We have been bringing our dog (female Border Collie/Chow Chow mix, age 6) to Banfield, the vet thats inside Pet Smart. The last time we went there we were very unhappy with the service they provided to our dog. So, we are looking into getting another vet. However, right now we have the health plan that banfield offers .
Since we don’t want to go without any coverage on our dog, we are looking into getting some type of pet insurance. However, I don’t know very much about them, and what would be a good policy to go with. I was hoping that my fellow dopers might have some experience with pet insurance, or might even have a policy they like.
Cost is of course important, but not as important as having a good policy that covers whatever might come up. Our dog is a member of our family, and we will spare no expense for her.
The last time I looked into pet insurance, I discovered that they increase the premium every year of the pet’s life, and at a certain age they declare it uninsurable. I don’t think I could insure my 19.5-year-old cat for any amount of money, though he’s in perfect health (for his age).
I don’t think you can buy a ‘spare no expense’ policy. There will be limits on how much they will pay. Personally, I don’t believe in insurance unless we are talking about an amount the I just couldn’t pay myself. (For example, my house burning down.)
Remember, the insurance company is going to collect more in premiums than they pay out. So you are likely to be further ahead financially to assume the risk yourself.
My husband and I looked into this a while ago, but we were disappointed with what the plans were willing to cover (it all seemed like stuff we could pay for ourselves). That was a couple years go, so I don’t remember companies, but do keep us posted if you come across anything good!
I looked at this insurance last time I was at the vet with my dog (we had a long wait).
As I perused the pamphlet, I realized that the stuff I spend the most money on now - regular visits, shots and pills - aren’t hardly covered. It’d save me something like $10 per thing. I didn’t find that it would really fit my budget or save me any money.
It’s really more emergency-based - x-rays and chemo are the big things the “superior” plan covers. I have a hard time pre-paying for that…while I do NOT have a hard time paying out-of-pocket if the need arises. But that is how all insurance works - you take the gamble.
I’ve looked at plans and found (besides what’s already been said) that there are also too many exclusions for things like illnesses that could be considered hereditary in the breed of dog you have. For instance, if your Lab needs treatment for hip displasia, it wouldn’t be covered because Labs genetically at greater risk for it. I prefer just setting aside a certain amount of money per month for vet expenses. Then I know it is there regardless of what the problem is and I don’t have to wonder how much (if anything) I’ll be reimbursed by the insurance company. I have too much of that crap in my life already with my own health insurance.
Consumer Reports reviewed pet insurance a few years back and found that it was a bad buy. They suggested simply saving the amount of the premium you would pay every month (which is usually around $20) and self-insuring. They said the policy was only cost-effective if your pet actually sustains a catastrophic injury or illness that is covered by the policy. The majority of pet owners won’t have that happen.