Do you think dog health insurance is a good idea?
- Thread starter cashland
- Start date
Its difficult but as with any insurance product, you are paying a premium to somebody/a company who is in it to make money. So if you can self insure i.e. have enough money in the bank to cover most likelihoods (broken leg etc) then that is cheaper in the long run and you keep your money working for you and not someone else.
However, if like most people (especially now with the economic meltdown the USA is going through), available cash is an issue then buying insurance becomes an option - just make sure you know what is covered by the premium and what isn't - read the fine print very carefully. You wouldn't be the first person to pay premiums faithfully only to find out in a time of need that the insurance doesn't cover what you want to claim for!
Hope that helps
However, if like most people (especially now with the economic meltdown the USA is going through), available cash is an issue then buying insurance becomes an option - just make sure you know what is covered by the premium and what isn't - read the fine print very carefully. You wouldn't be the first person to pay premiums faithfully only to find out in a time of need that the insurance doesn't cover what you want to claim for!
Hope that helps
I've been looking at this for the future, also. With the expenses that we've had over the last month with Tommy, I'd say it would have been worth it even if only a portion of the costs were covered
In case some of you don't know what I'm talking about, our 10 month old male just recently went through bilateral TPLO surgery. With the two consultations with x-rays (1 with reg. vet at $278 and 1 with ortho specialist at $375), the surgery and 3 days in hospital ($5,778), and 8 weeks of auqua therapy package ($994) we are up to about $7500. Like I said even if only part of these costs were covered, it would have helped greatly.
In case some of you don't know what I'm talking about, our 10 month old male just recently went through bilateral TPLO surgery. With the two consultations with x-rays (1 with reg. vet at $278 and 1 with ortho specialist at $375), the surgery and 3 days in hospital ($5,778), and 8 weeks of auqua therapy package ($994) we are up to about $7500. Like I said even if only part of these costs were covered, it would have helped greatly.
I think it is VERY important for certain breeds, but if you have a relatively healthy and well bred dog, I wouldn't get it.
We don't have it for any of the dogs or the cat. There are a lot of clients at work that have insurance for their pets and in some circumstances they were very glad they had it.
We don't have it for any of the dogs or the cat. There are a lot of clients at work that have insurance for their pets and in some circumstances they were very glad they had it.
This is a pretty generalized, statement wouldn't you say? And a little cavalier, IMO to assume that someone's dog is or is not well bred or healthy. Injuries just happen and they happen to even the healthiest, well bred dogs.
My only point in my previous statement was that had I had pet insurance, even if it only covered part of our expenses, would have been helpful.
One thing that you can never plan for is accidental injuries.
In our case, genetically speaking (and according to the x-rays and the ortho specialist) Tommy's torn cruciate tendons had nothing to do with structure or health and everything to do with an unfortunate injury and of course I blame myself for not being more mindful of this young energetic puppy.
My only point in my previous statement was that had I had pet insurance, even if it only covered part of our expenses, would have been helpful.
One thing that you can never plan for is accidental injuries.
In our case, genetically speaking (and according to the x-rays and the ortho specialist) Tommy's torn cruciate tendons had nothing to do with structure or health and everything to do with an unfortunate injury and of course I blame myself for not being more mindful of this young energetic puppy.
I work at an emergency vet hospital and I see about 50 people a day who wish they had pet insurance.
And puppyhood is the best time to do it. If your puppy gets ill at all before you get the insurance they consider it a "pre-existing condition" and they won't cover any expenses to do with it. For life.
I find the prices quite reasonable. I was initially with Vet Insurance, and 20,000$ coverage over the lifetime of my dog was about 30$ a month. That's accident or illness. They don't pay the exam fee, however. But they do cover 90% of your expenses to that 20,000$ maximum.
