Cat health insurance, is it worth it?

socksy

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I've looked into pet insurance numerous times, and it never seemed like a good idea to me.  It's expensive enough in and of itself that it's smarter to just put that money aside.  Some people say they can afford pet insurance, but not vet bills... Well, I say if you can afford pet insurance, you can afford to put aside an amount equal to a payment each month and give yourself a safety net.  In the end, the money you save will pay for any procedure, whereas NO insurance policy I've ever seen covers everything.  There's a reason insurance companies even exist and stay afloat - because they take more money than they give.  Being one of the few who actually benefited from insurance would be like winning the lottery.  

Besides, lets say you save up enough money that you have a reasonable safety net and then some.  You could put your extra money toward something else for the cats.  You could get them a nice cat tree, a meat grinder for making raw food, build an enclosure, etc.  Money paid to the insurance company is lost forever... unless something really bad happens to you.  It has to be the right bad thing, too, since there are endless things that could go wrong and only a narrow scope of those things are covered by insurance.  
 

Willowy

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I always used to think that pet insurance is a waste of money. . .but you know, it's only around $20 a month, and $240 a year doesn't go far in a savings account, especially with interest rates where they are. I probably will get Pets Best insurance for any future dogs I get. I can't afford to insure all the cats, and dogs are more likely to get hurt anyway, but if I only had a couple cats I'd probably insure them too. I wouldn't consider it strictly necessary, just nice to have.

As with any insurance, you may or may not get your money's worth. But if you need it, you're sure glad you have it! I had a fairly minor health incident a couple years ago (I fainted) and I'm pretty sure the hospital bill came out to more than I've paid in insurance premiums in my life (and, yes, I know my employer pays a large percentage, I counted that in). So now I don't really know how insurance companies make money :dk:. I'm sure most insured people have at least one hospital incident at some point.
 
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carolina

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 It has to be the right bad thing, too, since there are endless things that could go wrong and only a narrow scope of those things are covered by insurance.  
I really don't know where people get this idea, but I see mainly people who don't have insurance saying this. It is not the case. Unless you have a pre-existing condition, insurance covers just about everything. I never had anything that was not covered in my 4 years.
 

socksy

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I get it from the insurance companies themselves.  I look at their plans offered and what's covered.  Perhaps you could link to an insurance company that covers everything.  
 

raintyger

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Carolina,

I took a quick look at the insurance you have, and it does seem way more comprehensive than what I remember looking at when I got my kitty 9 years ago. I researched a few when my kitty was young and remember entire illnesses like cancer not being included. I seem to remember concluding that the only useful thing that was being covered was vaccines, and if you're keeping an indoor cat even that would be of little use. It's quite possible things have changed or that insurance companies vary widely and I just did not find out during that time. Internet use would've been way less widespread 9 years ago, so maybe the better insurance companies just didn't show up on the radar. I think the only companies I found out about were a few from my vet's office, one or two from Petsmart/Petco, and a handful from the internet. The internet ones I just checked out to see if the exclusions were typical of the ones that were outlined in the ones from the vet office and the pet stores.
 
 

carolina

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I already posted several times here the name of the company I have insurance with. You can go to their site and see what is not covered. You tell me if they cover just a narrow scope of things.
 

Willowy

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Carolina,

I took a quick look at the insurance you have, and it does seem way more comprehensive than what I remember looking at when I got my kitty 9 years ago. I researched a few when my kitty was young and remember entire illnesses like cancer not being included. I seem to remember concluding that the only useful thing that was being covered was vaccines, and if you're keeping an indoor cat even that would be of little use. It's quite possible things have changed or that insurance companies vary widely and I just did not find out during that time. Internet use would've been way less widespread 9 years ago, so maybe the better insurance companies just didn't show up on the radar. I think the only companies I found out about were a few from my vet's office, one or two from Petsmart/Petco, and a handful from the internet. The internet ones I just checked out to see if the exclusions were typical of the ones that were outlined in the ones from the vet office and the pet stores.

 
Yeah, I do think they've gotten better, due to popular demand. I remember my vet giving me a pamphlet when I got my first dog, and that plan seemed fairly useless to me. And you definitely have to go through the plan's details to make sure you get a company and plan that works for your situation. I bet there are still some of the older plans out there that don't cover much ;).

But. . .I don't know of any plans that cover vaccinations, unless you pay $$$ for the routine care plan. So . . .I dunno :dk:.
 

carolina

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Carolina,

I took a quick look at the insurance you have, and it does seem way more comprehensive than what I remember looking at when I got my kitty 9 years ago. I researched a few when my kitty was young and remember entire illnesses like cancer not being included. I seem to remember concluding that the only useful thing that was being covered was vaccines, and if you're keeping an indoor cat even that would be of little use. It's quite possible things have changed or that insurance companies vary widely and I just did not find out during that time. Internet use would've been way less widespread 9 years ago, so maybe the better insurance companies just didn't show up on the radar. I think the only companies I found out about were a few from my vet's office, one or two from Petsmart/Petco, and a handful from the internet. The internet ones I just checked out to see if the exclusions were typical of the ones that were outlined in the ones from the vet office and the pet stores.

