Pet Insurance options - check out my research - YorkieTalk.com Forums

mikie1977 · 05-01-2012, 07:15 PM

Hello all. I am seriously considering getting insurance for my two yorkies. They are 4 and 5 years old respectively. No major health issues yet, but I worry as they get older. I have spent a few hours researching the many options and reading reviews. Here is what I have come up with thus far. Just wanted to run this by others, as a sanity check! I have narrowed it down to these 4, which all cover the most important stuff - chronic diseases, hereditary & congenital, cancer, and prescriptions.

Healthy Paws - I am leaning in this direction so far. No annual maximums or per incident maximums, unlimited lifetime maximum as well. The deductible is annual, which I like. Does not cover exams though. For the 2 dogs for a $250 annual deductible with 10% co-pay is $75 a month ($70 a month with 20% co-pay).

Embrace - Number 2 choice so far. Also an annual deductible. Using the silver plan (most popular) it does have a $10,000 annual max though. $200 deductible at 20% co-pay is $83 a month for the 2 dogs. Seems a bit pricey, especially considering the annual max. They offer dental and wellness / preventative too, but at additional fees. $50,000 lifetime max too.

Pet Plan - good prices. $66 a month for the 2 dogs. But no annual deductible - their deductible is per incident. Not sure I like the sound of that. This is also using a $200 deductible and 20% co-pay. Also has a $12,000 annual max, which I also don't like the sound of. It does include exams though which is nice.

Trupanion - similar to Pet plan in terms of the per incident deductible. But no annual max. $250 deductible and 10% co-pay. $70 a month for the 2 dogs. Does not include exams. Does not cover hip displasia in base policy.

Any thoughts? I am close to signing up for Healthy Paws, but want to sleep on it first! thanks!

LuvTaycieGirl · 05-01-2012, 09:17 PM

I have Trupanion and I love it.

I have had Taycie covered since she was 5 months old. She is now 2. For me, I chose not to have a deductible. You can choose your deductible. Yes, my monthly premium is more, but I would rather not have to meet a deductible.

Since she was under a year old when I got coverage for her I did have the option of having Hip Dysplasia covered. However, this does have to be added to the policy with in the first year of your pet's life. After age 1 you are not able to apply for this coverage. If no pre-existing conditions are present. Everything is covered. Including Hereditary and Congenital defects. No Max pay out limit and 90% coverage. Yes, you do have to pay the exam fee, but I am ok with that. That didn't bother me so much. But that does bother some.

They also have just started covering pets on RX diets. I just sent a claim in for food and got a $115 check in the mail. I am loving this.

For me so far I have got back more money then what I have paid into for the last 19 months of coverage. It defiantly has been SUCH a lifesaver. All my claims have processed quickly and smoothly. Customer service has been wonderful.

That's my experience with Insurance thus far. I hope you find one that works for you and your babies

Good Luck!

sophias mommy · 05-01-2012, 09:26 PM

I have healthy paws now, and so far so good! Sophia had some major stomach issues that required several vet trips, including blood work. Reimbursement was VERY prompt (within a week) and the people are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend healthy paws! The only thing I'm concerned abut is how much the rates are going to increase after 1 year. So i'll be finding out soon enough I guess! Let me know if you have any questions about healthy paws!

Sheldonsmom · 05-02-2012, 02:54 AM

I have Trupanion, I have not have too use it...yet. I hope I never do though.
I got a thing on the mail from AMEX about pet insurance, I have not looked at it because I keep forgetting.
Hmm, I went to look for it and can't find it.

mikie1977 · 05-02-2012, 06:16 AM

thanks! Yes Trupanion sounds like it has good reviews overall. But since it is a per incident deductable, it only makes sense if I choose a really low deductible, or ZERO deductible, like you did LuvTacie. However, for me this would be equate to over $100 a month for the 2 dogs, in premiums. I really want to keep this to no more than $30 - $35 per dog. It is also too bad that Trupanion charges extra for the hip dysplasia coverage. I am still leaning toward Healthy Paws for now, but am still researching.

mikie1977 · 05-02-2012, 05:03 PM

My gut originally was to go with Healthy Paws, but now I am leaning toward Pet Plan. It also has very good reviews, and over a lot longer period of time. Here is what I like about it: it covers exam fees, it covers dental care (for illnesses / accidents), it covers alternative & behavioral therapy, and there is no waiting period for covering hip displasia. These are all benefits over Healthy Paws. However, it is a per incident deductible. And I do not like that at all. Decisions, decisions!

mikie1977 · 05-02-2012, 07:23 PM

Ok, made a decision! I decided to go with Healthy Paws after all, at a $100 annual deductible with 10% co-pay, for about $43 per dog a month. This is what my gut told me. : )

sophias mommy · 05-02-2012, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikie1977

Ok, made a decision! I decided to go with Healthy Paws after all, at a $100 annual deductible with 10% co-pay, for about $43 per dog a month. This is what my gut told me. : )

good choice! we have the $100 deductible with 10% copay too!

