Banfield Insurance

[Pinky94]

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

I wouldn't let a Banfield vet touch my dog under any circumstances.

I couldn't agree more

Take it from someone that made the mistake of using Banfield on a very sick puppy that ended up dying, they SUCK. I'm not blaming the death of my puppy on them, but the way they conducted themselves was less than professional. When I decided to take my dog to another vet bc their fees were ridiculous (as it has been stated, you're only paying for routine care) they handed my 1 pound puppy to me without saying a word to me and handed me an IV bag which I had to ask what I was to do with and they said that I had paid for it and so the new vet could continue using it. When I took her to the new vet (my friend's uncle who has been in practice for over 20 years) told me that the type of fluids used on her were too strong for a puppy that small. After I cancelled the plan since my puppy died, they made me pay full price for the so called discounts I had received plus a cancellation fee. Not a good way to treat someone that just lost their dog and I will always wonder if she would have lived had I taken her to a better vet in the first place. I urge you to steer away from Banfield. When I got my new puppy, I did a TON of research on vets before I even got her. The vet I have now is WONDERFUL and I only pay $20/month there for the same routine care that Banfield offers plus I have insurance on her now just in case. As a college student, I've found it to be necessary for my peace of mind. My brother recently had to pay over $10,000 within a week to save his dog. He is now on meds for the rest of his life. Some people can pay that, but I surely cannot so I'd rather have insurance which ends up being $30/month and be assured that if something happens, I will be reimbursed for the costs incurred. I can assure you that you can find a better vet in your area than Banfield. Look around, look up their Facebook pages and see what other people using that vet are saying. Even message a couple of them to ask questions! I know it's a little weird, but I did it! I was set on finding a good vet for my puppy so I'd never have to face a nightmare like the one I did again. It takes work and a lot of research, but trust me, it will be worth it in the end.

[bodisat]

Originally Posted by autumn_girl

Does anyone use the Banfield Early Care Plus Plan (Puppy Plan)?

It includes comprehensive physical exam, free vacinations, free diagnostic testing including heartworm, lyme, ehrlichia and ear swab, 3 free fecal exams, 4 free dewormings, free office calls/exams, and it also includes free neutering including pre-anesthetic blood testing, blood pressure check, internal organ streens, and electrolytes. You also get 10% off most other services.
It's 31.95 a month.

If you do use it do you like what it covers, any additional comments?

Banfield is a scam. Its nothing more than a money sucking business that cares very little for your babies welfare. Any vet would be better than Banfield. Read the fine print. Search the internet as well, as you will find little if not anything positive. Boy, i could share a story or two.
After much research, we now use Petplan. We have yet to need it(thankfully), but we have heard very little negative feedback. Insurance is never perfect, but banfield, and the crap they sell is useless. The cost of wellness checks is minimal. Its the emergencies and unexpected that hurt.

[yorkietalkjilly]

The price of the plan I have per year is cheaper than just the dental cleaning with anesthesia at my other vet's clinic, not to mention including all the tests & shots. It is a real deal for me. Just don't expect them to be able to really help/treat a sick dog.

[Giorgismom]

Well I've used them since I got Giorgio last year. I got the wellness plan for him and it has saved me a lot of money. When I first got Giorgi I would take him to the vet for every little thing. As he has gotten older, I've gotten better about it. The cost of what I pay for the plan is less than shots, dental, anesthesia combined which for me is a deal breaker. They seem to be going through some staff changes at this point.

When Giorgi had the elevated enzymes, I got him established at the Univ of Illinois with their Internal Medicine office. So he has two docs. I wouldn't trust Banfield if he really got sick. Univ of Ill is about 4 minutes away which is so much easier. It's all about saving money free dentals and shots is worth it. We've had no real serious problems.

[crystalsmom]

I think when it comes to insurance, it is the fine print that you have to read carefully. Some vets raise prices when they know you have insurance.

Lets say you pay $35 a month in a two year contract.....$840, you must call and see what wellness costs would be for two years at your vet based on what the insurance covers.

I always paid for wellness care and put $50 away for emergencies. I'm sure it would take more for today's prices and yet if you can find insurance that works for you and you are not putting your yorkie in the hands of someone careless or inexperienced then I say go for it.

The more I read about Banfield though, the more concerned I am. Google (gmail) is now offering a free coupon for Banfield and they have taken alot of what had been on the internet off.

[bodisat]

Originally Posted by crystalsmom

I think when it comes to insurance, it is the fine print that you have to read carefully. Some vets raise prices when they know you have insurance.

Lets say you pay $35 a month in a two year contract.....$840, you must call and see what wellness costs would be for two years at your vet based on what the insurance covers.

I always paid for wellness care and put $50 away for emergencies. I'm sure it would take more for today's prices and yet if you can find insurance that works for you and you are not putting your yorkie in the hands of someone careless or inexperienced then I say go for it.

