The Final word on Health Insurance

[Jones]

Jones was just diagnosed with meningitis. It will cost us over $2500 when its all said and done between tests and treatment. We did not have health insurance cause I am lazy and could shoot myself...but that is another story. It is time to get it. I have read many posts about different companies and plans, but I am now even more confused. So far I have learned this:

- Some plans renew every year which is bad, because is won't cover several years of something like cancer. It will pay the first year, but upon renewal, won't cover related problems.

- Some are bad cause they take forever to refund money and don't cover much at all. They might only cover 10-20% of the bill from the Vet.

- Some plans cover many problems, but have a very low yearly limit, so you can burn through all your insurance in a couple of routine trips to the vet.

So, what I am looking for is the best of all worlds. I would like a plan that does not renew every year, is decent on refunding claims and gives the customer a decent amount to spend yearly.

Does anyone know of such a plan?!!?!?!??!!?!?

Thanks in advance.

 

[murried2]

What companies have you checked with? I'm looking into insurance for my 2 dogs and 2 cats. Sorry I'm not much help.

 

[marciafinn]

I have the basic plan that Veterinarian Pet Insurance, VPI, offers. It does renew every year, but I have found that they are wonderful to deal with. It costs me about $130/year and Mason is almost 4 and relatively healthy. I am considering bumping up the coverage since he is getting older and will be at higher risk for many ailments which plague the breed. VPI gets a check back to you usually within 3-4 weeks. I haven't had any negative issues with them and have been using them since Mason was a puppy. I recommend them highly and the only downside I see in your situation is the annual renewal. Although I haven't looked into it with VPI, they may offer a two year plan....now I'm curious. Good luck with your search - I just wanted to add my two cents.
Marcia & Mason

 

[gordsan]

My Mason is also insured through VPI - and I've found them very helpful and quick in responding. I got the basic insurance and the extra cancer coverage, just to cover all the bases!

 

[ladyluck_t]

just my 2 cents, when i checked on insurance for my katie, all the plans that i found would not sufficiently cover (if at all) pre-existing conditions, since i didnt check until she was already diagnosed with hip dysplasia it ruled me out. May want to make sure that pre-existing conditions are covered.

sorry, i just remembered: One of the better companies had a listing of specific conditions they would not cover. (Hip Dys was one)

 

[Jones]

Yeah, I have not found any that cover pre-existing conditions, so I not even looking for that. Jones' Meningitus issues I don't expect to be covered.

I just want one that would cover him for years if need be.

So far VPI seems to be a good choice, they just won't cover multi year issues.

 

[Layla's Mom]

I too have VPI basic with the extra cancer coverage and they seem to be very good--Just my two cents!

Taryn and Layla

 

[avsfan]

I have VPI for my Footie. and I have called them and talked to them, if they cover something 1 year, they do not exclude it the next year from being coverable...

 

[Adelle]

I also have VPI for my two with the extra cancer coverage. My dealings with them have been positive, they are efficient and turn around cliams pretty quick. For the basic kind of stuff I personally don't think it worth it but when they get sick or were to have some sort of injury I think that's when it pays off.

Adelle, Finnegan, CGC & Nessa, CGC
Boxer Buddies Rescue & Adoption Inc.

 

[LeahR]

Long (sorry)

I just can't decide........
We have two boxers and a cat. This year alone (Jan through today) we have spent $785 in vet bills, I just added it up yesterday when I was going through their records to make sure I have all of their health certificates for doggy daycare. I got a quote from VPI for just the two dogs and it was $750.00 a year, though not all of the $785.00 I spent would have been 100% reimburseable. In addition, the reason the bills were so high was that Aspen is a puppy and had to get her 3 rounds of shots. ( We haven't even spayed her yet, that comes in July so here comes another $250 bill) What I determined was that a normal year ( no "puppy" bills) would cost us about $500 for all three with no insurance. If I get the insurance then I am going to pay the insurance $750 plus another $250 for what the insurance doesn't cover 100% so that is $950 a year. So I guess what I am tring to figure out is whether the insurance is worth it or not????????? Obviously should something horrific happen the insurance would come in hand but that is just alot of $$$ and if I could just put away $75 a month into an interest bearing account I could have a "fund" to cover emergency's....... I just have such a hard time letting someone else make money off of my money.. Such a hard decision!