Pet Insurance

[Guest UpperHandAndy]

Looking into getting Andy pet insurance and have no idea who to do through. I would like one with some sort of cancer policy, just in case, and aside from that, would really just like to cover the major stuff. I can handle the everyday, just can't afford several thousands in vet bills.

 

ETA - the actual question! Duh....lol. If you have it, who do you go with? Any suggestions? Thanks!!

Edited July 10, 2011 by UpperHandAndy

[seeh2o]

You might want to research this on GT, there have been numerous threads about pet insurance (go to google advanced search, type in "pet insurance", then type in greytalk.com under within site/domain). Here is a link to pet insurance reviews on the internet, too, it's a really good one that helped me a lot. I was with Pet First, had nothing but good experiences with them, but switched to Trupanion (based on good experiences by other GT members). I like that Trupanion doesn't have per incident or lifetime caps. Knock on wood, I haven't had to put Trupanion to the test yet.

[RedFawnMom]

We have Embrace, and have put it to the test, unfortunately. I'm afraid to look at the exact total for what they've reimbursed us over the past six months, but it's in the thousands and I've never had a problem with them fighting a claim or anything. We have the 20/80 plan (they cover 80% of all expenses after our $200 yearly deductible) and I think it was a good choice.

 

We are one of those freak cases where what we'll pay in premiums will never equal what they've paid out in claims, because Lucy got cancer so young, so maybe I am biased, but I'm a big advocate for pet insurance. Just stay away from VPI.

[seeh2o]

...maybe I am biased, but I'm a big advocate for pet insurance. Just stay away from VPI.

:nod :nod :nod

I had VPI for one year, it was 12 months too long.

Edited July 10, 2011 by seeh2o

[winnie]

I have VPI... total waste of money. Their "rate schedule" of what they'd pay barely made a dent in any of my vet bills. I haven't had insurance on our dogs in years. We do have a Care Credit card though. Thankfully, we've managed to avoid any big bills with our four pack.

[Guest BrianRke]

I had always heard that pet insurance was a rip off but after reading this, I may look into it.

[Guest eaglflyt]

We have our hounds covered. Ady is covered with Embrace. Oscar & Selleck are covered with Trupanion. We have had claims with both and had excellent coverage and reimbursement with both. I believe these are the two best companies and it's difficult to compare because both companies continue to evolve with updated coverages and features.

 

Research them online and call and ask questions of both companies.

 

We rest much easier having them covered with quality pet insurance. : )

[Guest Energy11]

One word ... one insurance .... TRUPANION!!!!!

They cover seniors, they pay QUICKLY, and cover most things. They don't cover routine care and office visits, but, that is about it. I pay for the zero deductible, and they automatically reimburse 90%. **LIke any other insurance, they don't cover pre-existing conditions.

 

I AM TOTALLY SATISFIED, and wouldn't have any other company!! No problems, no complaints, and I have ALL senior greys!

 

Good Luck!

 

 

[Walliered]

I totally agree with Dee. I have Trupanion (thanks to her) and am completely satified with them. I have had to use them several times and they pay back 90% of the bill with not deductable. They have different plans, so be sure to research it.

[Guest Fasave]

One word ... one insurance .... TRUPANION!!!!!

They cover seniors, they pay QUICKLY, and cover most things. They don't cover routine care and office visits, but, that is about it. I pay for the zero deductible, and they automatically reimburse 90%. **LIke any other insurance, they don't cover pre-existing conditions.

 

I AM TOTALLY SATISFIED, and wouldn't have any other company!! No problems, no complaints, and I have ALL senior greys!

 

Good Luck!

 

I have one boy on VPI. I agree "STAY AWAY". He is now 11.5 so I can't switch him and I am a rare case but have made out with him and VPI has not made money on me. My new boy has Embrace and thankfully, haven't had to use it yet. I seriously considered Trupanion and think it's an awesome choice but when a signed up 18 months ago, Trupanion wasn't covering alternative therapies (accupuncture, etc). Not sure if that's changed or if alternative/holistic care is anything you would ever explore but if you are, you might want to check out if Trupanion has changed their coverage.

