Hey guys(once again)

I have been debating on the pet insurance thing for a few weeks now. What do you guys think? Is getting pet insurance a good thing? If so which one should I get? And how does pet insurance work, what do they cover, do they cover regular checkups, shots, teething issues, accidents, or what ?

Overall I want to get as much info on it as possible

Check out this post, it might answer some of your questions: Pet Insurance

I think it is worth it, if for nothing else the piece of mind it gives me. I pay 29.99 a month for my Lab and my Husky each.

When Balon decided to eat a shipping bag it cost me 345.00 at the vet for xrays, they paid 245.00 (100 deductible per year per dog.) I have VPI and I have major medical. It does not cover shots, spaying or dentals, I was more worried about accidents and such.

Ours is 83/month for Cato and Delilah. It covers illnesses and accidents. I have NO deductible and 90% coverage. You can add Hip Displaysia and Complimentary medicine for 13/month. Honestly, It's actually be great.

We had an emergency just over a week ago and Delilah was in the E Vet - It was terrifying but trupanion is paying $900 of a $1003 bill.

I got pet insurance just a couple of weeks ago.

I get a 75% rebate. I have accident and injury cover and pay just under $40 a month for Freya.

I've never had to claim as of yet, lets hope I never do have to claim.
If Freya needed an x-ray for example, I would have to pay the bill, but I get the vet to sign the claim form and and send the form and a copy of the bill into the insurance agency and I get 75% back.

I pay about $40 per month combined for my 2, the peace of mind makes it worth it. (Pay for 2 cancer surgeries for one dog and you'll understand what I mean)

We have pet insurance for both, as well. About $65 for both, 90% coverage including hip dysplasia. In an emergency, I don't want to have to think about the "cost" of getting my dogs well. They deserve the best treatment.

Len, Sam,
Who do you have pet insurance through?
I am thinking about maybe I need to get something for Storm now that he's 7 and he's more prone to falling ill since he was obese for so long.

Claudia, I have Pet Plan, http://www.gopetplan.com/ They have various levels of coverage I think I have "bronze." I'm covered for 80% after my $200 deductible. They offer higher coverage for a higher rate you decide what you feel you need. If your thinking about insurance for Storm better hurry because most pet insurance companies won't accept new client pets over 8 years of age. You can get it before they are 8 yrs. and they'll allow you to stay as long as you want but the 8 yr mark often is the cut off point for a newbie.

I use Trupanion and you can register with them regardless of the age of the pet, but they do not cover pre-existing conditions. Here are some FAQs from their site.


Is Your Pet Eligible?
There are three basic requirements to be eligible for Trupanion pet insurance:
You must own a cat or dog between 8 weeks and 14 years of age
You must be a U.S. or Canadian or Puerto Rican resident
After meeting these requirements, some pet owners have additional questions. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about eligibility.
Common Eligibility Questions

Question:
My pet is sick right now. Will you still cover her?
Answer:
Any sickness your pet is currently suffering from will not be covered under your insurance policy, as it will be considered a pre-existing condition . But while that particular illness won’t be covered (as well as anything related to that illness), you may still invest in a policy for future illnesses or accidents.
Question:
I know I’m eligible for pet health care coverage, but I’ve heard about waiting periods – what are those?
Answer:
We have a 5 day waiting period for accidents and 30 day waiting period for illnesses. That means that we will cover accidents five days after the policy start date. Illnesses will be covered thirty days after the policy start date.
Question:
Is my pet eligible for hip dysplasia coverage?
Answer:
Hip dysplasia coverage is available in addition to your regular coverage with our Optional Benefits package* for an additional cost.

+1 for trupanion!

Thanks Len and Kim!

Claudia , sorry - I didn't answer because I didn't see the thread again.

We're with Healthy Paws - they get awesome reviews.

Well, I think I will be converting to Pet Plan...
20K for vet expenses (also includes exam fees- woo hoo!)
500 for boarding kennel fees
If lost 500 for advertising and reward
$500 for loss due to theft or straying
1000 for death from illness or injury
1000 for vacation cancelling

For both dogs, it'd be a few bucks under $60 for their best plan with $200 deductible each with 100% reimbursement. If I did it with only a $100 deductible, it'd be $70.

I need to do some research with reviews and speak to them myself, but hell, that's an awesome price for all that.

Heather, have you thought about trupanion - they paid 90% of Delilahs vet bill and I didn't have deductible. For both dogs, I pay 83.00 total.

FWIW, we only chose not to go with Pet Plan because a few of our friends had issues with getting claims approved - they are real stickler. But, to each his own.

I just did Trupanion, and if I do no deductible, I pay $116 a month and that does not include a few things Pet Plan did... How the heck is my estimate so much more expensive than yours? Koda is 4 and Rogue is 15 months, no health issues or anything and I'm assuming I got a discount for selecting "service & therapy" from their drop down list for working dogs...

Heather! wrote:

I just did Trupanion, and if I do no deductible, I pay $116 a month and that does not include a few things Pet Plan did... How the heck is my estimate so much more expensive than yours? Koda is 4 and Rogue is 15 months, no health issues or anything and I'm assuming I got a discount for selecting "service & therapy" from their drop down list for working dogs...

Well, if it matters - i called when I signed up. It could have something to do with that. I got Cato in around 5 months, he is only $38.00 and Delilah is 2 and she only costs $45.00 - I would call them and mention it - because that is B.S.

Yeah, Rogue is 50-something and Koda 60-something! Outrageous. Maybe I will give them a call and see what they can offer up. I don't mind paying a bit more to ensure I don't have to deal with some a-hole when I finally have to submit a claim, but not nearly twice the amount, lol.

I hear ya. They are really friendly too - I worked it out with both of them and also mentioned to trupanion that I spoke with Pet Plan, mention pricing and see if they match - they want your money, so they probably will.

Haha, I guess I will start it out with "well, I spoke with Pet Plan and their rate was half the price and also included these things you don't"... haggle, haggle.

A girls gotta do, what a girls gotta do.

As a last resort, I'll sick my mother on them. People give her discounts just to make her leave them alone, haha.

Heather! wrote:

As a last resort, I'll sick my mother on them. People give her discounts just to make her leave them alone, haha.

Our mothers must be related.

Looking at all the replies, now I don't know if I should go for trupanion or petplan SIGHHHHHHH