Anyone have pet insurance?

kelbel527 · December 2013

Our dogs are on their second major injury/illness in the last few months, so I am probably reacting to that. But since they're getting to be older (9 & 10yr old Labs), I'm wondering if I should be considering Pet Insurance for anything big that could happen.

Part of me thinks it will be a waste of money, and I'll pay as much in premiums if I were to pay out of pocket and then the other part of me is worried that one of them will get really really sick and it will end up costing us 1000s of dollars.

So -- anyone have it? What made you get it and do you think it's worth it financially?

TIA!!

MomtobeNJ · December 2013

I priced a few different ones when I got my dogs (they are almost 9 now). At that time, I decided it really wasn't worth it. They didn't cover any illnesses or injuries that were typical for the breed, only covered a percentage of annual visits and shots, etc. It would have been good for accidents - that's about it. Like if they stepped on something at the park and needed stitches. And at the time none of the ones I priced covered cancer treatments, which is what my 1st dog died from and the treatment cost was outrageous.

That being said, I think pet insurance has come a long way since then. It couldn't hurt to look into it.

BPer · December 2013

Do you have a Banfield nearby? We signed our dog up for the Banfield Wellness Plan when we got her as a puppy. It's $27.95 a month and covers most everything.

AKB090609 · December 2013

My mom had it for our older dog who passed a few years ago. The main reason she got it was a rider on her homeowners (I think) she was paying an extra fifty cents a week after discounts, for her the security was worth it.

We do not currently have any for our dogs but they are 6 and nearly 4, and in good health. I would consider it depending on cost in the next few years.

MomtobeNJ · December 2013

@kelbel527 - another thing to consider is that they don't normally cover pre-existing conditions. A good friend of mine has a Golden with a hip injury. The vet was recommending an MRI which is very expensive. She called a few insurance companies and they all said that since the hip was already being documented in his vet records, as well as the recommendation for the MRI, the insurance wouldn't cover it.

Eastie156 · December 2013

We do. We used it when Stella had cherry eye as a pup and every year with her vet check-ups. It doesn't cover her entire cost of the checkup, but a pretty good portion of it. Also, I believe @MomtobeNJ is correct in that they don't offer it if your pet has a pre-existing condition.

Eastie156 · December 2013

@kelbel527, we use VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance)

danabsd · December 2013

We do. It's actually offered through MH's work so it is on automatic payroll deduction. We have had it since we got our dog as a puppy. Although he has never had any huge issues (he's 4) it's covers his routine care, flea meds, his neutering and teeth cleaning. We actually got a notice this year that our rates decreased because he is in good health.
I have always been glad we have it and know I will continue to be thankful as he gets older.
ETA: It covers up to $15,000 a year in illness/injury and less for routine care.

Unknown · December 2013

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kelbel527 · December 2013

Thanks ladies for all the suggestions!

@momtobeNJ & @Eastie155 - I did check on pre-existing and knew it wouldn't cover it. I'm more worried about the potential unknowns as they get older. I was looking at VPI too - so that was helpful.

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