Sheldonsmom · 05-03-2012, 02:55 AM

That sounds pretty good, trupanion does not cover exams. I am going to check out pet plan. Here is a dummy and newbie question, I have had Sheldon with truepanion since we brought him home. He is now 5 months, can I switch him over to healthy paws.

LuvTaycieGirl · 05-03-2012, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheldonsmom

That sounds pretty good, trupanion does not cover exams. I am going to check out pet plan. Here is a dummy and newbie question, I have had Sheldon with truepanion since we brought him home. He is now 5 months, can I switch him over to healthy paws.

You can switch. For me I can't because all the claims I have filed anything with a new insurance would be considered pre-existing with a new insurance. And, remember there is a waiting period before you are fully covered.

Sheldonsmom · 05-03-2012, 10:42 AM

Thanks, we have not had to use it yet. I can probably switch and keep another month of the current insurance just in case that way he is never without coverage.

Sheldonsmom · 05-03-2012, 01:37 PM

Just checking healthy paws, with $100 a year deductible and 90%coverage for $35 a month.
I pay $32 a month with a $250 deductible per emergency visit, 90%coverage.

Healthy paws sounds like a better deal to me.

mikie1977 · 05-03-2012, 02:10 PM

I agree. And with a $250 deductible per visit, you will almost always pay out of pocket for everything unless it is bill large enough for the insurance to start kicking in. And they do not cover hip displasia.

Pinky94 · 05-03-2012, 03:47 PM

I hadn't even heard of Healthy Paws! I am reading up on it and like what I am finding. My only concern is that they've only been around for 2 years. I know that isn't necessarily a bad thing, but just don't know how comfortable I am relying on a new company for something so important. I also don't like how it doesn't include routine exams and with that I imagine it doesn't include annual shots. Right now I am paying $20/month for my vet's dog plan which includes all visits and shots, but that's it. If God forbid anything ever happens then I would have to pay out of pocket which worries me. The vet's plan doesn't cover emergency visits which isn't good either. The $500 deductible with 90% reimbursement is $24.22/month for me which isn't much more than what I am paying the vet. The $100 deductibe with 90% reimbursement is $30.89 which isn't much more, just more than I'm wanting to pay. But I know I will be kicking myself in the event that I need it and have to pay an extra $400 bc I didn't want to pay an extra $6 a month instead. Ah I don't know what to do. Sorry for the long post, just thinking things through, lol. What do you guys suggest? Switch over to insurance and just pay out of pocket for routine exams and shots?

Pinky94 · 05-03-2012, 06:57 PM

After much reading, I decided to go with Healthy Paws. I like everything I found and feel good about it. Thanks to the OP for the info!

05-01-2012, 07:15 PM	#1
mikie1977 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Milltown, NJ Posts: 73	Pet Insurance options - check out my research Hello all. I am seriously considering getting insurance for my two yorkies. They are 4 and 5 years old respectively. No major health issues yet, but I worry as they get older. I have spent a few hours researching the many options and reading reviews. Here is what I have come up with thus far. Just wanted to run this by others, as a sanity check! I have narrowed it down to these 4, which all cover the most important stuff - chronic diseases, hereditary & congenital, cancer, and prescriptions. Healthy Paws - I am leaning in this direction so far. No annual maximums or per incident maximums, unlimited lifetime maximum as well. The deductible is annual, which I like. Does not cover exams though. For the 2 dogs for a $250 annual deductible with 10% co-pay is $75 a month ($70 a month with 20% co-pay). Embrace - Number 2 choice so far. Also an annual deductible. Using the silver plan (most popular) it does have a $10,000 annual max though. $200 deductible at 20% co-pay is $83 a month for the 2 dogs. Seems a bit pricey, especially considering the annual max. They offer dental and wellness / preventative too, but at additional fees. $50,000 lifetime max too. Pet Plan - good prices. $66 a month for the 2 dogs. But no annual deductible - their deductible is per incident. Not sure I like the sound of that. This is also using a $200 deductible and 20% co-pay. Also has a $12,000 annual max, which I also don't like the sound of. It does include exams though which is nice. Trupanion - similar to Pet plan in terms of the per incident deductible. But no annual max. $250 deductible and 10% co-pay. $70 a month for the 2 dogs. Does not include exams. Does not cover hip displasia in base policy. Any thoughts? I am close to signing up for Healthy Paws, but want to sleep on it first! thanks!

05-01-2012, 09:17 PM	#2
LuvTaycieGirl Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Salt Lake City UT,USA Posts: 2,726 Blog Entries: 1	I have Trupanion and I love it. I have had Taycie covered since she was 5 months old. She is now 2. For me, I chose not to have a deductible. You can choose your deductible. Yes, my monthly premium is more, but I would rather not have to meet a deductible. Since she was under a year old when I got coverage for her I did have the option of having Hip Dysplasia covered. However, this does have to be added to the policy with in the first year of your pet's life. After age 1 you are not able to apply for this coverage. If no pre-existing conditions are present. Everything is covered. Including Hereditary and Congenital defects. No Max pay out limit and 90% coverage. Yes, you do have to pay the exam fee, but I am ok with that. That didn't bother me so much. But that does bother some. They also have just started covering pets on RX diets. I just sent a claim in for food and got a $115 check in the mail. I am loving this. For me so far I have got back more money then what I have paid into for the last 19 months of coverage. It defiantly has been SUCH a lifesaver. All my claims have processed quickly and smoothly. Customer service has been wonderful. That's my experience with Insurance thus far. I hope you find one that works for you and your babies Good Luck! __________________ Emily and Taycie Love you little girl Last edited by LuvTaycieGirl; 05-01-2012 at 09:20 PM.