I am now with Pet Plan, which I think just became Pet Secure (at least in Canada) and they have several levels of coverage. I think I'm on the 3rd tier of coverage and that allows for 2500$ per illness/accident each year (ie. broken leg, 2500$...later that year foreign body surgery, 2500$, etc.) as well as homeopathic treatments, dental care, and even the cost of euthanasia, cremation and a donation in my dog's name to a pet charity when she passes away. And that's...about 40$ a month I think.
I would recommend it. Like I said, I see people eeeevery day who had no reason to think their animal would need medical care...but things happen. As an example, we just sent home two cats today. The owner accidentally put dog flea medication on them (a BIG no-no with certain brands) and the cats had to be admitted for fluids, monitoring and a number of treatments. 1000$. There's no way the woman could have predicted that. With animals, things happen.
Just my two cents.
And puppyhood is the best time to do it. If your puppy gets ill at all before you get the insurance they consider it a "pre-existing condition" and they won't cover any expenses to do with it. For life.
I find the prices quite reasonable. I was initially with Vet Insurance, and 20,000$ coverage over the lifetime of my dog was about 30$ a month. That's accident or illness. They don't pay the exam fee, however. But they do cover 90% of your expenses to that 20,000$ maximum.
I am now with Pet Plan, which I think just became Pet Secure (at least in Canada) and they have several levels of coverage. I think I'm on the 3rd tier of coverage and that allows for 2500$ per illness/accident each year (ie. broken leg, 2500$...later that year foreign body surgery, 2500$, etc.) as well as homeopathic treatments, dental care, and even the cost of euthanasia, cremation and a donation in my dog's name to a pet charity when she passes away. And that's...about 40$ a month I think.
I would recommend it. Like I said, I see people eeeevery day who had no reason to think their animal would need medical care...but things happen. As an example, we just sent home two cats today. The owner accidentally put dog flea medication on them (a BIG no-no with certain brands) and the cats had to be admitted for fluids, monitoring and a number of treatments. 1000$. There's no way the woman could have predicted that. With animals, things happen.
Just my two cents.
I don't like the dog insurance because routine care isn't covered. I've had ny dogs for 4 yrs and have never needed a vet yet. I have an account that I deposit money into every month. so far I have enough to cover any major misfortune for all my dogs and some left over for sure. At least I don't pay someone a fee that I might never use or that they don't cover fully.
don't know what country your in,,but when I got my gsd puppy, when I got her registration papers back,,AKC is offering a Pet Health Care plan,,,ok,,as an intro,,they offer it to akc reg'd puppies,,for 60 days FREE..
All you have to do is activate it,,there is NO cost..so I figured what the heck its FREE, I'd try it...It went into effect the day the registration went into effect,,the first 30 days covers ACCIDENTS,,the 2nd 30 days covers ACCIDENTS & ILLNESS with a 100 deductible,,still not bad since it's FREE..
Wouldn't ya know, Masi went and got flipped by one of my aussies,,hit a rock, developed a hematoma on her hock,,at the time we weren't sure "what" was wrong with her,,so 468$ later,,that was the diagnosis..
I filled out the claim form,,my vet did also,,and they REJECTED it,,I was PO'd to say the least, since they say "accident',,,so I decided what the heck I'll appeal it...I also got kinda snooty with akc, saying I was soooo glad I hadn't signed up and paid for this, because of all the PAPERWORK, and runaround I was getting ...well I kinda chalked it up,,about a month later I get a check from them for 368$...))))
I did not sign up for the program, it was VERY expensive and hey maybe one day I'll wish I had, it really wasn't a bad policy (different levels/good coverage) but it was quite pricey...
I've had MAJOR vet bills on some of my dogs and well crap happens,,I probably did pay LESS out of pocket than I would have paying the premiums on the policy for x amount of years..
done rambling)
Diane
All you have to do is activate it,,there is NO cost..so I figured what the heck its FREE, I'd try it...It went into effect the day the registration went into effect,,the first 30 days covers ACCIDENTS,,the 2nd 30 days covers ACCIDENTS & ILLNESS with a 100 deductible,,still not bad since it's FREE..
