VPI™ Pet Insurance is the largest insurer of pets in the United States. Each year, the company compiles statistics on the most common conditions that policy holders submit claims for.
The purpose of compiling this list is to show dog owners how some of the problems that their dog may have had in the past could be covered by pet insurance. It’s a marketing exercise, of course, but it is useful.
In 2010, the top ten conditions for dogs were:
1) Ear infection
2) Skin allergy
3) Skin allergy or hot spots
4) Gastritis/vomiting
5) Enteritis/diarrhoea
6) Arthritis
7) Bladder infection
8) Soft tissue trauma
9) Non-cancerous tumour
10) Hypothyroidism
Pet insurance is an individual choice and you need to consider your dog’s risk profile, your ability to pay premiums, weighed up against your ability to fund medical bills in the future and your preferences for types of medical or specialist care for your dog.
The best way to make a decision about purchasing insurance is to do your homework. Information such as this list put out by VPI can help inform your decision.
For my New Zealand readers, see my earlier blogs on coverage of massage/physiotherapy by New Zealand pet insurers.
Will my dog’s massage be covered by our insurance, Part I (Pet n Sur)
Will my dog’s massage be covered by our insurance, Part II (Petplan)
Will my dog’s massage be covered by our insurance, Part III (Ellenco)
Will my dog’s massage be covered by our insurance, Part IV (Petprotect)
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 