The more I read about Banfield though, the more concerned I am. Google (gmail) is now offering a free coupon for Banfield and they have taken alot of what had been on the internet off.

wellness costs are minimal, and banfield offers a "short term" savings on things that are costs that are not long term expenses. Wellness costs are the greatest during the first 6-8 months and then drastically decrease. Look at the FINE PRINT. Small dogs, especially yorkies, unfortunately have accidents(falling off the couch, bed and breaking a limb) or more serious issues( check the ER section). these are the issues that you need to be concerned with. Banfield, even if their plan did cover assist with these costs(and they dont), at most locations, could not help you with them.
Id like to meet one person who walked into Banfield and was not pitched an insurance plan within the first 5 minutes. Our vet charges 45 for a wellness visit. With a vaccine, fecal and nail trim...65.00 total.
Once the vaccines are done..45 a year for a wellness visit. Banfield also charges well above the norm for the little things most local vets will not charge for. Ill scan in a " free new puppy check" which cost us 75.00. Far from free, but hey, the coupon got us in. The vet told us our 12 week puppies skull had not closed all the way, and that we would probably require medical attention long term, and possibly surgery(all things there plan does not cover)??? It's noted in his comments... 4 weeks later his skull had completely closed. The same vet wanted to give a rabies shot at 12 weeks old, along with his 3rd set of vaccines. Dickie weighed 2.6 lbs that day. Who would do this? He also tried to sell me heartworm meds for dogs from 5-35 lbs, when there are plenty of small breed specific meds out there. This was all after we spent the first 10 minutes getting a sales presentation. To end the story, we brought a baggie of fresh poop, and they charged us for a fecal sample "collection" $10.00 and a fecal exam $15.00. When asked about that, i was told they charge for it regardless of if they collect it themselves or not...but... if we got their wellness plan these charges would be covered. My vet charges 5.00 for a fecal.
So. Our dogs have had all their shots, and barring any unforeseen issues, we will not be back at the vet for one year for an annual wellness visit. Outside of our banfield visit, we have a spent 212.00 for two dogs. How much will you pay for a banfield policy for year? i promise you that you will not walk out of that place without paying for something regardless of the plan.
Find a good legit vet who has experience with small breed dogs. You will feel better in the end, even if it costs a bit more on the front end. If your going to need pet insurance, get a plan that offers the greatest reimbursement that you can afford. Its not like people insurance(you will pay in advance and then get reimbursed), but most of the top plans would be a wiser investment of your money. We have little and its hard earned, so we have chosen to spare the quick fix and protect ourselves from the unexpected.
Take a really close look at what banfield covers.
as far as the internet goes, there is STILL website after website with nothing but horror stories and complaints.
In my opinion, it remains a scam. In my opinion, it remains staffed by under-qualified vets , with little or no desire to continue to educate themselves past what they learned in vet school( which is more than likely outdated and inaccurate).

[mtcoco]

Originally Posted by autumn_girl

Does anyone use the Banfield Early Care Plus Plan (Puppy Plan)?

It includes comprehensive physical exam, free vacinations, free diagnostic testing including heartworm, lyme, ehrlichia and ear swab, 3 free fecal exams, 4 free dewormings, free office calls/exams, and it also includes free neutering including pre-anesthetic blood testing, blood pressure check, internal organ streens, and electrolytes. You also get 10% off most other services.
It's 31.95 a month.

If you do use it do you like what it covers, any additional comments?

Hi, Truffles is in the puppy plan and so far happy for all the services include also her spayed (little extra additional $)
But I just put her in regular "pet insurance" as peace of mind and we have emergency vet near by too. but also I am thinking about to find nice vet that we can be more personal with banfield is just too busy so if your pups are healthy and just need vaccines and such I think it's okay to use them but I am considering change to other private vet when the first year plan end. but so far great deal for us

[Bahja Mom]

agree with crystals mom

[AtlYorkie]

Originally Posted by autumn_girl

Does anyone use the Banfield Early Care Plus Plan (Puppy Plan)?

It includes comprehensive physical exam, free vacinations, free diagnostic testing including heartworm, lyme, ehrlichia and ear swab, 3 free fecal exams, 4 free dewormings, free office calls/exams, and it also includes free neutering including pre-anesthetic blood testing, blood pressure check, internal organ streens, and electrolytes. You also get 10% off most other services.
It's 31.95 a month.

If you do use it do you like what it covers, any additional comments?

I am thinking about getting that puppy plan but also some insurance for the big things that might happen.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by AtlYorkie

I am thinking about getting that puppy plan but also some insurance for the big things that might happen.

Don't go with Banifield though I have heard many terrible things about them.

[ColesMommy01]

Originally Posted by AtlYorkie

I am thinking about getting that puppy plan but also some insurance for the big things that might happen.

I have banfield for my yorkie and bulldog its actually very good from my experience. I think the service you receive can make/break whether or not you'd go with them. I've used the one in Memphis, TN as well as the in Texas on their routine vaccinations and check ups. I also have an emergency vet for anything Banfield can't handle after hours. If you're tempted to go with them ask ppl in your area if they use them, what their experience was, if they'd recommend them. As well as speak with a vet that works there and their techs.

[AtlYorkie]

I also want it where I don't have to pay out of pocket that's what I need help on too.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by AtlYorkie

I also want it where I don't have to pay out of pocket that's what I need help on too.

Most pet insurance I have looked at you have to pay the vet the money and then the pet insurance will reimburse you.

[AtlYorkie]

See i might have the money right then. So what can I do then?

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by AtlYorkie

See i might have the money right then. So what can I do then?

Do you have a credit card?