6 Best Golden Chow Pet Insurance Plans Compared in 2023
Updated on by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent
Though their name can be a mouthful, the Golden Retriever Chow is a beautiful and seemingly contradictory mix of dog breeds. Golden Retrievers are commonly known as America’s family dog, Chow Chow’s are known for a more aggressive temperament due to their overprotective natures. This unique mix, commonly called the Golden Chow, is finding it’s way into the hearts and homes of more families.
Finding the best dog insurance for your Golden Chow at the best price may seem daunting. However, with my experience as a nationally licensed insurance agent and lifelong dog owner, I’ve researched and hope to answer all your questions on insurance for this distinguished breed!
No matter the age of your Golden Chow or where you two call home, I hope this article helps you on your dog insurance journey. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.
Top Golden Chow Pet Pet Insurance Scored, Ranked & With Cost
Use our below table to quickly compare the best Golden Chow Pet pet insurance providers. The average monthly specific prices shown are based on a healthy 2-year-old Golden Chow Pet with a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement amount who is located in California with a 90210 zip code. Costs may vary based on age, location, and the coverage amount. Prices are accurate as of July 2023 and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the provider website.
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN COST FOR GOLDEN CHOW
$31.00/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$20,000
- Lemonade has the best Golden Chow Pet insurance policy at the most affordable rates
- Their user experience is world class and it’s easy to get support from their award-winning customer service team
- Founded in 2015 as a certified B Corp, Lemonade donates unclaimed premium dollars to nonprofit organizations selected by policyholders
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN COST FOR GOLDEN CHOW
$49.18/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have extensive coverage and they always have a 90% reimbursement rate
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have no breed or upper age restrictions, and dental illness and hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
- Founded in 2020 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN COST FOR GOLDEN CHOW
$58.52/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$20,000
- They offer up to 100% reimbursement with a $20,000 annual maximum benefit for a reasonable fee and have fast reimbursement options
- Wagmo Wellness plans reimburse you for the routine and preventative care you do for your pets annually
- Founded in 2017 and underwritten by National Specialty Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN COST FOR GOLDEN CHOW
$122.06/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
Unlimited
- Trupanion is the only provider on our list that has an unlimited annual benefit with no payout limits
- They are unique in that they offer “Vet Direct Pay” instead of reimbursements
- Founded in 1999 and underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN COST FOR GOLDEN CHOW
$74.98/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Their “Healthy Pet Deductible” allows your annual deductible to go down by $50 each year that you don’t receive an insurance claim reimbursement
- Embrace paid 93% of claims in 2019 and their member portal is user-friendly
- Founded in 2003 and underwritten by American Modern Insurance
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN COST FOR GOLDEN CHOW
$67.42/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Golden Chow Pet vets via video chat 24/7
- They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
- Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN COST FOR GOLDEN CHOW
$31.00/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$20,000
- Lemonade has the best Golden Chow Pet insurance policy at the most affordable rates
- Their user experience is world class and it’s easy to get support from their award-winning customer service team
- Founded in 2015 as a certified B Corp, Lemonade donates unclaimed premium dollars to nonprofit organizations selected by policyholders
Golden Chow Dog Insurance FAQs
What is dog insurance and how does it work?
Dog insurance serves as emergency financial assistance for you and your pup. Like most insurances, dog insurance usually requires a monthly fee in order to keep it active.
Dog insurance works when you have a pet emergency, receive veterinary care, and then have to pay for that care. You pay your vet, submit a claim to your dog insurance, and pay your insurance deductible all to receive your reimbursement amount ultimately.
The monthly fee, deductible, and reimbursement amounts are all key factors in choosing which dog insurance plan is right for you.
A few insurance terms to note:
- A deductible is simply the amount of money you need to pay before your insurance company will reimburse you for your claim.
- An “annual max benefit” is referencing that your insurance plan will only cover up to a certain dollar amount in emergency vet expenses each year.
What will dog insurance cover and what won’t it cover?
Dog insurance usually covers vet expenses that come from pet emergencies. This emergency coverage may vary slightly between insurance companies, but they often include ailments like ingesting a toxic material, unexpected surgery, broken bones, allergic reactions, and infections.