[Guest d0ggiem0mma]

I am so glad this thread came up!!

 

I have been looking into getting a policy for Maggie. While I'm not worried about routine illnesses/injuries... I want to be prepared if she ends up with the big C someday. A vet friend suggested Pets Best but they consider any diagnosis an "incident" so any and all diagnostics, surgeries, medications etc. related to an osteo diagnosis would be one incident. Well, the middle of the road policy only covers a total of $7,000 per incident AND the premium was a lot higher. Trupanion lets you pick your own deductible- anywhere from $0-$1,000 so you have a lot of control over your premium.

 

I'm leaning towards a high deductible, like $500, since I'm only really getting it in case of major issues. Do you think that's a good way to go, or should I get a low deductible and just try to use the crap out of it?

[seeh2o]

I am so glad this thread came up!!

 

I have been looking into getting a policy for Maggie. While I'm not worried about routine illnesses/injuries... I want to be prepared if she ends up with the big C someday. A vet friend suggested Pets Best but they consider any diagnosis an "incident" so any and all diagnostics, surgeries, medications etc. related to an osteo diagnosis would be one incident. Well, the middle of the road policy only covers a total of $7,000 per incident AND the premium was a lot higher. Trupanion lets you pick your own deductible- anywhere from $0-$1,000 so you have a lot of control over your premium.

 

I'm leaning towards a high deductible, like $500, since I'm only really getting it in case of major issues. Do you think that's a good way to go, or should I get a low deductible and just try to use the crap out of it?

I have Trupanion, I got it for Carl first and have a $350 deductible for him. Then I read that someone put their Trupanion deductibles at $500 and got a Care Credit (?) card for $500, so that will cover the deductible and they give you some time to pay it off without interest. So, when it was time to sign Claire up, I did just that, her deductible is $500. When Carl's renews I'll bump his up to $500 as well.

[Guest UpperHandAndy]

Thank you for the info!! I think I'm going to go with Healthy Paws. I looked at that review site, and it was ranked the highest with no lifetime cap, 90% reimbursement, and a yearly deductible that you can choose. Anyone have any experience with them? Their reviews sounded great!

[Guest zoolaine]

I am so glad this thread came up!!

 

I have been looking into getting a policy for Maggie. While I'm not worried about routine illnesses/injuries... I want to be prepared if she ends up with the big C someday. A vet friend suggested Pets Best but they consider any diagnosis an "incident" so any and all diagnostics, surgeries, medications etc. related to an osteo diagnosis would be one incident. Well, the middle of the road policy only covers a total of $7,000 per incident AND the premium was a lot higher. Trupanion lets you pick your own deductible- anywhere from $0-$1,000 so you have a lot of control over your premium.

 

I'm leaning towards a high deductible, like $500, since I'm only really getting it in case of major issues. Do you think that's a good way to go, or should I get a low deductible and just try to use the crap out of it?

I have Trupanion, I got it for Carl first and have a $350 deductible for him. Then I read that someone put their Trupanion deductibles at $500 and got a Care Credit (?) card for $500, so that will cover the deductible and they give you some time to pay it off without interest. So, when it was time to sign Claire up, I did just that, her deductible is $500. When Carl's renews I'll bump his up to $500 as well.

 

With Trupanion this is a per incident deductible which is good throughout the dogs life. so you would only have to pay the $500 one time regardless of how many years the dog needed treatment for that incident. PetPlan for example you have to pay your deductible every year - Briley had ACL surgery in 2010 so I had to pay his $200 deductible, then when his policy renewed in March I had to pay the $200 deductible again - kinda sucks but Petplan does pay for alternative therapies and is a bit cheaper. I have most of mine on Trupanion

[seeh2o]

Interesting, I've never heard of Healthy Paws before. They look really good!

