Pet Health Insurance

[nicki finan]

So after our little scare with Matilda yesterday. We really started to check into Pet insurance for her. So my questions is How many of you have this? Which company are you with? And do you think it is a good idea? Thanks So much

[Amy and Annabelle]

I have Healthy Paws. There is an annual deductible of $250 with an 80% reimbursement for $27 a month. You can select the deductible and reimbursement level you want. I chose the mid range. Yes, I think it is a very good idea. With my vet you pay it up front and are then reimbursed by the insurance after you send in the paperwork.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Unless it would not be difficult for you to pay a $3000 emergency vet bill, pet insurance is more than a good idea, it's a necessity. 

There are many discussions here on DK about the various companies. Pet Plan has a very good reputation and I know a lot of members here have been very happy with them. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I completely agree.  Do a search in the search box for pet insurance any many discussions will come up giving you a lot of examples of the various plans from people who have used them, myself included.  Just one example is that my Lucy has food/environmental allergies.  Her meds alone cost me close to $150 a month and my monthly premium is $50 right now (she is 7).  So, I'm ahead before I start.  Pet Plan and Healthy Paws are two of the more commonly used ones here, although there are others.  A couple differences (although not all) are that some you pay a per incident deductible and some you pay a yearly deductible.  With PP they will pay or consider the office visit amount as part of the deductible and then it is also reimburseable.  With Healthy Paws it isn't covered either way.  HP will pay for two torn CCL's in a year and with PP the second one must be after a year from the other surgery.  So, you really have to do your homework, figure out what is important to you.  But, the most important thing is to get it before very much gets in the record or you can end up with some pre-existing conditions that won't be covered.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, get it! It's unbelievable how expensive vet care can be if there is a serious condition or an emergency room visit is required.  I agree with Sheri, get it asap before any pre-exisiting conditions are found as they will be excluded. We have Petplan for Tara and our cat and have been very happy with them but I know there are other good companies as well. Be sure to read over each plan carefully to determine what is and is not covered as they vary widely.  It's horrible to find yourself in the position where money is the determining factor as to whether or not you can save your baby's life. :( 

[Amy and Annabelle]

When I was getting quotes I thought Healthy Paws gave you more info than Pet Plan without having to ask or search for it. The main one being surgeries. It said illness and injuries were covered but didn't specify surgery like HP did. It specified imaging like xrays and ultrasounds but not surgery. Plus HP has no caps on claims. I mainly got it for major medical and not for the $30 office visits. I agree, get it before anything gets on the record. Annabelle had an ear infection before I got her on a plan and now if it ever became chronic, it wouldn't be covered.

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

I have always found this site informative:http://www.petinsurancereview.com/reviewStart.asp

[Rhoda and Asta]

Yes get is ASAP.   I have Embrace.  Here is their insurance comparison site..http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/compare