Help Me Decide On These Two Insurance Carriers

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I have researched long and hard and put policy next to policy for the last couple of weeks. Here are the top two choices and the differences.

Trupanion charges $29.47 per month with a $200 "per incident" deductible and pays 90 percent for accidents, illness and prescriptions with no pay out limit.

Embrace charges $30.28 per month with a $200 "annual" deductible and pays 80 percent for accidents, illness and prescriptions with a $10,000 annual pay out limit.

Does anyone have experience with either company? Embrace is rated the number one carrier by consumer reports.

[Chuck Holliman]

We purchased a "Silver" policy from Petplan (after researching various company's) on Rusty when we acquired him as a puppy, never anticipating that we would have a need for it.  If you have followed my blog "Rusty's cancer chronicles" you are aware that he was diagnosed with cancer, requiring the amputation of his leg, shortly before his 18 month anniversary.  We and Rusty are very fortunate that we have two of the best cancer vets in the country here in the desert, which also means that they are very expensive. Petplan has never questioned their fees!

Petplan has paid almost $16,000 for their share of Rusty's care the past 14 months; they have not quibbled once on any of the charges, paying 70% for specialists the first policy period increasing that to 80% when they renewed his policy in October.  The guaranteed renewal is extremly important when you are dealing with ongoing major health issues!

There may be less expensive policies available, but to us the proof of the best company is how they handle claims when you really need them.  We file our claims on-line and usually have a check in less than a week.  Petplan has provided "outstanding" service for us and Rusty; we cannot give them enough credit.  Knowing that they would be there for us has allowed us to continue Rusty's cancer treatments; without their financial assistance we would probably have been forced to stop his care as the cost would have been prohibitive for us ($22,500 to date).

Chuck Holliman

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

We are between the PetPlan and Healthy Paws - it is good to hear that Petplan has helped you take such good care of Rusty.

[Gregg Aprahamian]

I am about to purchase pet insurance on my 15 week old goldendoodle. So far I like Trupanion, as they cover all, except well visits, pay 90% with a $250 ded, no lifetime limit, and the ded is only once for each similar incident, meaning if you have treatment for years for the same issue that is considered one incident.

Living in NY, all is so expensive and I can't see going with a plan that pays 80%. Hip disp is an extra $6/month for a total of about $40/month. That's a lot to me, for good coverage, do you all think it's worth it?

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Did you look at Petplan?  I'm getting plan with a $100 deductible and 100% coverage (including hip disp at no additional charge) for $25-$30/month each for my two two-year olds.

[Ike, Renee and Gracie]

Hi Sandy,

I'm not familiar with the two companies you've asked about but I would suggest you check out VPI.  Just type it into Google and take a look. 

Good Luck!

[Dr. Judith P. LaVorgna]

I am a huge Petplan fan, go back through the responses and see what people say.  Particularly Chuck who blogs here about Rusty, his Dood with cancer and now a tripaw'd.  Not only will you get a plan tailored to YOUR needs and wallet, but their turn around is fabulous.  If and when you call them for information, tell them you are using the DOODLE promo, the President of Petplan is providing of their own corporate funding, $50.00 to The Doodle Messenger (very sick Doodle kids) for each registered Doodle promo.  They have great duo plans and can design what you want for what you want to pay. They will soon be moving into the Canadian market.  Actually, they are rated number one, but Consumer Reports takes paid 'advertisers', look as deeply as you can.  Petplan is getting rave reviews and I would look at their offerings first, call them and talk with a rep.  They are helping us with the sick Doodles in ways I cannot even express.  A suggestion only, you will find what suits you best.  Good luclk.

[Gregg Aprahamian]

I went with Trupanion as it is the best deal for the money at this time. My one concern is their ability to constantly change the premium on a monthly basis if they so desire. I got the extra coverage for hip and elbow dysplasia because our dogs are most suseptabke to this crippling and very costly dis defect.

They also pay 90% and the per incident deductible is only applied once for the same issue! Even if it lasts for years, whereas others charge an auto annual deductible and that to me is nickeling and diming.

They seem quite responsive and are really trying to capture the us market, so I believe they will provide great experience for the next couple years.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Koodles to you for being such a planner! I know it's a tough decision, you never know if you picked the right one-hopefully you will never need it. If it doesn't go up as they get older that would be more of a deal maker for me! Good luck!!

[Rick Smith]

I say just put that money into a interest bearing savings account. That's a lot of money.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Have you actually looked at the interest rates lately? A buried can in the backyard will bring you at least rust.

[F, Calla & Luca]

And if you're lucky some worms to use when fishing.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Well then, that would actually be a better deal. Fishing worm costs have escalated in recent years!! Big time.