Pet Health Insurance

[Nancy & Bisbee]

Being a new member you may have already discussed the issue of pet health insurance. Do most of you have health insurance on your doodles? Trying to decide....

[2hl9mp3c2fuam]

I do not yet, but am glad you reminded me of this subject. If you search an older discussion it was discussed..... some things you can check on is your coverage you may already have. I'm sure if you find that discussion you will learn plenty. Take a look.....

[Nancy & Bisbee]

Thank you Lori, I will do just that --- search for old insurance discussions. Thanks for your reply. I'm thinking it's a good thing to have.

[Karen & Lucy]

Hi Nancy, I bought insurance on Lucy when she was just a pup and I feel much better knowing that if something happens to her or she gets sick I have that coverage. I went with PetPlan Gold. It is on $15/month. I do not think that is bad at all for my peace of mind. You want to purchase plan before any health problems arise as it will cover not cover pre existing conditions. Check the site out at www.PetPlan.com and compare the different plans. There may be better companies, but this is what I have.

[Nancy & Bisbee]

Thank you Karen & Lucy for the info. I'll check out the site and look it over. Bisbee is 6 months old so I don't think it is urgent, but do think we need to be aware of options (we lost our 11 year old F1 this year ($$$$) no insurance), and probably is good thing to have. Thanks!

[ClarkP]

Although pet insurance seems like a great thing, I've read in multiple places that it is almost impossible to get the insurance company to pay out on your policy. And if/when they do reimburse (way after the fact), it's much less that you thought it would be. In fact, most pet insurance companies have been called scams by the consumer advocacy groups. The companies seem to always have a reason not to pay you when your expense occurs.

So my question would be, has anybody that has pet insurance actually used it and been paid what you though you were entitled to by the insurance company in a timely manner?

Finding a good company would be fantastic.

[Nancy & Bisbee]

Now you have my wheels turning... good advice. Thanks for the reply.

[Val MacQueen]

Our policy was included as an extra in our house insurance and cost us $46AUD a year for a specified $500 per injury, we have claimed 3 times all together and have been paid the full amount within a week or two of claiming, it's not a large amount but it helped with the costs.

[Nancy & Bisbee]

Thanks for replying. I don't think here in the States our homeowners insurance covers pets, but it's sure worth looking into. Good idea... thanks again and have a great day!

[Tegan]

I put money into a Vet fund every month. I looked at the pet health plans, but they didn't cover a lot of things that tend to happen to large breed dogs (such as Hip Dysplasia). I know other people who do the same thing. One of my Vet's clients puts money in every month and at the end of each year takes out anything over $2000 for herself so she has a good vet fund, but if her animals have had a good year she can spend the difference. I don't take any money out (with 2 cats and a doodle we want some padding) but have a pretty healthy vet fund.

[Nancy & Bisbee]

Thanks for your reply. I think your plan is perhaps a better alternative. The health plans I looked at (although briefly) cover this... but not that (and "that" usually is the one you need covered, like ACLs) A "vet fund" ... I like it, thanks.
p.s. we also have 2 cats and a doodle, great fun!

[Doe Asombrado]

I purchase Pet plan because it covers catastrophic for a reasonable monthly rate. It doesn't cover routine care unlike VPI nor ASPCA however those plans charge an awful lot for what little reimbursement you get. i.e. dental cleaning $300, with reimbursement $100 (not much). I did a bunch of research and knew from previous experience (spent a lot of money that I didn't have on pet accidents/injuries) that I needed pet insurance because I just don't have a lot of money saved should something major happen to Winston. In my discussion of this topic from an earlier date I have set up a comparison between plans for doodle owners for the most popular pet insurances. You can view it on "my page" and make your own decision. Hope this helps!

[Nancy & Bisbee]

Boy, thanks for the info and I will give your comparisons a look-see. I know about the paying out $$$-- ouch! For those that have insurance, seems Pet Plan is the winner. I see congratulations are in order for you and Winston! Bet you can't wait to get your hands on him. Be sure to post some pictures, we'll be looking for them.... The Best to You Both!