They changed the plan on me the rates went through the roof. From a $700 bill I got $150 back then I spotted a clause that said thy don't cover LP but everyone else seems to have that. It made more sense to take the money and put it in a bank account at least it's gaining interest

I have pets best from boise idaho, very happy with them

I'm in Whitby Ontario....I have Trupanion for all three of my pups. I pay just over $100.00 for all three, for me well worth it! I got my first two from a byb, so in case anything came up I wanted to be prepared...I like that they now cover LP as well as other genetic diseases....there is no premium increase on the life of your pup, even as they get older.

Too late to edit....just over a hundred per month for all three....I noticed Teegy said they didn't cover LP...just got an email from them, they DO cover LP as well as other genetic illnesses/diseases.

I have been trying to compare PetSecure, PetCare and Trupanion in Canada, I seem to need an insurance agent to understand these!

I have it and won't go with out it. The key to insurance is enroll while they are still young. This is the math so far.

Taycie turned 3 in March. I have had Taycie on insurance since was was 5 months old. My monthly premium has cost me $1,272 thus far.

In those 3 years Trupanion has paid back $5589.46. This is her up to date pay back amount. I just sat and added it all up. For me, there is NO way I could put $5589.46 on a credit card/ care credit and then pay it off in a reasonable time so I could use it again.

And.. I am on a fixed income.. I really don't know how I could save that amount and then turn around and replenish my savings. I would be in big trouble.

So For us.. Insurance is the answer.
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LP coverage
 

Teegy. I am sorry that you found insurance did not work for you. I too am sure that T covers LS and other hereditary conditions, UNLESS it was preexisting when you get the policy. It is very important to study the coverage carefully and compare different policies.
LoveTaycie. I agree, insurance is well worth it. But sorry you had so many issues, and pray your baby does not get sick again.
One comfort I find is that I do not have to hesitate about going to the vet and getting all suggested tests when he has an issue, however minor. I can tend to err on the side of more rather than minimal tests to diagnose an illness quickly.

I'm leaning towards the Tupanion, like some of you there is no way I could afford Vet costs if any major issues arise. He's 8 months old, so I know it's time.Does Tupanion have any dental coverage?

Insurance
 

Not that I know of. The bad news of most insurance is that it does not cover routine visits and procedures, like dental. I like and have Trupanion and am happy with it. I have heard that a similar good insurance is Pets Best, but I do not know details. I chose to have zero deductible and had to pay more for that. So many choices! Good luck.

I know PetSecure has some dental coverage...

Maybe I'll talk to my Vet on Monday and see if she can suggest one based on her experiences... All I got from reading their policies is a headache!


Thank you for all your suggestions Puppy Mommas :)

I know, it drove me insane too when I had to do this, but it has to be done with all the variables to check and compare. Hang in there and I hope the vet helps. I did wonder though if vets could have a vested interest in certain companies, as they seem to do with pet food? But worth a try.

Hmm I never thought of that... I'm hoping they can just from experience let me know who's the easiest to deal with as far as coverage and payment etc.

Does Trupanion have limits? I can't seem to find any?

In the library section of YOrkie talk - in the Health area is a great article on how to evaluate insurance. It is lengthy but seems really complete

I think you want to get lifelong coverage for your pet. and that article says to get the coverage for major illnesses versus paying for coverage for regular vet car - ie your annual check ups and shots and such. instead budget for these monthly. As you are in Canada most if not all banks offer an easy purchase plan for GIC's or CSB;s. Generally for me I allot $500 a year for each animal for their regular vet care. Now I know this is at the topend of things - but I titer and do full blood panels yearly. For my Yorkie I split up what vaccinations I will give over at least two visits. This amount covers the cost of heartworm meds as well.

At the bank you can do an easy $40 per month automatic withdrawal for a one year term GIC and voila - you have your annual vet visit paid for. Just cash in the GIC at term - and it is painless.

You can see by other posters the cost of a dog becoming ill with a disease can be pretty pricey. ANd that is where insurance becomes a life saver at times.

If you look at the breed Yorkshire Terrier - some of the most common ailments are : LP, CT, Livershunt or MVD. The incident rate combined is of concern. It is hard to know true breed specific stats as none of these diseases are reliably reported to any health agency. And all of these concerns can be very pricey to treat.

My next dog, if I can, I will purchase health insurance for. If I can relates to what-ever exclusionary practises may be in place for my breed Black Russian Terrier.

Good luck with your choice.

Gemy, very well said! Good thinking and advice. Very important to be sure hereditary diseases are covered as they can come later on in life.
Liutz, no limits as far as I know in US, but don't know about Canada.
Insurance for anything is always expensive, until disaster strikes! And dogs are expensive in upkeep too! Bless their little paws!

They do in some circumstances. Now I just went to their website, and they will give you a quote on-line for your pet; they will also send you their whole policy for your review, prior to you signing anything. I did this and got $136 per year for a seven year old breeding male BRT with a $500 deductible.

May I suggest you read that whole policy, and if you are seeing your vet bring that print out in.

If something is not clear to you, highlight it, and ask your vet what they think. But in particular ask the insurance agent to explain it to you.