Issue needing insurance?

[LILYLARUE]

Ok, cheesy question but gotta get the concensus of opinions. Lily has been healthy since day one, but a mill dog. Never subscribed to insurance because she was so healthy. In this economy, I can't afford any major medical expenses with the dogs right now (not taking any pay from business for a few weeks).

My issue is this: About 2 weeks ago, Lily was limping on her rear leg. She has pulled this leg twice before and just needed limited movement, no meds. This time, she has been having problems after she is laying down for a while. I also notice as I wipe her paws from mud, that she easily gives me that paw, but the other paw she doesn't seem to give easily. I figure that she doesn't want to put weight on the bad leg. Anyways, this time, it seems to be bothering her more than the last times and she limps longer. She seems to be running ok, but lays down on the opposite side after playing as if too tired to move.

My thinking is maybe it's a problem with her hip this time, and not the muscular strain as previous. What I need advice on is if I should get insurance immediately BEFORE any diagnosis? Concerned that I won't be able to after, not sure if pre-existing applies with pet insurance.

Of course, I will need to do this like yesterday if it's recommended by you educated, boxer lovers, and get Lily to the vet 1st thing tomorrow. Also wondering if there is a lag in coverage from initial start to actual coverage.

Any suggestions or advice is welcome.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I'm personally not one that advocates for pet insurance. If you truly have no savings or extra money (ie stocks that you could cash out), then I'd recommend Care Credit.

Also, for the future would recommend a savings account for the pets only.

 

[EAO76]

I know with VPI there is a waiting period for orthopedic issues. I remember reading that that they wont pay for a knee or joint injury until several weeks or months after the policy begins so if it was an emergency then it would not be covered. However if it is something that can wait then it’s probably worth it to get the insurance. Why do you think it’s her hip? Generally knee/ ligament injuries are much more common in this breed. I am currently dealing with a foster that has two bad knees. The surgeon said that ligament injuries are super common with boxers. He also said that MANY boxers live with partially torn ligaments for a long time and their owners don’t even know it. He surmises that if you looked at seemingly healthy boxers that he could find undiagnosed ligament injuries in a lot of them.

 

[lmorey]

I would get it prior to diagnosis just to be safe. When I was looking into getting insurance for Cash when he was diagnosed with his kidney issues last fall, all of the insurance carriers websites said that they would not cover pre-existing issues. Ugh!

 

[Sansal]

I looked into pet insurance a while ago and I think you have to take your dog for a physical exam to the vet and submit the results before the insurance coverage starts. So her condition might be diagnosed during that exam.

 

[RockyCody]

Good post

I also am thinking of getting insurance for Rocky as he tends to do the "frog sit" and sways when he walks. I'm sensing a hip problem in the future but didn't know if there were rules like they didn't cover pre-existing conditions, etc.
He's only 6 months so I prob won't get it now but maybe in about a year or so.

Good post - I'll check back for responses

 

[EAO76]

I looked into pet insurance a while ago and I think you have to take your dog for a physical exam to the vet and submit the results before the insurance coverage starts. So her condition might be diagnosed during that exam.

I did not have to do this when I got VPI insurance on my two. But it’s been a few years so maybe the rules have changed. From what I understand the underwriter looks at your dog, age, breed, etc and decides if they want to ask for additional records. If your dog is older or for some reason seems risky they may ask you to supply her medical history. But their goal is to get people to buy insurance so most of the time they are reasonable. They know if they get crazy and make people jump through too many hoops they wont get as many polices. One thing I heard though is they keep records of who calls them (since its tool free they get your info even if your number is blocked) so if you call don’t call from home or don’t ask questions that would lead them to "flag" you.

 

[x19er]

Our experience of pet insurance is they do not cover pre-existing conditions plus there is often a period of around one month from the policy commencing when you can't claim for anything - I presume designed to stop people doing what your suggesting - spotting a potential health problem and getting insurance before seeking treatment. I not saying that it's wrong or right just that's the way it is :D

 

[LILYLARUE]

Sounds like I may have to skip the insurance and get her in right away. Last night she was limping and laid down and whimpered for an hour. When she stretches, she won't usually stretch the hind quarters, but if she does, it's very slow and she wont stretch out that one side. She is also doing a lot of hopping instead of moving the hind legs. She is leaning quite a bit to one side as well.

Last night watching her, I just have to suck up the finances, figure it out later and get her in right away. I just can't see her in pain or uncomfortable. Poor Lily. Just as doplick as her Momma! LOL

 

[EAO76]

Just a piece of advice if you vet doesn’t find anything it might be worth seeing an ortho specialist sooner rather than later. My foster was examined & x-rayed by a general practice vet and we were told it was nothing (just a sprain or pulled muscle). We wasted over a month resting him & using painkillers. Finally I took him to an ortho vet who took one look at him and knew both his knees were bad. I have since gotten two more opinions from surgeons and they all said the same thing. With ortho injuries its worth seeking a specialist. Good luck & I hope she is feeling better soon!