pet insurance

[Jodi and Stella]

I'm looking for some advice on pet insurance for 11 week old Stella. Any recommendations of companies and plans? We took her to the vet today because she was drooling profusley and had diarrhea. She must have ate something in our yard and she is ok now, but...$250 later...

[Robin & Bedford]

After doing extensive research a year ago...we went with Embrace. We, thankfully haven't had to use it, yet. I renewed for our 2nd year...this week.

They have OUTSTANDING customer service. They are on FaceBook.

[Dr. Judith P. LaVorgna]

Robin...we found that this morning. The gal who is the Pres. of that is also head of the National Association of Pet Insurers! I believe they also have a policy for rescued and rehomed doodles. In the history of the company it looks like two seniors basically put the business plan together at the Wharton School of Finance some years ago, and then followed thru..she the CEO, he the marketing director. Glad to hear you like the customer service. We are adding it to the Doodle Messenger list as I write this. Judy

[HeatherA]

I found this site helpful http://petinsurancereview.com/

I haven't decided yet. I've been in the same boat, trying to decide.

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

I went with Petplan. Needed to make a decision as i have been on the fence about this forever. Now with two it's no longer an option. Went with the bronze plan, $62.00 a quarter for two. $100 deductible, 80%. Doing the math this was the most cost effective considering the monthly expense. So it comes out to about $21.00 each dog per month. Considering every Vet visit we've had has always been well over $200.00 it's worth it. Still plan to put $50.00 a month away for pet expenses. At the end of the year I can splurge on them both if I don't spend it on medical costs.

[Dr. Judith P. LaVorgna]

I have been working on this since early this morning in preparation for asking all of them for a donation toward the very sick kids on the Messenger. It is really interesting to see how they are all conncected "at the top". I was particularly interested in the site Heather A sent (above)...oh my goodness...there are some really unhappy owners.
What I don't see is a not for profit insurance plan...I know, I know. Plus, they are all mostly connected by a national organization of pet insurers so I imagine changes are discussed at those meetings...not that there isn't competition, but they have to be sharing "stuff"... Personally, I've not ever had insurance, probably just very, very lucky for 35 years..and I mean lucky. Bound to run out of that soon although I'm down one from my traditional four.
It looks to me as though it is really a question of thorough research and reading the fine print. Most of the people on Heather A's site had a problem AFTER they thought they had read the policy carefully. And then the issue of genetic disorders which looks to me like doods could be from goldens, labradors, poodles...so knowing those issues also important....arrrgghh. Not many even mention doodles, but we know that the Vet info sites are listing them more and more so that will either help or not I guess. My worst was an afghan who got a buffo toad impaled on his front tooth. Had to drive him to the Vet early a.m. (in my jammies) and the Vet was waiting in front with rubber gloves and an injection! It didn't cost all that much as I remember, but only because on a "whim" the Vet had accepted some trial of buffo toxin the week before...otherwise, I don't know what would have happened.

Anyhow, we are almost complete with Board decided to start with one group of company's. One of the CEO's has two or three company's under her...so there is definitely an interconnectedness too. And benefits for Vet's who connect a client to an insurer (not all cases). Uh ow..it's homework time in pet insurance. I happened to check GE's Care Credit...no charge for 3 months, then in my zip code (all they had to go on) 26% unpaid balance yikes... Very interesting going back and back for data on their beginnings, etc. One has Lloyds of London, betting that is on the AKC champs if you know what I mean. Just really interesting to examine the similarities and differences. Definitely for profit business (not against that at all), but looks like multiple problems for some owners according to Heather A's site...really a good one to read owner reviews.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Sue, you do understand how your deductible works right? I liked Pet Plan until I found out that the deductible (in your case $200) has to be satisfied each time you have a new incident arise. Meaning you could pay your deductible multiple times in a year.