05-01-2012, 09:26 PM	#3
sophias mommy YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 3,609	I have healthy paws now, and so far so good! Sophia had some major stomach issues that required several vet trips, including blood work. Reimbursement was VERY prompt (within a week) and the people are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend healthy paws! The only thing I'm concerned abut is how much the rates are going to increase after 1 year. So i'll be finding out soon enough I guess! Let me know if you have any questions about healthy paws! __________________ Sarah Sophia & Brody

05-03-2012, 03:47 PM	#14
Pinky94 YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 268	I hadn't even heard of Healthy Paws! I am reading up on it and like what I am finding. My only concern is that they've only been around for 2 years. I know that isn't necessarily a bad thing, but just don't know how comfortable I am relying on a new company for something so important. I also don't like how it doesn't include routine exams and with that I imagine it doesn't include annual shots. Right now I am paying $20/month for my vet's dog plan which includes all visits and shots, but that's it. If God forbid anything ever happens then I would have to pay out of pocket which worries me. The vet's plan doesn't cover emergency visits which isn't good either. The $500 deductible with 90% reimbursement is $24.22/month for me which isn't much more than what I am paying the vet. The $100 deductibe with 90% reimbursement is $30.89 which isn't much more, just more than I'm wanting to pay. But I know I will be kicking myself in the event that I need it and have to pay an extra $400 bc I didn't want to pay an extra $6 a month instead. Ah I don't know what to do. Sorry for the long post, just thinking things through, lol. What do you guys suggest? Switch over to insurance and just pay out of pocket for routine exams and shots? Last edited by Pinky94; 05-03-2012 at 03:49 PM.

05-02-2012, 02:54 AM	#4
Sheldonsmom YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Trumbull, CT, USA Posts: 457	I have Trupanion, I have not have too use it...yet. I hope I never do though. I got a thing on the mail from AMEX about pet insurance, I have not looked at it because I keep forgetting. Hmm, I went to look for it and can't find it.

05-02-2012, 06:16 AM	#5
mikie1977 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Milltown, NJ Posts: 73	thanks! Yes Trupanion sounds like it has good reviews overall. But since it is a per incident deductable, it only makes sense if I choose a really low deductible, or ZERO deductible, like you did LuvTacie. However, for me this would be equate to over $100 a month for the 2 dogs, in premiums. I really want to keep this to no more than $30 - $35 per dog. It is also too bad that Trupanion charges extra for the hip dysplasia coverage. I am still leaning toward Healthy Paws for now, but am still researching.

05-02-2012, 05:03 PM	#6
mikie1977 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Milltown, NJ Posts: 73	My gut originally was to go with Healthy Paws, but now I am leaning toward Pet Plan. It also has very good reviews, and over a lot longer period of time. Here is what I like about it: it covers exam fees, it covers dental care (for illnesses / accidents), it covers alternative & behavioral therapy, and there is no waiting period for covering hip displasia. These are all benefits over Healthy Paws. However, it is a per incident deductible. And I do not like that at all. Decisions, decisions!

05-02-2012, 07:23 PM	#7
mikie1977 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Milltown, NJ Posts: 73	Ok, made a decision! I decided to go with Healthy Paws after all, at a $100 annual deductible with 10% co-pay, for about $43 per dog a month. This is what my gut told me. : )

05-03-2012, 02:55 AM	#9
Sheldonsmom YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Trumbull, CT, USA Posts: 457	That sounds pretty good, trupanion does not cover exams. I am going to check out pet plan. Here is a dummy and newbie question, I have had Sheldon with truepanion since we brought him home. He is now 5 months, can I switch him over to healthy paws.

05-03-2012, 10:42 AM	#11
Sheldonsmom YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Trumbull, CT, USA Posts: 457	Thanks, we have not had to use it yet. I can probably switch and keep another month of the current insurance just in case that way he is never without coverage.

05-03-2012, 01:37 PM	#12
Sheldonsmom YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Trumbull, CT, USA Posts: 457	Just checking healthy paws, with $100 a year deductible and 90%coverage for $35 a month. I pay $32 a month with a $250 deductible per emergency visit, 90%coverage. Healthy paws sounds like a better deal to me.

05-03-2012, 02:10 PM	#13
mikie1977 Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Milltown, NJ Posts: 73	I agree. And with a $250 deductible per visit, you will almost always pay out of pocket for everything unless it is bill large enough for the insurance to start kicking in. And they do not cover hip displasia.

05-03-2012, 06:57 PM	#15
Pinky94 YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 268	After much reading, I decided to go with Healthy Paws. I like everything I found and feel good about it. Thanks to the OP for the info!