Insurance questions

[Renee Hacker]

I'm researching pet insurance. Most of the quote forms I'm filling out are asking if Lily is spayed. Some are asking if she is microchipped. She is not yet, her appt for having both done is Mar 4th (as well as possibly fixing her umbilical hernia). So my question is, does her not being spayed largely impact the rates? Should I wait until after her surgery to get insurance? I know insurance won't cover her spay anyway, and I'm thinking I want her insured ASAP while she has nothing but well visits in her vet record, right? But if it's cheaper to wait until after she's spayed, maybe I should wait?

Other question: I'm leaning toward Pet Plan, VPI as the second choice. Any input yay or nay on these two? Don't really need routine care coverage, just the major stuff. I am reading through all the posts here, but there are a LOT and I'm not necessarily finding a consensus? :)

Thanks!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have Pet Plan and from what I've experienced and others say it's fine. I guess you should talk to them to see if they will change the rates after she is spayed and chipped so that you can get her insurance now.

[Rita and Fazzy]

We have PetPlan.....I think that I ran the quote indicating that Fazzy had not yet been neutered and that he had - if I remember right, there was little, if any difference.  We wound up taking out the policy after he was neutered (mostly because I kept forgetting).  Thankfully I put it into effect about a month and a half ago because last weekend he was in the hospital for 2 nights...so, I'm hoping that they will reimburse with no issue.  You need to really read all the information, what's covered, what's not and pre-ex info, how the deductible works, etc.  I found that there was real differences from plan to plan.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Run 2 quotes in PetPlan (one for spayed and one for not) and see how much the difference is.  If the difference is large, call them and see if they willl lower your premium after the spay.  I would be afraid to wait too long with all the issues people are having with pre-existing conditions.  You wouldn't want to wait just to save a couple of buck and find out you have to go get an ear infection or stomach issue treated beacuse that will end up costing you more in the long run.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

There may be some companies that consider spay/neuter in their pricing...my company doesn't.  You would have to ask when you get your quote.  I personally would not wait even a day before getting coverage...and also remember that most companies do have a waiting period after enrollment.  Mine was 14 days for illness.  I have been happy with Pet Plan.  I've had two major claims with full reimbursement over the deductible, and one included a Specialty Hospital stay which was very expensive.  I'd get quotes from a few companies and then do the comparison...coverage versus price.  Rates vary significantly based on zip code so it's important to get a few quotes versus relying on internet feedback.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Actually, I should say that there wasn't a price difference for neutering Murph....I did get the coverage a few months before the procedure.  I can't say for sure about spay.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't know if maternity coverage is included in most policies, but if so, I would think that there would understandably be a price difference for spayed versus unspayed females. It's not at all unusual for a bitch to need a C-section, or to have complications. An unneutered male wouldn't incur any more medical costs than a neutered male, at least not that I can think of.  

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have Pet Plan and they don't include that coverage.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Fighting, runaway behavior etc. might lead to medical costs. Why even paternity suits could be an issue but I guess they'd need a lawyer, not pet insurance : ) But actually, testicular tumors might be an issue too. For females breast cancer and pyometra and other issues apply.

[Heather]

Hey Renee, I have also been shopping for pet insurance. It is all SO Confusing!!! Was wondering if you decided on a plan??? I am leaning towards Embrace or Pet Plan.

[Star and Goldie]

Hi Heather, I know you didn't ask me but I recently just got PetPlan. I did a TON of research, read through discussions on DK, took advice from other DK members, friends and coworkers and every time PetPlan seemed to come out ahead. If you sign up for Petplan online you can use the word Doodle for a 5% discount and you get 5% for signing up online so that's 10% right there. I got another 5% for my pup being microchipped so I hit the 15% discount max. Score!

I also called PetPlan and they were so great about walking me through some things and helping me get unconfused :)

Hope that helps!

[Heather]

Thank You Star!!!! I have been reading reviews and making phone calls for what feels like DAYS!!!! It is a Lot to take in and I am getting quite an education about Pet insurance. The Mixed reviews that I read are making me question myself every time I think I have come close to making a Decision. I REALLY appreciate your input!!

[Renee Hacker]

I decided to go with PetPlan.  

Their plans seemed the easiest to understand and the most straightforward.