 

Yeah, I do think they've gotten better, due to popular demand. I remember my vet giving me a pamphlet when I got my first dog, and that plan seemed fairly useless to me. And you definitely have to go through the plan's details to make sure you get a company and plan that works for your situation. I bet there are still some of the older plans out there that don't cover much ;).
But. . .I don't know of any plans that cover vaccinations, unless you pay $$$ for the routine care plan. So . . .I dunno :dk:.
I don't know how they were in the past..... Can't say anything about that..... What I can say is that they cover things I had NO idea they covered - for example:
They don't cover dentals. So for years I paid Bugsy's stomatitis treatment and dentals for stomatitis, as naturally, I thought it was part of "dental". I also paid for Lucky's resorptive Lesion Dental.
Pet's Best sends us monthly emails with pet care tips, and in one of them there was an example of a claim for Resorptive Lesion :shocker:
I called in and asked about Stomatitis too - YES, they covered! :thud: I was A DAY before my claim deadline expired for their last dental (you have 6 months to submit claims) - AND Bugsy's treatment was an experimental treatment :paranoid:
I submitted the claim and sure enough - they paid for everything - the only thing they did this time, that they don't usually do, is they called the dentitst to ask about the treatment, as it is not listed under their drugs - and it is experimental. Not a problem.
In talking to the customer service lady, she told me "Don't think about what we cover and what we don't cover - just submit everything, and we figure it out". LESSON LEARNED :nod:
I have had minor issues, big issues, diagnosed issues, undiagnosed issues - On the claim you just put the symptoms for example "fever of unknown origin", and that is just fine..... Or just the symptoms - vomiting, diarrhea..... etc. I had office visits, ER visits, tests, more tests, chronic issues being carried from a year to another.... MANY questions.....
They always covered everything - all visits, all tests, all drugs..... They pay on the clock, direct deposit into my checking account in just a few days, and have an exceptional customer service. In these four years with the three of them, I never encountered an issue - not at the slighest.

Willowy, to answer your question, no, they have a separate plan for routine care which imho is not worth it.
 
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raintyger

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Very well, then, I'm going to make a PDF of this thread when it's done so that I can remember Carolina's insurance company should I ever get a new cat. Since we've seen that things can change, at that time I'll review the available options and make sure to include Pet's Best as a candidate insurance company. Too bad more options weren't available 9 years ago. It's probably too late for Poppy, she's already had a UTI.
 

carolina

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Very well, then, I'm going to make a PDF of this thread when it's done so that I can remember Carolina's insurance company should I ever get a new cat. Since we've seen that things can change, at that time I'll review the available options and make sure to include Pet's Best as a candidate insurance company. Too bad more options weren't available 9 years ago. It's probably too late for Poppy, she's already had a UTI.
UTI is not a pre-existing condition, as long as it has been cured; not at Pets Best. After 6 months without a relapse, she is deemed cured - call them, don't just assume ;)
CRF, IBD, Diabetes..... those chronic issues would be..... An UTI is not - I have checked.
 

raintyger

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UTI is not a pre-existing condition, as long as it has been cured; not at Pets Best. After 6 months without a relapse, she is deemed cured - call them, don't just assume

CRF, IBD, Diabetes..... those chronic issues would be..... An UTI is not - I have checked.
WHOA!!! You don't happen to know if they exclude UTI if they've had a previous episode and you're not feeding prescription, do you? I'll only feed prescription if it's absolutely the only thing that will prevent stones in Poppy. So far it looks like I can reasonably get away with wet food, extra water, and MAYBE a urine acidifier.
 

carolina

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WHOA!!! You don't happen to know if they exclude UTI if they've had a previous episode and you're not feeding prescription, do you? I'll only feed prescription if it's absolutely the only thing that will prevent stones in Poppy. So far it looks like I can reasonably get away with wet food, extra water, and MAYBE a urine acidifier.
It is actually BETTER if you are not feeding prescription, as prescription can be viewed as treatment ;)
Nope - they do not exclude UTIs from the future, as long as it's been 6 months (it migh even be 3 months) - it is not a pre-existing condition. You will be fine. You can call them and ask.... you will hear the same thing ;)

BTW - they have an EXCELLENT plan now, which I think it will be GREAT for Poppy, since she is older, looking into chronic ilnesses (like any older cat).
The new plan has a once/year deductible (as oppose of once per incident) and $10,000/year maximum that renews every year, with no lifetime maximum. IMHO this is great in case of chronic issues, that can add up over the years...... That's the plan I will enroll my new baby on. I might change Hope to this one too.
 
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angels mommy

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I have to agree that it's worth it!   Angel had his first bout of Cystitis back in August. He had to spend two nights at the vet's, (until he pee'd on his own)  ultrasounds etc... 463.00 later, I wished I had had it!!

