Update on Pet Insurance Options

[Adina P]

Initially I contacted VPI pet insurance upon suggestion of one of our members in case they'd be able to offer DoodleKisses.com members a discount (since there are a lot of us).  I learned the discount is pretty small and decided to contact a few other pet insurance carriers: Pet Plan, Embrace, and Trupanion.

 

I have heard back from 2 of the 3 so far.  Essentially our options are:

 

1) Offer members a 5% discount for insurance carrier A.

2) Offer members a 10% discount for monthly plans or a 15% discount for yearly plans for insurance carrier B.

3)  Earn a commission ourselves on accepted applications from insurance carrier B.

4) Offer members $10 sign-up discount for insurance carrier C

5) Earn a commission ourselves on accepted applications from insurance carrier C.

 

Since the whole point in looking into this was to offer something cool for our members, I really wanted to check with you again on what you want.  I know most of you who are interested have already either chosen an insurance carrier or have considered the various options.  So it's not just about the biggest discount but also whether the insurance carrier offers what you most want/need in a pet insurance plan.  It would be COOL if we could earn a commission AND offer you a discount but that combo is not an option with those we've heard from, so we're going with a discount for you. 

 

Someone mentioned that saying "Doodle" when you sign up for Pet Plan (who has not gotten back to us yet) gets you a 10% discount.  This is due to the Doodle Messenger's partnership with them...I think they may even make a donation/commission back from this. 

 

Now, how should we proceed?  What do you say?  Should we take a formal poll on which carrier is MOST desired?  THIS IS NOT THAT FORMAL poll...but more of a quest for suggestions on what members want out of this. 

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Here is what we paid for PetPlan over the past 3 years.We have the Bronze plan. $200 deductible/ 80%. I had written before that they paid the FULL rate for Izzy's elbow surgeries. Not just what was reasonable and customary as what other ins companies pay. Our HUMAN health ins increases an average of 12%/year. That's the way it is!!!  I look at this insurance as for serious issues.

Lucca's didn't change the first 2 times from birth to 2 then had a 10% increase at 2.

Izzy is still a puppy

Ben got insurance starting at 8 years old. There was a significant increase when he turned 9.

01/01/2011		Ben	$457.60	Policy
11/24/2010		Izzy	$188.65	Policy
11/25/2010		Lucca	$199.75	Policy
01/01/2010		Ben	$386.91	Lapsed
11/25/2009		Lucca	$179.45	Lapsed
11/25/2008		Lucca	$179.45	Lapsed

 

 

[Diana Erhart]

I am still in the process of looking for insurance for Charlie, even though he is now 5 years old (Bad Doodle Mom here).  In my previous investigations I had narrowed my choices down to Pet Plan and Embrace.  There are alot of good comments here on the Pet Plan but is there anyone out there who uses (or used) Embrace and what is/was your opinion of them?  I would be hesitant to "step on the toes" of the Doodle Messenger with a Pet Plan discount, but would be interested in maybe having a different option with another insurance carrier for those who would want to choose something else.

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

Pet Plan (silver) is what we went with when we got Brulee.  Knock on wood, we haven't had to use it, but it seemed to meet our need best.

[Eileen]

I have VIP now for one of my doodles, butl love the idea of grouping together to get a discount elsewhere.

[Beth Lord]

I did a lot of research before signing up with Petplan.  It'd be great if I could get a discount w/ DK...a discount on another insurance would not make me switch because I'm truly happy with what I have.  But whatever works best with everyone is fine.  I'm so easy going, just like my dood!  ;-)

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Well, this is great timing! A few weeks ago, Junior Woodchuck the Fluff led me to experience the cost of puppy sock removal. Today I've just come home with GetaJob, formerly known as the cat Pixel, who last night chowed down on mylar strings. $700 later, because he also has THREE different kinds of ear infection (despite never ever going outside), and my self-imposed homework assignment when I sat down at the computer was to research pet insurance! 

I don't have a strong opinion on WHICH yet, but more than happy to trust the recommendations of folks here so I'm reading with great interest.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm with Pet Plan and I'd be unlikely to switch, unless there was a big price differential. From the research I did I'm quite happy with them but I'm even happier to have not needed them. I know you could find this Adina, so maybe this is old news but here is what was posted back when:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/the-doodle-messenger-is?co...

Sounds like Doodle Messenger had lots of conversations with Pet Plan so maybe you can speak to Karan Johnson?

Just a thought.

[Adina P]

Yes I posted about the discount specs already...it is on their website. At this point since they have that available it doesn't seem like a good idea to simply repeat it here when doodle owners can use their code. Theirs is a good cause :) It sounds like Pet Plan is the favorite choice here, though. So is there any reason to pursue a discount with Embrace or Trupanion? VPI offers 5% only...not sure if that is attractive enough to make them our partner.

[Blueberry Cottage]

I also did a lot of research and went with petplan on my 3 labradoodles.  One of the better comparisons that I saw during my research is at http://www.foundersvet.com/blog/index.php/tag/insurance/.  Thank goodness I haven't had to use it yet. 

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Do any of these have plans in Canada too that we can get the discount for?

[Jennifer and Jack]

It is not per each incidence it is per illness, so Jack has had ongoing kidney needs, I have only had to pay once in two years the deductible,

[Christine & Camus]

After researching all of the insurance plans I chose Pet Plan for Camus.  I have just submitted several bills, the most recent visits were for ear infection, infected eyes, and then the winner -- fractured bone in his paw with a one-week follow-up for a new splint (he chewed the first one).  As soon as I find out how Pet Plan responds I'll post an update.  I am hoping they are as good as my research lead me to believe.