Pet Insurance.

kaioshin93

Hello everyone! Pet insurance came up during a conversation with some buddies and I was wondering if anyone on the board has experience with it and if they had any recommendations regarding companies to look into. Thanks!

rikumom

Start here:
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/12_4/features/Pet-Health-Insurance_16113-1.html?s=FB030313

We ruled out any plan that pays on a benefits schedule vs. actual expense

shibamistress

I had it for awhile, but for multiple dogs, it just isn't worth it. I only had minimal coverage (for emergencies like dog fights, accidents, etc). I had to use it once, and they only covered partial costs, because they said my vet's charges were above the norm. My vet is 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of other vets in the area, and our area is cheaper than many metro areas, so I couldn't see how they arrived at those prices, but the fact is, what they paid was pittance of the cost (my dog had been attacked by loose dogs through the fence) and I thought that I was losing a fair amount of money on premiums that would be better just saved up for vet bills. So I canceled it.

kaioshin93

shibamistress: Do you remember who you were going through for insurance at the time? They sound like a company I may want to avoid.

cdenney

I've done some basic research and becareful with the exceptions to coverage, breed related diseases are usually exempt from coverage.

PoetikDragon

I looked into it, and decided it was far more cost effective to put the same monthly payment amount into a separate bank account just for my dogs.

Mike283

I had healthy paws for the first year, the plan seems good cause they cover 90% of all non routine incidents but I never had to use them and like others decided it better to just put that money away for future vet bills if needed.

GrayJJ

Î was wondering the same thing. Coming from my coworker, who's dog was hit by a car (the dog broke her leg but is fine now), she recommends pet insurance bcuz the costs were really high. I haven't signed up for any because I cant find a plan that covers enough, that has reasonable monthly rates. I've just been putting $ aside instead, too.

exempt

mine is $100/month for 2 dogs and a cat, full dental and emergency coverage. aint bad when you consider that a tooth extraction will set you back a chunk o change

shibamistress

shibamistress: Do you remember who you were going through for insurance at the time? They sound like a company I may want to avoid.

mine was hartville. They had good reviews, but just didn't work well for me. For just basic coverage like I had, it was $35 per dog, so since I have four, you can see how that adds up. I just couldn't afford it, and it was more than I paid when I paid my vet costs myself, so I stopped it.