Wouldn't ya know, Masi went and got flipped by one of my aussies,,hit a rock, developed a hematoma on her hock,,at the time we weren't sure "what" was wrong with her,,so 468$ later,,that was the diagnosis..
I filled out the claim form,,my vet did also,,and they REJECTED it,,I was PO'd to say the least, since they say "accident',,,so I decided what the heck I'll appeal it...I also got kinda snooty with akc, saying I was soooo glad I hadn't signed up and paid for this, because of all the PAPERWORK, and runaround I was getting ...well I kinda chalked it up,,about a month later I get a check from them for 368$...
))))I did not sign up for the program, it was VERY expensive and hey maybe one day I'll wish I had, it really wasn't a bad policy (different levels/good coverage) but it was quite pricey...
I've had MAJOR vet bills on some of my dogs and well crap happens,,I probably did pay LESS out of pocket than I would have paying the premiums on the policy for x amount of years..
done rambling
)Diane
If you are not living check to check then I would definately skip the insurance.
I have four dogs now but for years had five. Lets just say for the last eight years I have had four though. So four dogs at 30$ a month for eight years would be 11,520 given to insurance over the last five years. If you add the average of probably three cats I've had in that time at lets say just 10$ a month for eight years that would be 2,640$ so together I'd have spent about 14,160$ in just eight years. We have had some illnesses, my beagle passed this year and it cost a nit but nothing insane. I'd put my vet costs under 300 a year in general.
So if you get a dog young then you should have time to save some cash up before they need it. But if you have no where to get money from go with the insurance. I have heard form many people though that many things are called pre existing or just not covered under a certain breed. My cousins yorkie just tore her knee up(not sure what actually tore but will be an expensive surgery) and the vet told her even is she had had ins he has never seen one cover it.
Here is an article I skimmed for prices that seemed decent.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/AssessYourNeeds/ShouldYouBuyPetInsurance.aspx
I have four dogs now but for years had five. Lets just say for the last eight years I have had four though. So four dogs at 30$ a month for eight years would be 11,520 given to insurance over the last five years. If you add the average of probably three cats I've had in that time at lets say just 10$ a month for eight years that would be 2,640$ so together I'd have spent about 14,160$ in just eight years. We have had some illnesses, my beagle passed this year and it cost a nit but nothing insane. I'd put my vet costs under 300 a year in general.
So if you get a dog young then you should have time to save some cash up before they need it. But if you have no where to get money from go with the insurance. I have heard form many people though that many things are called pre existing or just not covered under a certain breed. My cousins yorkie just tore her knee up(not sure what actually tore but will be an expensive surgery) and the vet told her even is she had had ins he has never seen one cover it.
Here is an article I skimmed for prices that seemed decent.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/AssessYourNeeds/ShouldYouBuyPetInsurance.aspx
I have it for peace of mind. Mine is $35/month, $100 excess and covers $14 000/year illness or injury costs. It doesn't cover routine care, but that is ok for me. I also have an emergency credit card, which I keep only for emergency vet care or if I am out of town for whatever reason and find myself short of cash. I am a student who also works, so while I can quite comfortably afford routine and basic living expenses, I am not exactly in a position to fork out a huge amount of money in a hurry.
Depending on how much I earn once I graduate, I may very well find that pet insurance is not the best option for me or I might find that it is and will therefore have it for every dog for the rest of my life. For now, I am happy to have the peace of mind that comes with pet insurance and my emergency credit card.
Depending on how much I earn once I graduate, I may very well find that pet insurance is not the best option for me or I might find that it is and will therefore have it for every dog for the rest of my life. For now, I am happy to have the peace of mind that comes with pet insurance and my emergency credit card.
