winnie Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 DH and I got VPI for our two greys last year. It's been OK. However, the premium costs seemed to have gone up a lot. We now have a third grey too. I just can't afford VPI right now. I still like having insurance though. I've never been very good at saving for a rainy day. Insurance has been a godsend with my horse - whose policy covers 100% and is actually costs LESS than a VPI policy for just ONE of our greys. So... any other good pet insurance companies out there that cost less than VPI? Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jennifer4719 Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 I had VPI until just recently. I switched to PetFirst to see if I liked it better. The premium is about $6 less a month and both my dogs are on one policy, so only one premium a month. I haven't used the new policy yet, but plan to soon. Xena needs a dental and Honey will be due for her annual shots. Can I ask what insurance policy you have on your horse? Something I have often wondered about, but never pursued. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie Posted February 19, 2008 Author Share Posted February 19, 2008 (edited) Can I ask what insurance policy you have on your horse? Something I have often wondered about, but never pursued. My insurance broker is the Equine Equine Insurance Center (http://www.equineinsurancecenter.com/). My policy is actually through Great American. After the initial deductable, I was reimbursed 100% for all costs associated with my mare's check ligament injury last year (approx. $1,800). Unlike VPI, there is no "fee schedule," etc. They pay 100% of whatever your vet charges. They didn't cover the farm call fees, but paid for her ultrasounds, shock wave therapy, medications, etc. I was VERY pleased. My equine policy costs just under $500/year for mortality and major medical. The premiums vary based on the value of your horse and what they are used for. I think my mare is valued at $6K and is primarily a pleasure horse. I'm going to check out PetFrist now for our greys... thanks! VPI renewal policy for just one of our greys was $483. Edited February 19, 2008 by winnie Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EmbersDad Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 i have no answer to what is better, but i am not too thrilled with vpi. like you said, the premiums have risen, and for me, the payouts have been a pittance. 304.20 on a 1300 toe amputation/dental claim. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie Posted February 19, 2008 Author Share Posted February 19, 2008 Jennifer4719 - What policy do you have with PetFirst? I just did an online quote and WOW - prices are much better than VPI. The Basic w/Routine for three greys is $566/year. Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Embersdad - that's terrible! What con artists. I'm sorry. I switched to PetFirst to see if I liked it better. I haven't used the new policy yet, but plan to soon. Xena needs a dental and Honey will be due for her annual shots. They cover DENTAL work too?! :omg Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 (edited) I just applied through ASPCA Pet Insurance. Not sure if they'll cover George, who has "abnormal" creatine (perfectly healthy!). VPI wouldn't. I find VPI has TERRIBLE customer service and a useless web site. You can't even renew, unless you want to renew exactly as is when they send you the renewal notice. Otherwise you have to call them, wait on hold a minimum of 10 minutes...PITA! They wanted $345 for my Siamese cat for the coverage that includes routine care--HAH! $10 for this, $10 for that. Last year I paid about $330 for my policy. My vet bills (for the cat) ran about $650. They reimbursed about $300. I ain't no jenius, but did I not pay MORE for my cat with insurance that I would have without it? So this year I'm just getting the coverage that is for illnesses/accidents (which he won't have, as he has never been outside). Trying to get the same for my Grey and hoping they either don't check the blood work, or are better informed about Greyhounds than VPI! Edited February 19, 2008 by JumpingGeorge Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jennifer4719 Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Jennifer4719 - What policy do you have with PetFirst? I just did an online quote and WOW - prices are much better than VPI. The Basic w/Routine for three greys is $566/year. I believe I have the Preferred plan. It is the middle one. I only have two dogs, and VPI did give a discount for the second dog, but there were still two payments each month. The PetFirst plan also gave a discount for the second dog and it is only one payment a month for both, which I like a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest trevdog Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 What is covered with the plan? I did a search online, but don't really see a breakdown of what is actually covered other than the routine stuff. I am particularly concerned about cancer coverage having lost two in the past to the horrible disease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 When I first got VPI 7 yrs ago, they were terrific. But I am no longer pleased with them. Problem is, I have three seniors and Pearl uses a lot a money yearly for her cardiology stuff. I can't get her insurance for that anywhere. So I'm stuck with VPI for her. Onyx has seen a cardiologist, neurologist and a few other specialist in her 12 yrs. She's probably hard to insure now too. Dima has not been insured. VPI turned her down because of her history with erhlichia. At 10 yrs old, she's probably too old too. Thankfully, she hasn't had anything. Opal is the only one I can switch. VPI is not covering her for lacerations, gastritis or eye infections because she had a little of each. If I'm not mistaken once a laceration is healed, isn't that it for that laceration?! So, I'm watching this thread to see if people have liked other companies for their payouts and CS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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