I chickened out on pet insurance: UPDATE

[Breanna]

I had called VPI and set up a plan. I was all excited until I saw several reviews saying that they did not get reimbursed for a variety of reasons. They said that the insurance companies will find any way out of paying a claim. I just can't afford to risk investing in insurance and then not getting paid for a claim. I cancelled the insurance before I was charged. I read that some people open savings plans instead of insurance and I will do that for now until I figure it out. If I open a health savings plan then I could at least have it for health care in an emergency for either of us. 

Update:

I did a little more reading and decided on PetPlan. It's much more affordable than VPI because it doesn't cover vaccinations and wellness exams (you end up paying the same over the course of the year anyway). 

I talked to my aunt about pet insurance recently and she said she doesn't have it but will rely on credit cards or payment plans if anything happens. Well, on Christmas day her dog got hit by a car and now she is asking for donations to pay for his treatment. That helped me finalize my decision that I need pet insurance. I just signed up online for the bronze plan-$10,000 a year with an 80% reimbursement and $200 deductible. I feel pretty good about that. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Great decision.  Here's hoping you never need it, but it's so reassuring to know that it available.

[Breanna]

It's very reassuring. I don't ever want her medical treatment to depend on money...and I would be that person who goes $10,000 into debt to save my dog. 

[Melissa Lowman]

I'm still researching a  much as I can before bringing my future puppy home this spring. I'm just now looking into pet insurance. Has anyone heard of, have experience with, or opinions on Healthy Paws Insurance?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This article may be helpful to you. It's 8 days old and ranks several of the top pet insurance companies. Healthy Paws came in second after PetPlan: 

http://www.caninejournal.com/pet-insurance-comparison/#winner

[Melissa Lowman]

Thanks so much.

[Lorrie W.]

We have Healthy Paws and have been very pleased with the coverage and service.

[Melissa Lowman]

How life by have you been with them? My sister in law is using this company now and  loves them. She had a horrendous experience with her dogs' previous insurance company. Have you had to use them in an emergency?

[Lorrie W.]

We signed up in two years ago. We haven't had any emergencies, but have used the benefits for sick care and an eye surgery and follow-up.  It seems that with an emergency, the pet owner pays up front and is reimbursed with all the plans.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good. Pet Plan has paid for itself here over the last couple of years and that's good enough for me. I did have to have my vet resubmit info on why Calla's dental cleaning was needed but still in the end worthwhile for peace of mind. Insurance is for major emergencies for me.

[Melissa Lowman]

Does anyone know the end date of pet insurance coverage thru PetPlan? The website states, "thru old age". That's kind of vague. Healthy Paws states, "coverage thru age 14" :/  What is average life expectancy of ALDs?

[Breanna]

That's a good question. When I spoke to a representative on the phone I asked if she is diagnosed with a condition that costs every year, if she will be covered for life, and she said "yes." She didn't say anything about my coverage ending because of old age. 

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Good for you. A wise decision. I went without with my last dog and after 5 surgeries and chemo treatments, my savings account was nonexistent. I have insurance for Lily Grace and if I never use it, it will just be a peace of mind cost.