Like everyone says- there are pros and cons. I decided to get it- and read these forums to choose which plan- ended up going with PetPlan. It is $20 a month for 1st dog and $18 for the 2nd dog- with large coverage (cant remember how much)- but there are a lot of rules, such as 30% deductable if you go to a specialist- and THAT little bit wasnt anywhere in the quicky policy you can read before purchase. Anyway I feell better with it- i agree with Domestika- there must be 50 people a day who WISH they had it
I posted a couple of days ago in the Rainbow Bridge about my friends dog Max who contracted Blastomycosis, she had had him less than 6 months (so not much $$ would have gone into a monthly health saving for him) and she told me that the vet had discussed cost of aggressive anti fungal tratment for him would be 12K a year!!!!!!!!! The minimum time would be 6 months tratment and relapse is common- so plan on repeated treatments:yikes:
I posted a couple of days ago in the Rainbow Bridge about my friends dog Max who contracted Blastomycosis, she had had him less than 6 months (so not much $$ would have gone into a monthly health saving for him) and she told me that the vet had discussed cost of aggressive anti fungal tratment for him would be 12K a year!!!!!!!!! The minimum time would be 6 months tratment and relapse is common- so plan on repeated treatments:yikes:
It depends a lot on the breed, with certain breeds more prone to needing it.
Look at it from another perspective...
Since it might be years till you take advantage of it, and with it's cost running about $30 a month, take $30 a month and put that amount into a piggy bank, money market account or ??? Do that every month and at the end of a year you'll have $360 saved up to apply to you pups care, which you may or may not need.
If you do this over a few years, it'll accumulate into a nice sum which will cover most medical expenses if they arise, if they don't, then you'll have enough $$$ for a nice vacation...with your dog of course!
Here's an article which may shed some light on this subject and help you decide...http://www.dog-names-and-more.com/Dog-Medical-Insurance.html
Look at it from another perspective...
Since it might be years till you take advantage of it, and with it's cost running about $30 a month, take $30 a month and put that amount into a piggy bank, money market account or ??? Do that every month and at the end of a year you'll have $360 saved up to apply to you pups care, which you may or may not need.
If you do this over a few years, it'll accumulate into a nice sum which will cover most medical expenses if they arise, if they don't, then you'll have enough $$$ for a nice vacation...with your dog of course!
Here's an article which may shed some light on this subject and help you decide...http://www.dog-names-and-more.com/Dog-Medical-Insurance.html
If you take preventative measures with your dog, you can reduce a lot of the vet bills down the road, and so you won't need health insurance most likely. Health insurance is most important for older dogs, but as long as you take care of your dog early on, you can prevent most of their later life problems. Oral care is one of the costly vet bills, so I prevent problems by giving Bright Bites dental treats for oral health. You can also feed healthy food as well, which will prolong life and reduce problems.
Another issue I don't see discussed but needs to be mentioned is that not all vets will deal with pet insurance. I know some pet insurance companies deal only with the owner & reimburse the owner, but others require the vet to fill out endless amounts of paperwork providing detailed notes and work out payment things with them.
Our clinic will NOT deal with pet insurance. We won't sign forms, we won't spend countless hours on the phone with them explaining your case & why they don't have the right to refuse you, etc. It can get very annoying and be a complete pain in the ass.
A savings account specifically for pet related emergencies is a great idea. Although we don't have any credit cards, I DO have a credit card stashed away that is ONLY for pet related emergencies (which in my case is if I can't make it the hour across town to my clinic).
Our clinic will NOT deal with pet insurance. We won't sign forms, we won't spend countless hours on the phone with them explaining your case & why they don't have the right to refuse you, etc. It can get very annoying and be a complete pain in the ass.
A savings account specifically for pet related emergencies is a great idea. Although we don't have any credit cards, I DO have a credit card stashed away that is ONLY for pet related emergencies (which in my case is if I can't make it the hour across town to my clinic).
I have both my cat and dog covered. Who would have thought my 4 year old healthy cat would get cancer. I am hoping that the plan will cover this, the vet feels that it should be but until I get a cheque I won't say for sure that they are going to pay. It won't cover all the bills but it will cover some, up to 2500. Jusr cause routine vaccinations and health care are not covered that should not discourage people from taking out insurance. Insurance is for the unexpected.