Dog insurance will not normally cover either standard vet visits or pre-existing health conditions. Standard or routine vet visits include visits for wellness exams and vaccinations. However, more and more dog insurance companies are offering add-ons that you can buy to cover some of these routine expenses. Further, pre-existing health conditions are conditions your Golden Chow has before purchasing your dog insurance. Examples of these include diabetes, recurring urinary tract infections, and cancer. While most of these conditions cannot be covered, some insurance companies will offer limited coverage depending on the progression and status of the particular health issue.
Healthy Golden Chows that are taken well care of can reach an impressive 10-14 years. However, the older your Golden Chow gets, the higher risk they run of developing one of those pre-existing health conditions that insurance won’t cover. Unfortunately, the more of these issues your Golden Chow has, the fewer things your dog insurance will cover and financially assist you with.
This is why we recommend getting your Golden Chow covered by insurance as soon as you can, whether they’re a puppy or a full-grown adult!
What is a reimbursement rate?
Your reimbursement rate is the percentage of the total vet bill that your dog insurance is going to be paying back to you, usually between 80 and 90%.
How do I figure out my reimbursement amount?
Here we’ve provided an example scenario to help you calculate what your reimbursement amount would be if your Golden Chow had an unexpected veterinary emergency:
We’ll say that you’ve already picked out what insurance plan and the company you want protecting your Golden Chow. We’ll also say that this specific plan has a 90% reimbursement rate, a $250 deductible, and a $20,000 annual max benefit.
As far as your reimbursement, let’s say now that your protective Golden Chow had an unexpected accident and needs a $10,000 surgery. Because of your 90% reimbursement rate, you will be given back $9,000 of that $10,000 (again, after you’ve submitted a claim). Taking $250 for your deductible, you will only be paying a total of $1,250 from that original whopping $10,000.
A vet bill can seem hefty at $300 or $3,000, especially when it comes out of nowhere. No matter the starting amount, though, dog insurance can be a financial cushion, reducing your vet bills by more than half what you could have had to pay!
Why do I have to pay the vet out of pocket if my insurance is just going to reimburse me later?
Dog insurance, like many other insurances, follows a step-by-step order, which usually looks like the following:
- You pay the vet
- You pay your deductible
- You submit a claim
- Your insurance reimburses you
With this typical process, your dog insurance doesn’t normally ever interact with your vet, leaving you to choose whatever vet’s office you’d like since there are no limitations on which vet will take your Golden Chow’s insurance.
Trupanion bends the traditional order by offering a plan that skips you paying the vet at all. So long as your vet is one that is in Trupanion’s network and approved by them, Trupanion will pay the vet directly in emergency pet situations, saving you that initial out of pocket payment.
Is it better to have a high or low deductible – which is better?
With a high deductible dog insurance plan, you will pay less each month but more during a pet emergency. However, with a low deductible insurance plan, you will pay a bit more each month but pay less during the actual emergency.
Because this is the amount you have to pay in order to submit a claim and receive reimbursement, you must be prepared to spend this amount in an emergency.
To help you compare your deductible options and which is best for you, your dog insurance will likely have a free quote calculator available on their website.
Is it worth it for me to have dog insurance as a Golden Chow owner?
Golden Chows have a considerably large projected lifespan, but they can even have an emergency at any time.
Unfortunately, most pet owners are not prepared for the financial burden when these emergencies do happen. When an owner cannot afford the vet care during a crisis, they sometimes have to make the hard decision to have their pet euthanized.
So, while another monthly payment on your already-long list can make you reconsider getting dog insurance, your monthly payment is a very small price compared to your beloved pup’s life.
How old does my Golden Chow puppy need to be before being covered?
On average, a puppy needs to be between 6 and 8 weeks old for you to be able to apply and purchase a dog insurance plan. There is not normally a maximum age limit, meaning that most dog insurances will allow coverage for an elderly dog. However, the catch here is that your Golden Chow is likely to have a few of those pre-existing health conditions if they are older and there will be fewer things your insurance can help you with.
