Pet Health Insurance

[Julie Kelly]

Does anyone have suggestions or thoughts on pet health insurance?

[Lee Seidman]

I have VPI,  I am so satisfied with their major medical plan I can't begin to tell ...Lexi went thru almost $5000.00 in bills last year,  they paid $3700.00. they are a great company and I would suggest the Major Medical as their best policy.

[Kara & Dexter]

I personally love having the Pet Insurance (I have it through Banfield Hospital at PetSmart).  Right now I'm paying $29.00 a month (because Dexter is still a puppy) and it includes all his regular check ups and vaccinations (and he was pretty much going every 3 weeks until his last visit), his neutering, and we got discounts on any medications he may have needed.  It's incredible to see how much we're actually saving at the end of our visits. 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Kara, it's good to hear that someone has a good Banfield experience.

Julie, please keep in mind that you have to check out "your" area Banfield Hospital first, they are not all good. Personally I do NOT like the ones in our area.

[Martha & Cooper]

I had to respond back again because I have received my check yesterday for the latest round of expenses for Cooper and I am thoroughly impressed with PetPlan!   They paid exactly as stated in the policy and I had the check in less than a week after faxing the claim to them.   Part of the reason for this was because I had this procedure pre-authorized and I love the fact that I can do this with PetPlan.   You know before you go in for a procedure that it will be covered.  No worrying about being reimbursed. 

Also, I remembered about a site of reviews for their Company.  I actually posted one there myself.  Hope this is helpful. 

http://www.petinsurancereview.com/petplanUS.asp

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Interesting....that would tell me that they have better experience on dogs classified as Mixed Breed than they do on Goldendoodles...probably not surprising.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

It all washes in 3 years. The first year I said mixed breed, then when it came to renewal it was higher. I did my own personal test this past renewal (3 years) and mixed breed no longer was different than Goldendoodle. I am sure they have a high percentage of them now, probably due in part to DK. You would think we would be less with that info but who knows.

So far, never had to make a claim.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Until now that is....looking for pre-approval on cataract surgery....it is covered. They cover genetic illnesses, in fact this months FETCH talked specifically about cataracts!

Daisy's appointment with the Ophthalmologist is next Thursday, DH is taking her because of my new job.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Sandy -- When I first took out PetPlan they didn't have a selection for GoldenDoodle.  Now they do.  I personally wouldn't take a chance for the few bucks you are looking at as a difference.  I have to say from the things I've learned in the last few months that I'm really surprised that the charges for GoldenDoodles aren't even more.  Statistics show that 66% of all Goldens will die from some sort of cancer in their lifetime, that is a huge liability for them.  Obviously not all of them are young, but still that is a really high number.  They offer many discounts, but the bottom line is you only get 15% off regardless of how many you ask for.  My girls will turn 5 this year and I should be getting my renewals anytime now so I'm anxious to see how much they are going up.  I'm right around $28.00 month now. I started out around $19 per month.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I too have PetPlan and have had no issues with claims whatsoever. They paid exactly what I expected. I did just change my coverage as it went up to $620 a year for two with $100 deductible . The older they get, it goes up. It is now $496 a year with $200 deductible per illness. However I did clarify that if there are multiple visits or treatment for the same illness, it's a one time deductible for entire illness.
The best advice you have gotten is to just get it and quickly. You can always change it later or next year if you find something better. It does seem overwhelming at first, but once you settle on a company, you will feel more secure, I'm sure.
Personally, it's just a matter of time as to when I will need it for something major for Bella. She just up chucked half a sock this week and pooped out the other half yesterday. Someday SOMETHING is gonna get stuck!

[Kristi and Mickey Finn]

Wow, I just called both VPI and Pet Plan. Pet Plan is half the cost of VPI. After speaking with both companies I am leaning toward Pet Plan. They don't cover well visits or shots etc VPI does but they only cover a percentage and you pay that in the higher premium. So it looks like a wash. I liked the fact I got a 5% discount for saying "Doodle" with Pet Plan and it seems like its compared to a Major Medical like for humans and its very affordable. At least I will have insurance for any problems that arise. Thanks everyone for your imput! I love this forum and the people!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

I love Petplan!  I have had no problems whatsoever so far!  I like the flexibility in plans that you can choose too.

[Kristi and Mickey Finn]

My Vet recommended Pet Plan. And all of you have too. I am going with this plan! Thanks for all your advice!