If you’re thinking about getting dog insurance, pause for a moment—because the wrong choice could cost you thousands or leave your pup unprotected when it matters most. Here are five common dog insurance mistakes pet owners make—and how to avoid each one like a pro.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Plan Without Checking Coverage
Why it’s a mistake:
Many owners rush to buy the cheapest plan they see—often under $15/month. But what they don’t realize is that these plans often exclude major illnesses, don’t cover surgeries, or only apply to emergencies.
Real-World Example:
Emma bought the cheapest plan available online. When her Labrador needed hip surgery ($4,500), the insurer declined the claim because her plan didn’t cover hereditary issues. Emma had to pay everything out-of-pocket.
What to do instead:
- Read the full coverage list. Is cancer covered? What about surgeries, allergies, or chronic illness?
- Look for breed-specific exclusions. Some policies silently exclude conditions common to certain breeds.
- Check for lifetime or annual caps. Cheap policies often have low payout limits (e.g., $1,000/year).
Mistake #2: Skipping Breed-Specific Health Needs
Why it’s a mistake:
Not all dogs are the same. Some breeds are prone to health issues that many insurance companies quietly exclude unless you pay extra.
Examples:
- Bulldogs & Pugs: Known for breathing problems.
- German Shepherds: Hip dysplasia is common.
- Golden Retrievers: Higher risk of cancer.
- Dachshunds: Prone to back problems.
What to do instead:
- Research your dog’s breed health profile.
- Ask your vet about likely future health issues.
- Choose a provider that doesn’t exclude hereditary or congenital conditions (Healthy Paws and Embrace are top options for this).
Tip: Insurers like Figo and Trupanion often offer breed-specific plans.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Pre-Existing Condition Rules
Why it’s a mistake:
Most people don’t understand how insurers define pre-existing conditions. Even if your dog showed no symptoms for months, past vet visits can be used to deny your claims.
What counts as pre-existing:
- Any illness before the policy starts
- Even a note in your dog’s chart can be flagged (e.g., “occasional limping” or “rash observed”)
What to do instead:
- Insure your dog while they’re young and healthy.
(Puppies get the best premiums and coverage.)
- Get a full vet checkup before enrolling to establish baseline health records.
- Choose providers that cover curable pre-existing conditions (Embrace does after a 12-month symptom-free period).
Real Story: A dog owner on Reddit said her insurer denied coverage for a torn ACL because the vet had once written “mild stiffness” months earlier.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding Waiting Periods and Claim Limits
What Are Waiting Periods?
Most plans don’t start immediately. There’s a 2–30 day delay before your policy becomes active. If your dog gets sick during this time, you’re not covered.
Types of Claim Limits:
- Per-incident limit: Max payout per illness/injury (e.g., $2,000 per event)
- Annual limit: Max per year (e.g., $5,000/year)
- Lifetime limit: Max across your dog’s life
What to do instead:
- Read the waiting period clearly before relying on coverage.
- Avoid policies with per-condition or lifetime limits if your dog is a high-risk breed.
- Trupanion and Healthy Paws offer unlimited lifetime benefits.
Avoid plans that hide these details in fine print—many budget providers do this to keep premiums low.
Mistake #5: Not Researching the Insurer’s Reputation and Claim Process
Why it matters:
Many pet insurance companies look great on ads—but terrible in real life. Some delay payments, reject legitimate claims, or make it hard to contact support.
What to check:
- Customer reviews: Use Trustpilot, Reddit, or Better Business Bureau (BBB)—not just the insurer’s website.
- Claim process: Is it online or paper? App-based? How long do they take to pay?
- Reimbursement speed: Some pay in days, others take months.
Real Tip from Dog Owners:
Join Facebook groups like Dog Insurance Support & Reviews or forums on sites like TheDogForum.com to ask real pet parents about their experience with different companies.
Figo and Lemonade Pet are often praised for fast claims and tech-friendly processes.