Pet Insurance

[YorkOfTheShire]

We have had our pets on VPI pet insurance for quite some time and haven't had any issues with them (thus far). However - our dogs have not had any major problems during that time.

When I was consulting with different vets for the new puppy, two of them (Blue Springs and KCMO) both told me to get away from VPI and get with Trupanion before anything further is diagnosed... because VPI does not cover congenital problems.

We already know they won't cover her paw because we knew about it before we got her. We expected that and can handle the incurred costs. Now I'm concerned about other factors that may (or may not) be involved. We are in the 'sit and wait' stage at the moment.

Our furbutts' insurance policies say that they are covered for hereditary issues, so what is the difference between congenital and hereditary? I thought they were the same - but apparently not?

Does anyone here have Trupanion insurance? How have your experiences been? What about VPI?

Thank you in advance

[cindersellie]

I have trupanion, but I haven't sent a claim in. I got it because others recommended it, and it covered hereditary ailments. Plus they send their part (90%) of the vet bill to you fast after you made the claim<-- others said this too. I don't know the difference between congenial and hereditary either. I'll be reading what the difference is.

[normarae63]

I just googled your question & this Yahoo article explains the difference well: Understanding the Difference Between "Congenital" and "Hereditary" Conditions - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com

[cindersellie]

Thanks, that clears up the difference between the 2. Crazy that both things are prenatal.

I'd go with your vets recommendation, if you trust your vet. Hopefully the members that have used trupanion will be here soon to offer you more insight about it.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by YorkOfTheShire

Our furbutts' insurance policies say that they are covered for hereditary issues, so what is the difference between congenital and hereditary? I thought they were the same - but apparently not?

Hereditary comes from genetics (you inherit the genetic anomaly). Congenital happens in-utero (something goes wrong during gestation).

[Yogi yorkie]

I have trupanion insurance for my one year old Yogi. Several months ago he got very sick, all the hospitalizations, tests treatment etc added up to $5,000. We got a reimbursement Check for $4,000! They pay 90'/. of actual costs, I paid all office visits, my chosen deductible and the remaining 10'/. Yogi is doing great now. I am obviously thrilled to have had this insurance! The only thing they dont cover is any pre existing condition. Hope this helps!

[Rachael1983]

One other positive about Trupanion is that if your vet is in their "network" they can send the payment directly to them. So that way, you just pay your deductible/copay and no other costs come out of your pocket up front.

[HKFandora]

What is the monthly cost to trupanion or other insurances?

[Yogi yorkie]

Depends on age, my Yogi is one yr old and it's 32$ a month but going up in November to 38$

[capt_noonie]

"A congenital condition cannot be passed on from parent to child. If a child is born with a congenital defect - even one that is rather severe - if he or she can otherwise procreate, the likelihood is that a normal child will result. Whereas with a hereditary or genetic abnormality, it may very well be passed on from generation to generation"

Good to know the difference. I too thought it was the same. I now am remembering a lot of breeders contracts that I have looked at, when I thought it sounded good that congenital defects were covered in the contract. However, I don't remember seeing hereditary conditions (such as LP) would be. Very interesting.