Pet Insurance or Not... That is the question!

[jj71787]

im looking for pet insurance also
do they cover regular vet visits?
and I was just a little confused its not like human health coverage like a co pay you have to pay upfront then get reinbursed?

[JERSEY BOY]

I have VPI and you can get a wellness plan in addition to an accident plan. My wellness plan is $12.00 per month However it will not pay the bill in full. Under my plan it will cover up to $200.00 per year for wellness care. For example Jersey had an exam, rabies vacc, heartworm test for $132.00 VPI paid $75.00. You do pay up front, submit the claim, reimbursement check is sent to you. The vets do not participate in this plan like MD's do in human health coverage. Hope this helps

[jeanm1963]

I think pet insurance is just " peace of mind!! I have Embrace, it does not cover well visits , but that was my choice, I chose a plan for the " unaffordable" , its nice to know that if God forbid something happened I have coverage and I wont be scrambling to come up with thousands of dollars. I have worked in Home & auto coverage for 15 years, many never ever use thier insurance however, its nice to know its there... !! JMO
Embrace is a good company, you can choose your own deductable and pick your own coverages, similar to your auto policy!! I am so happy I have coverage now!

[Wylie's Mom]

PetPlan is supposed to be a good one bc they do cover genetic issues (as long as not pre-existing, i.e. already diagnosed when you buy the Ins.).

I don't have ins., but think it can be a really good idea. Dateline (or some show like it) did a show on pet ins. about a year ago and they said the bottom line was --> IF you can afford a 5-10k healthcare crisis for your pet, don't get insurance; IF a 5-10k healthcare crisis would NOT be affordable for your family, get the pet insurance.

And believe me, a 5k crisis is very common...we've spent that on Wylie just this year alone with his Atypical Cushing's diagnosis...and we're still spending...and it's too late for us to get coverage for his disease, of course.

[JERSEY BOY]

Originally Posted by jeanm1963

I think pet insurance is just " peace of mind!! I have Embrace, it does not cover well visits , but that was my choice, I chose a plan for the " unaffordable" , its nice to know that if God forbid something happened I have coverage and I wont be scrambling to come up with thousands of dollars. I have worked in Home & auto coverage for 15 years, many never ever use thier insurance however, its nice to know its there... !! JMO
Embrace is a good company, you can choose your own deductable and pick your own coverages, similar to your auto policy!! I am so happy I have coverage now!

I agree peace of mind. The accident portion of the plan paid for itself when Jersey broke his leg. I still had a high out of pocket but much less than if i didn't have the ins. I hope I never have to use the accident benefit again but if I need to, it's there to assist with the bills not to cover in full.

[jeanm1963]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

PetPlan is supposed to be a good one bc they do cover genetic issues (as long as not pre-existing, i.e. already diagnosed when you buy the Ins.).

I don't have ins., but think it can be a really good idea. Dateline (or some show like it) did a show on pet ins. about a year ago and they said the bottom line was --> IF you can afford a 5-10k healthcare crisis for your pet, don't get insurance; IF a 5-10k healthcare crisis would NOT be affordable for your family, get the pet insurance.

And believe me, a 5k crisis is very common...we've spent that on Wylie just this year alone with his Atypical Cushing's diagnosis...and we're still spending...and it's too late for us to get coverage for his disease, of course.

This is a perfect description of what Pet Insurance is for!! If you do NOT Have a " vet fund" or savings account strickly for your dog , then get pet insurance, I have read so many threads about accidental broken legs, pancreatitis ( where the dog is hospitalized for 4-5 days) ect.. so that being said, if you dont have easy access to thousands of dollars , get pet insurance.. there area alot of plans that have a low monthly premium and could be used just incase of a freak accident.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

PetPlan is supposed to be a good one bc they do cover genetic issues (as long as not pre-existing, i.e. already diagnosed when you buy the Ins.).

I don't have ins., but think it can be a really good idea. Dateline (or some show like it) did a show on pet ins. about a year ago and they said the bottom line was --> IF you can afford a 5-10k healthcare crisis for your pet, don't get insurance; IF a 5-10k healthcare crisis would NOT be affordable for your family, get the pet insurance.

And believe me, a 5k crisis is very common...we've spent that on Wylie just this year alone with his Atypical Cushing's diagnosis...and we're still spending...and it's too late for us to get coverage for his disease, of course.

This is one of the main reasons I chose Embrace - they cover genetic conditions as well.

If I never have to use this insurance it is still money well spent. The peace of mind I have in knowing my babies are covered is worth every penny.

[jadabug]

I just recently started researching pet insurance, and am trying to decide the best company to go with. I had narrowed it down to two companies PetPlan and Trupanion of the two which is better?

[YorkieMom6]

[QUOTE=bonbon;2961584]This is one of the main reasons I chose Embrace - they cover genetic conditions as well.

If I never have to use this insurance it is still money well spent. The peace of mind I have in knowing my babies are covered is worth every penny.[/QUOTE]

We recently signed up for PetPlan and I agree, hope not to have to use but need in case of an emergency. It is the serious stuff that can break you - at least that is our experience with regular medical issues and suspect the same for our furbabies.

[jj71787]

so if god forbid my dog needs surgury and it cose about $5,000 i pay up front and get reinbursed?

[jeanm1963]

Originally Posted by jj71787

so if god forbid my dog needs surgury and it cose about $5,000 i pay up front and get reinbursed?

Yes, you pay up front and they reinburse you , I asked Embrace how long this process took they estimated 10 days ( at the longest) so incase of an emergency you could use your mortgage payment, car payment etc., I am quite sure if this was not an option and you have a good/great relationship with your vet and had proof of your insurance they could work something out with you if you really couldnt come up with the money!! I would bring a copy of my policy to my vet to have on file !

[jj71787]

thank you for the info
now choosing a company and a plan

[samsonite]

I definitely think Trupanion is a pretty solid company! The deductible is per incident and you do have to pay up front for the bill and then file a claim to get reimbursed. Trupanion takes within 7 days. Pretty efficient...

[RONLYNN]

If you ask me the answer would be NOT. I had VPI for about 2 years and it covered nothing. It was HORRIBLE. It's much better to just put some money aside and save it for when you need it.

[orlnurse]

Does anyone have VPI with careguard and cancer rider? I did a quote on line and it will run about $54/mo. The careguard includes some wellness visits.

I currently have the Banfield wellness plan which I've not had any problems with so far. I'm not completely impressed with the vet but the staff is great. I'd like the opportunity to switch vets and cancel the Banfield Wellness Plan before the annual renewal.

Trust me, I know Banfield doesn't have the greatest reputation and I'm guilty of not doing my research before adopting my dog. However, I just went to see him and ended up bringing him home that very day (not planned). I wanted him checked outASAP and Banfield was the only place that would see him right away and got talked into getting the plan at the first visit.

Just looking for any input on vpi, more specifically with the careguard.

Thanks!