Pet Insurance

[Breanna]

Crush scared me half to death last week when she threw up a piece of a toy onto my pillow. (I threw the toy away). She had already thrown up once that afternoon I was so worried there was more in there that would cause a blockage. She is fine and healthy now but I'm really thinking I should get myself some insurance. The vet recommended I go the whole nine yards to cover flea/tick and vaccines. I have one concern. I don't want something to happen, pay the vet bill, and find out that they won't reimburse for that particular procedure. The thing that I worry most about is intestinal blockage. My parents dog had this happen when I still lived at home and it ended up costing about $2000. My mom and I split the cost. I do NOT want to go through that again. I keep the house picked up to avoid her swallowing things, but some things can be overlooked. 

Have any of you had to deal with an intestinal blockage and had it covered by PetPlan or VPI? I am asking of your experiences because you aren't the ones trying to tell me the insurance. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

While I haven't had intestinal blockage I have had both chemo treatments and a CCL surgery for a torn ACL covered by Pet Plan.  I would have to respectively disagree with the Vet on getting a plan that covers everything.  When we get a dog we know that we are going to be paying for shots and heartworm and those types of things.  Those we can plan and budget for.  We don't need insurance for those.  What we need insurance for is the unexpected accidents or blockages and things of that nature. 

[Breanna]

It looks like it's $5 more a month to cover flea/tick and vaccines? That is what the website showed. If so, I'll do that. I mainly want insurance to cover us in case an accident, injury, or illness happens unexpectedly.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I definitely agree with this.  I've not had an intestinal blockage situation, but Pet Plan has covered several other illnesses with my guys.  For that specific question I would ask the representative when you call for a quote and also ask exactly where you would find that information in the policy language for future reference.

[Breanna]

That's a good idea-have it in writing for future use.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I have Pet Plan. I thought about dropping it several times over the years. I am so so glad we didn't drop it. In April Kona got a cyst on his tail. It was treated with antibiotics, then removed surgically and finally the tail had to be amputated. In November Kona got a scratch on his inner eyelid that had to be sutured and Owen got the flu and had to be in the clinic for two days on IVs. I am soooo glad I have pet insurance. BUY IT! 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

We have Embrace insurance on both the doods, and last April, when Oscar needed intestinal blockage surgery, Embrace reimbursed 80% of the total cost (as per our plan).

[Breanna]

That's good to hear! I am feeling more confident about this now. When Crush threw up at 4:00 a.m I was laying awake for an hour worrying about how I would afford surgery if she needed it. 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

No blockages but a close call with Myla.

After reading so many stories from DK members it was a no brainer.

We went with PetPlan and a few months later were covered by a cracked tooth of Chloe's we went

for the gold coverage on both dogs. It's a little overwhelming when we pay it yearly but it's well worth the peace of mind and knowing we can do everything we can in case of emergency or illness. We still pay for regular stuff as we go for appointments though.

Good luck with your research.

[Breanna]

Update: I just got Crush on VPI. I got the plan that covers any accidents, injuries, illnesses...plus flea/tick preventatives, wellness exams, vaccinations, and hereditary problems. There will be a weight off my shoulder now. The few times she has thrown up I have worried myself about charging a vet bill. I never want her health to depend on money. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Good news. :)

[Breanna]

I'm really afraid of something happening and them ripping me off, barely reimbursing or not reimbursing at all. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Good news that you bought a policy.