Kristen asked:
Pet insurance?
As an owner of three dogs and two cats, I’m constantly in the vets office with unexpected, and sometimes expected, bills. Does anyone have any recommendations on good pet insurance companies to look into? I’m mainly looking for a company that would allow me the ability to have a large percentage of the vet bill paid by them, and the ability for me to make payments on the existing bill that’s left. I know many insurance companies I’ve looked into only accept certain breeds and/or they have extreme limitations on what is covered at the vet. Any advice?
Pet insurance?
As an owner of three dogs and two cats, I’m constantly in the vets office with unexpected, and sometimes expected, bills. Does anyone have any recommendations on good pet insurance companies to look into? I’m mainly looking for a company that would allow me the ability to have a large percentage of the vet bill paid by them, and the ability for me to make payments on the existing bill that’s left. I know many insurance companies I’ve looked into only accept certain breeds and/or they have extreme limitations on what is covered at the vet. Any advice?
you can check with your vet…or ask to whom ever carries your home owners policy.
Hurray for a responsible Pet owner!! I use a company from my Vet’s office. The deductible is really cheap and my pets are well taken care of for it. Here is the web site
They will charge you according to your pets ages and according to their health issues. It is well worth having and will save you some big money in the long run.
here are some sites. I KNOW your pain! ha ha. i have 4 dogs, 3 foster dogs, many reptiles, barn animals etc…it adds up!
i have pet insurance…its AWESOME it covers regular vacs, and heart worm prevention….and i have ALL my animals covered if they ever have cancer, you never know. its expensive, but in the long run, im saving money.
I can barely afford health insurance for myself………I wouldn’t get it for my animals…….as much as I love them an all it just seems like to much.
Thanks for all the good answers. With two dogs and two (FIV+) cats, I’ve been seriuosly considering this as well.
It’s a shame that so many humans in this country can’t even afford insurance for themselves and their children. I count myself very lucky that I can consider it for my pets because I don’t have to worry about it for me.
My wife and I adopted two kittens last December. We were well aware of the costs involved with veterinary services. After looking into several of the options on insurance, we decided that it would be both convenient and cost effective to choose Banfield’s insurance program at Petsmart. To date, after all the shots and other visits (fleas, dewormers, hip problems, etc.) we have saved $1,343 for both cats. That is the amount the insurance has paid. We have spent only $30 a month plus the activation fee of around $100. All said and done, we are very pleased with the peace of mind knowing that our pets are insured. Also knowing that without insurance, we would have already spent over $2,000 in seven months for two kittens makes it that much sweeter. Hope I have been able to help. Good luck!
All we have looked into, and the one we have all pay 80% of medical bills, but they have no control over the remaining balance. That is what you pay to the vet. There are some vets that want you to pay in full and then YOU get the money from the insurance company. It would be up to the vet regarding making payments on the remaining balance.
With three dogs and two cats, the cost of insurance could be cost prohibitive!!! We have one dog insured and it is about $300 per year. There are some breeds that are not usually covered by some companies, but many cover all breeds and just will not cover any congenital problems.
The AKC offers a free 60 day trial of insurance the is through National Speciality Insurance. There is also VPI Pet Insurance. Both are good and offer pretty much the same things. Check the cost first. The older the dog or cat, the more it is each year!!!!!
It is good though for the REALLY enexpected expenses!! We had 80% of a $2,500 vet bill payed and that was QUITE a help!!!!
I have PetCare. For 2 cats, I pay $30 a month. My coverage has limits of $2500 per problem. It’s 100% covered after $75 deductible and they pay me with a check within a week of receiving my claim. They have other plans that cost less and some that cost more. Call a representative…
Call toll free
1-866-275-PETS (7387)
I have VPI Pet Insurance and it’s been great. My last dog got cancer and his treatments cost about $1500. I paid the first $100, and they paid 80% of the rest, so I only paid a total of $380 for the treatments, plus $11.00 a month for the insurance. It takes awhile to get your reimbursement, but they do reimburse like they say they will.
Personally, I looked into pet insurance and did get it for one of our females. But when we went to place a claim they denighed it because there was another accident prior to the one claimed so they claimed it was from that. Even going through parvo they never covered it saying it was preventable. Even though she had been given all shots.
So yes it is a good thing if you get it the day you bring home a puppy but I don’t find it helpful in any other situation. And even then for what is paid monthly set that aside in a pet fund and when an emergency happens you have it paid for and you can’t be told it isn’t covered.
gina