Any experiences with pet insurance?

[Marty]

It would be far too much for the older girls, Winnie, biscotti and Java, but I was wondering about it for 2 yr Louie. Both Winnie (2 bladder stone surgeries) and Biscotti (spinal surgery) have had major surgeries....somehow we made it through...I wonder how, but they mean a lot to us. I wouldn't get insurance for the routine things, just wondering if it might be a good idea for the unexpected. Thinking along these lines,because these surgeries were necessary and immediate. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this. Daughter has PetsMart insurance, and she feels it has helped a lot with her bills.. Our local PetsMart has facilities for a hospital, but no Vet yet, and the next closest is too far in an emergency...besides, I like my Vet. Just looking for experiences, one way or the other!

[Traci]

If your vet honors insurance claims, ask him how he and his clients have faired with their providers. With so many new ones now, if you choose, I would suggest either VIP or CareCredit, but every provider is different and has varying coverage levels.

You can check here but beware a possible outdated link or two, that page is a thorn in my side to keep up with updated info on insurance companies.

Edit: strike petamericaclub....it's a redirect to 1800petmeds....yuck.

[KristinB NLI]

I have had good experiences with PetsHealth Care Plan insurance and also VPI, Veterinary Pet Insurance. I previously had PHCP and was very pleased with them. I had the accident/injury insurance, which I definitely got my money's worth from, using it for cut paws, ear infections, diarrhea, etc.

I recently switched to VPI because they have double cancer benefits you can add to your policy, and I thought that would be worth the switch. I have several friends who have been very pleased with this company. I have not yet submitted a claim to them. I have the Premium plans for accidental injuries, emergencies and illnesses. I have never had a policy that covers routine care, as I do not think they are as cost effective.

Now is a great time to enroll your younger dog while he is young and healthy, before anything major can happen that counts as a pre-existing condition. Once he is enrolled, he cannot be kicked out, but if something happens, it may be difficult to enroll him initially.

Here are the links to the two companies I mentioned:

http://www.petshealthplan.com/

http://www.petinsurance.com/

[Marty]

Thanks for the info, Kristen. Did it end up paying for itself? I am of the thougt that if you can't pay for routine care, you shouldn't have the animal...but emergencies do happen. I will check those out!

[E's]

Lots of interest here today but I'll post this URL if I can - just came online and found it on the msn page...

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Insurance/P76008.a

[KristinB NLI]

Yes, Marty, it has paid for itself with the dogs. I have very active labs, so it's a good thing to have. Just think of how expensive it can be for something like an ear infection or diarrhea visit. I pay with the monthly installments, which is easier for me. I don't think it would be worth it for my cats, though.
Again, I only have the accident/illness coverage, not the routine. I calculated the routine costs and that would definitely not pay for itself unless you had something done like a spay/neuter (mine are already fixed) or teeth cleaning every 6 months. My yearly vaccinations, etc. are less than the premiums for that.