Even if you adopt your Golden Chow as an adult, I recommend getting insurance as soon as possible. if your dog is a puppy, I advise getting them covered before their first birthday to limit the onset of any health conditions that are ineligible for coverage.
Pawp insurance offers a unique plan at $19 a month that can cover up to 6 pets of any age. Naturally, there are a few limitations to this plan. In order for you to receive a reimbursement, Pawp’s team of virtual vets has to approve of your claim, meaning that you can potentially be denied coverage and your reimbursement money. Additionally, this Emergency Fund will only cover a certain dollar amount in veterinary expenses per year.
What are common reasons for dog insurance claims?
Some of the most common insurance claims for adult dogs include these health issues:
- Ear infections
- Eye infections
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Skin diseases
- Cancer
These claims don’t just affect adult dogs, however. Puppies are also vulnerable to these ailments and a few others like bite wounds from other animals, lacerations, diarrhea, and car accidents.
Many pet owners can attest to how expensive just one of these health concerns can be to treat. Dog insurance can reduce the amount you have to pay in these emergencies if it is purchased ahead of time.
5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Golden Chow Safe & Healthy
There’s not much more that Golden Chows love than being with their families!
To keep your Golden Chow pup safe during all your daily activities, we’ve provided 5 different tips and strategies:
1. Physical Activity Is Essential
Golden Chows do best with around an hour of activity a day. This isn’t a huge chunk of the day, but this may be too much of a time commitment for an extra busy family, denoting that the Golden Chow may not be their best fit for a dog. However, these guys love the outdoors for their physical activity for those who can accommodate their exercise needs! Beware of super hot temperatures, though, with the Golden Chow’s ultra thick fur.
2. Training
Though Golden Chows often have an even half of their personality from their Golden Retriever parent, including all that loyal kindness, they do also get half from their Chow Chow parent—a half that leans towards aggressive overprotectiveness. Thorough training early on, along with socialization, is imperative to this dog’s behavior around family, friends, and strangers. There may be some stubbornness in the beginning, but their intelligence will make teaching difficult tricks later on a bit easier!
3. Grooming
We mentioned that the Golden Chow’s fur is thick, but we should probably emphasize just how thick. Regular grooming several times a week is essential to preventing matted fur and keeping their fur as hygienic as possible. There will be a good deal of shedding in a home with one of these extra furry pups, so it’s not likely that your Golden Chow will be great for someone with hypoallergenic needs.
4. Nails and Eyes
Along with grooming of their fur, Golden Chows should be given regular nail trims and dental care, whether you take care of these at home or at the vet’s. Additionally, Golden Chows are particularly susceptible to cataracts, so we advise giving your pup’s eyes a good check a few times a week. This will help you become familiar with what your Golden Chow’s eyes look like regularly and when something looks abnormal or may be wrong.
5. Keep Hazards Away
A general dog care tip is keeping all household food properly stored and tucked away from your Golden Chow’s reach. Their massive snouts can easily scoop up something potentially toxic to them like chocolate, grapes, or dairy. This also goes for common household cleaners that should be kept out of your pup’s reach.
Conclusion
All our Golden Chows want is to live out their days with their humans—preferably with a lot of playful romps and cuddles! An essential part of meeting this request involves you meeting their daily needs like grooming and exercise. However, even the healthiest, happiest Golden Chow can have an emergency, however. When your pup has an accident or surprise illness, dog insurance can protect you from the financial burden of the emergency, leaving you to support your furry friend without all that distracting stress.
Ready to get started? After countless hours of research, we’ve found that Lemonade pet insurance consistently performs the best with the lowest monthly premiums.
SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Golden Chows
We ranked the best pet insurance policies for Golden Chows based on a variety of important factors including the following:
- Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Golden Chow with a $500 deductible located in the 90210 zip code (Please note: prices will vary greatly based on your location)
- Coverage and benefits
- Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
- AM Best rating of the underwriter
- Reimbursement percentage
- Annual benefit amount
- Technology and user experience
- Ease of sign up
- Policy language clarity
- User reviews
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