pet insurance

[paigul]

we recently got our boxer, garin, and have considered purchasing pet insurance for him and our two cats. we have looked at 3 different companies and are still unsure as to whether it would be the smart thing to do. any ideas, opinions, concerns on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tesster]

Well, up until about a month ago, I'd say that it's not worth it.

None of them cover congenital diseases, which are biggies (high $$ treatment) in boxers. For that reason, I never got it for either of my 2. The kinds of things that would really hurt me financially, wouldn't be covered, so I decided that I would be better off putting money away for them each month in case of an emergency. That way, I decide what kind of treatment is covered. You should do that anyway because most (except Banfield, I think) reimburse you for your expenses rather than covering up front.

However, most of them cover accidents - accidental ingestion, dog hit by a car, etc. I might be $1200 richer if I'd had Conner insured when he swallowed some bones whole and got a bowel obstruction last month.

My gut still says, no, but I'm looking further into it.

 

[TossBranAbi]

I have VPI for my dogs and like already mentioned, nothing heriditary is covered but puppies get into anything and everything. I have the Superior plan with the cancer rider. It is nice to know that it is there if I need it but hopefully I never will. I personally think that my piece of mind to know that my animals can be cared for without finances being considered is worth the premium I pay. Good luck on your decision.

 

[dharmadoodle]

You could always set aside a savings account for your pets.

 

[sweetboxer]

I have VPI for Colby. I've already received some money back from them for his neutering, and for his heartworm meds. I bought the routine care coverage as well, and that has come in handy, b/c I got Colby as a puppy, so like I said, it covered his neutering and his shots, etc...They're very helpful, if you have any questions you get to talk to a live person. Go figure...I'm considering getting another Boxer and would get insurance on this one as well. They even have cancer riders, which cover cancer treatments. I may sign up for that as well, considering the amount of money I put out for Cadence's chemo.

 

[tatum]

I also have VPI for both my dogs. Their plans seem very fair priced. I have had zoey on it for a year and just added tatum recently. I couldn't wait to get Tatum on it just because he will eat anything and everything-his favorite being baby wipes. Good luck on deciding because I know there is alot out there.

 

[yobdlog]

I also have VPI - and last year I had one emergency visit and three bladder infections (different meds each time and culture tests after prolonged re-infections).

The total vet bills alone were $1900 for the year - insurance actually covered 60% of that.

I thought it'd be hooey too until my poochie got attacked and was sent to the vet hospital and that was one ferocious bill (pun intended).

Though everyone's environment is different (I'm in the city with lots of other dog interactions).