. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect if your dog does become infected with the virus.
Generally, you can expect these medical costs and more to be covered if your dog contracts parvo, and you have pet insurance:
- Vet visit costs
- Cost of tests
- Hospitalization
- Fluids and antibiotics
- Surgery (in some cases)
However, there will be a limit to the amount that your pet insurance policy will cover. This is typically a per-incident or per-year limit. Once you reach this limit, you will be responsible for any additional costs.
Additionally, most policies have a deductible that you will need to pay before the coverage kicks in. The amount of the deductible varies depending on the policy, but it is typically around $100.
While the cost of parvo treatment can be expensive, it’s important to remember that the cost of not treating your dog can be even higher. With pet insurance, you can rest assured knowing that you’re covered in case your dog does become sick.
This way, you can focus on what’s most important: getting your furry friend the treatment they need to get better.