 

ETA

I just checked out a new website I'd never seen before, Link to it, that really spells out what the different plans offer. You may want to check it out before taking the plunge. Initially, after going to the Healthy Paws website I thought it was comparable to Trupanion, but after reading this review website, it's not. I'm sticking with Trupanion. They don't have a lifetime payout limit and, this is really important for me, they will pay for tooth extractions due to dental disease so long as it was not noted before the plan went into effect. That's a biggy as far as I'm concerned given the state of many greyhound mouths.

Edited July 11, 2011 by seeh2o

[Guest UpperHandAndy]

Interesting, I've never heard of Healthy Paws before. They look really good!

 

ETA

I just checked out a new website I'd never seen before, Link to it, that really spells out what the different plans offer. You may want to check it out before taking the plunge. Initially, after going to the Healthy Paws website I thought it was comparable to Trupanion, but after reading this review website, it's not. I'm sticking with Trupanion. They don't have a lifetime payout limit and, this is really important for me, they will pay for tooth extractions due to dental disease so long as it was not noted before the plan went into effect. That's a biggy as far as I'm concerned given the state of many greyhound mouths.

 

 

This is a difficult decision! I looked over the link, and honestly, I think it has me more confused lol I think the one thing that's making me want to stick with my decision for Healthy Paws is there is no deductible PER incident, but only per year. We are a military family, and while we can handle the basic stuff, can't afford to pay several hundred EACH incident. Lowering the deductible only raises the payments each month, and I don't know if it's worth it. The lifetime pay out is $25,000 and with Trupanion, it's either $20,000 OR unlimited. Not sure why there is a difference, or if it has to do with which plan you choose. I also need to ask if that $25,000 is PER pet or combined. Same with the deductible. Hmmmm.....thank you for the food for thought

[Guest UpperHandAndy]

Here's another thought - anyone know which companies cover althernative medicine and or holistic vets? We don't have anything like that around here, but we will be moving to Columbia, SC next year, so it's something I'd like to consider since it's a MUCH bigger city.

[RedFawnMom]

Here's another thought - anyone know which companies cover althernative medicine and or holistic vets? We don't have anything like that around here, but we will be moving to Columbia, SC next year, so it's something I'd like to consider since it's a MUCH bigger city.

 

Embrace does. They cover holistic vets, rehab, hydrotherapy, chiro, etc. I actually just realized they cover massage therapy, too, and I had no idea! I've been thinking about trying some massage therapy for Lucy, so this is super exciting to see that it will be covered!

[cleptogrey]

i had aspca insurance- accident only when crazy felix was a pup. basically his legs were insured as marlene dietrich's were. i have always saved the money and put it aside since i have very strong feelings about treating cancer. and yes, my first grey had osteo of the shoulder. her xrays, meds and euthanisa(which i really don't add into my costs) were still less than a year's insurance cost and i had her for 5 years before she was diagnosed. my vet's fees are quite reasonable and i spend less there than insuring 2 dogs annually. so, the $$$ not spent is set aside and i have a reserve waiting. i never made my $100 deductable for the accident insurance the 2 years i carried it.

[Guest zoolaine]

Here's another thought - anyone know which companies cover althernative medicine and or holistic vets? We don't have anything like that around here, but we will be moving to Columbia, SC next year, so it's something I'd like to consider since it's a MUCH bigger city.

 

 

PetPlan covers alternative therapies at 80%. I am thinking of switching Hagrid and Hermione to them to have this coverage

[JJNg]

we will be moving to Columbia, SC next year, so it's something I'd like to consider since it's a MUCH bigger city.

Where are you that Columbia is a "MUCH bigger city"? We have an awesome rehab specialist vet here who does acupuncture, chiropractic, laser therapy, etc. But other than that, unfortunately, there's not much in the way of holistic/alternative options.