Thoughts on VPI vs PetPlan vs. ASPCA insurance?

[Chris H]

Branson comes home to us next week! We're so thrilled to have found such a wonderful breeder and a  beautiful pup. 

So I have seen posts here on DK with thoughts about pet insurance, but I wanted folks to chime in on their current perspective on VPI vs. PetPlan vs. ASPCA? Looks like we're at around $25/mo for the coverage I'm after... I think I prefer the percentage refund plan (PetPlan) to VPI's flat annual refund per condition. ASPCA looks a bit more expensive if I want hereditary stuff covered. 

I'm leaning towards PetPlan Bronze with no routine coverage (that we can budget and pay for on our own). Any objections? 

Cheers,

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We have PetPlan....they've been great.  I would definitely recommend them.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We have Pet Plan Gold and will be testing it for the first time this month.  Here are the things I would point out to make sure you are aware of.  I'm not sure how they work with the other plans as I don't have any experience with them.  Your rate is going to go up so just be prepared for that.  On the Gold plan we are paid at 100% after our $200 deductible as long as it is with an emergency vet or our vet.  If we are referred by our vet to a specialist, let's say an orthopedic or allergy specialist then we are only reimbursed at 80% after our deductible.  This is going to come into play for us.  We could have had our regular vet do this particular ACL repair at a cost of around $600.  That means it would have cost us the $200 deductible.  However, our regular vet performs maybe 12 of these a year.  Because she knew we had insurance, she referred us to an orthopedic surgeon who does probably that many in a week.  However, his cost is between $1800 - 1900.  So, we are opting to go with the specialist and it will cost us the $200 deductible and then 20% of the final bill.   A significant different, but still much better than all of it out of pocket.  But we wanted Lucy to have the best possible chance for a good outcome.  I can honestly say I haven't heard anyone say anything bad about Pet Plan.  There is a recent discussion on I think VPI.  If you do a search on Pet Insurance you will probably find lots of discussions as there have been many.

[Chris H]

Thanks Lucy

What happens if you move? do you just select a new vet as your primary? 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

That is correct just keep Pet Plan up to date on who your Primary Vet is.

We chose PetPlan Silver.

[Diana Erhart]

And when you move your rate is adjusted depending on if your new area is higher cost or lower cost.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Way cheaper than the surgery in Ca.!!!!  Wow.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

We have Healthy Paws for Monty. I was deciding between Pet Plan and Healthy Paws. Both are great. Of course, as soon as I got the insurance, we had no more emergency room visits.. Go figure. But it's definitely a good thing to have just in case. I just wish I've done with earlier with Monty. I will sign up our second puppy right away.

Here is the website that I used when deciding about pet insurance. You can look at their reviews, ratings and submit your info for a free quote.

http://petinsurancereview.com/dog.asp

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Hi Chris,

How exciting that Branson will be joining your family next week; he is a cutie!  

In terms of insurance, I have VPI's Superior policy for Wally, and have been happy with the coverage.  When I purchased the policy six years ago, I don't believe that coverage for hip dysplasia was available.  As far as I understand, that is now included in one of their plans.  I would also suggest that you add Healthy Paws to your list of companies under consideration.  My daughter signed up for Healthy Paws' catastrophic coverage (minus the routine and wellness visits), and I was impressed with their offerings.  I'll be interested to hear what others have to contribute to this discussion, as we are getting a puppy soon, too, and I will need to decide whether or not to cover her on VPI, Healthy Paws, or another insurance company.

Congrats, again!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

We have PetPlan and TG only had to use it once with the 3 doodles. When Samantha turned 4 the policy went up about $35 for the year. I didn't read the fine print and now know that L&S's Mom is correct - any visit not made to your own vet or to the ER is paid at 80% - that gives me peace of mind. 

My sister's schnoodle puppy was here 2 weeks ago when they went away. Marty decided he was bog enough (not) to get in the middle of Charli and Mickey wrestling. It didn't take but a NY minute for him to scream in pain. Turns out that he broke both the bones in his front forearm. I am grateful that my sister took my advice and got him insurance. Marty is coming tomorrow for 10 days in a cast so he will be leashed in case he 'forgets' he has the cast on. The orthopedic surgeon believes he will be out of the cast within the next 2 weeks.  

I want insurance for the G-d forbid stuff. I have a huge bill for our yearly physicals but since I know October is the month I save the money through the year. 

[Chris H]

Thank you all for the help! We did end up going with PetPlan. Here's to hoping I never have another update about this, and we'll continue to have a strong healthy boy who won't ever need it :-)

(I suspect keeping him on his raw meaty bone diet will help in that regard)

Cheers,

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Branson is too cute. Congratulations.