Best Insurance for Golden Retriever in California

 

My search for pet insurance for my Golden Retriever named Brenda started about 5 years ago. Brenda was two years old at the time and I saw a brochure about pet insurance at the vet's office. My investigation of pet insurance and quote comparison sites revealed that there was a very long list of exclusions pretty much for any plan options. I checked the most common illnesses for Golden Retriever and realized that those were exactly the illnesses excluded from all the plans. The best plan I could find would cover some of the hereditary conditions, such as Hip Dysplasia, but only if you purchase it before your dog is 2 years old. Just my luck, I barely missed it.

 

Fast forward to November 2019, and I am amazed by how much improvement there has been in terms of coverage. Yes, the cost of the comprehensive plans is more than double that of the basic ones, but at least we have that option. And for my Golden Retriever who is now 7.5 years old, buying basic plan makes no sense. Mostly because the chances that she will develop one of the hereditary conditions that are only covered in comprehensive plans are very high.

 

Our top recommendation for Goden Retriever pet insurance now is Comprehensive Plan from Trupanion for the following reasons:

 

*        Lowest Premiums (The highest deductible of $1,000)

The max deductible I saw on all other plans is $750. I like to have savings for emergencies like layoffs and house repairs, just like most personal finance experts recommend - it makes sense for me to pay a bit more out of pocket later and save on monthly premiums now.

 

*        No Payout Limits

I would sell my house to help my dog, so I can't afford a limit. I also reside in San Francisco Bay Area, one of the highest cost of living areas in the country. So limits set nationwide might be too low for me.

 

*        Trupanion is a public company

Most pet insurance companies are private, meaning that less is known about them and they have to follow fewer regulations. Public company feels safer to me. Plus knowing that profits are distributed between shareholders instead of being kept by the top 1% somehow makes me feel better.

 

I am planning share a video of my journey searching for pet insurance for my Golden Retriever named Brenda soon. Feel free to contact info@AllAboutPetInsurance.com to be notified when it's posted or to provide feedback.