I am single & live check to check, so don't really have a lot of extra money. Thank goodness, I was able to get Care Credit. My plan was to get that paid off before the high interest kicked in,

then replace that payment w/ insurance for him. WELL, unfortunately, before I could do that he got it again in October, & again this month. We were at the animal hospital on Christmas day!

Now, between all three instances, including two visits to the E.R. (because of course it had to be a Sunday in Oct. & now on Christmas), my Care Credit is now up to 1,000.00!!!!!

AND, that high interest is going to kick in before I can pay it off!!
  

SO, YES, It IS worth getting in my opinion. I will be doing so as soon as I can!!!!  

Thanks to Carolina's great info. & recommendations, I'm sure I'll be choosing Pet's Best!


(Just a note: He even got this after being on raw & Before the Grain for months, (sense summer). W/ the help of members & my vet, we think the B.G. had to many minerals in it, & the Bravo raw burgers don't list that info (also started in summer), so left them a msg. requesting that info, but for now we have switched to the recommended Blue Wilderness Turkey).

Kelly
 

txcatmom

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This is a timely thread because I just went to Pets Best on a whim yesterday to see what I would pay for my 4 cats.  It was about $46 for the level 1 plan they recommended. 

Carolina, that is interesting that they pay for dentals if they are treating stomatitis.  I know Lucy wouldn't be covered (pre-existing.)  But Leo and Eko have bad teeth and gums for such young cats.  No official diagnosis yet.  But if I got them covered I'm sure they'd be covered if they develop stomatitis in the future.    Also if, God forbid, we have to use Depo shots for Lucy (they work well for her, but we want to avoid the possible diabetes of course) and she did eventually develop diabetes or something maybe that would be covered. 

It's a rough time for us to add a new monthly expense (employment troubles) but maybe that means we need it even more.
That's the plan I will enroll my new baby on.
Are you getting a new kitty, Carolina?
 

carolina

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This is a timely thread because I just went to Pets Best on a whim yesterday to see what I would pay for my 4 cats.  It was about $46 for the level 1 plan they recommended. 

Carolina, that is interesting that they pay for dentals if they are treating stomatitis.  I know Lucy wouldn't be covered (pre-existing.)  But Leo and Eko have bad teeth and gums for such young cats.  No official diagnosis yet.  But if I got them covered I'm sure they'd be covered if they develop stomatitis in the future.    Also if, God forbid, we have to use Depo shots for Lucy (they work well for her, but we want to avoid the possible diabetes of course) and she did eventually develop diabetes or something maybe that would be covered. 

It's a rough time for us to add a new monthly expense (employment troubles) but maybe that means we need it even more.


Are you getting a new kitty, Carolina?
Oh yes, the diabetes would be covered..... and even though the regular dentals for the other kitties wouldn't, if they have accidents and break a tooth, or have to have an extraction due to an accident, or end up with stomatitis, or Resorptive Lesions, they would be covered.....

Yep, new kitty on the way - Mr McGrumpy! Here he is! http://www.thecatsite.com/t/252460/meet-mr-mcgrumpy-the-newest-member-of-our-family
 

socksy

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I already posted several times here the name of the company I have insurance with. You can go to their site and see what is not covered. You tell me if they cover just a narrow scope of things.
Hmm... I'm trying to get a quote from that site, and it says it'll do plans for Canadians, but I can't fill out the form without giving them an American zip code.  
  Maybe I'll look into a Canadian company.  It's possible that there are better rates than when I originally looked into it.  I recall plans that were $50/month/pet and only covered accidental injuries and nothing else.  
I always used to think that pet insurance is a waste of money. . .but you know, it's only around $20 a month, and $240 a year doesn't go far in a savings account, especially with interest rates where they are. 
I suppose if you only have one cat.  I have three cats and two dogs.  I don't know what the dog rates are, but assuming it's the same, that's $1200/year, which actually is a good savings.  

Well, either way, I think I'd rather just pay for the vet bills from savings.  As long as the pets are getting the medical care they need, all is well.  I also get the very least insurance that's legal for my vehicles, lol.  
 

carolina

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Hmm... I'm trying to get a quote from that site, and it says it'll do plans for Canadians, but I can't fill out the form without giving them an American zip code.  :dk:   Maybe I'll look into a Canadian company.  It's possible that there are better rates than when I originally looked into it.  I recall plans that were $50/month/pet and only covered accidental injuries and nothing else.    
Gee, that's a lot for not much! I don't know how they are for Canada, or if they serve Canada.... Maybe you want to call in instead? Or alternatively, talk to them via live chat.... they have that available in their site.
 

raintyger

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Hey, Carolina,

Do you know if you get any referral bonuses? If any of us buys from Pet's Best and they give referral bonuses, I certainly think you deserve it.

I put in Poppy's info on their website and got $25.48 USD/mo for an 80/20 plan, default choices and no health maintenance provisions (vaccines, diagnostic testing, etc.). Since she's getting older, I'll look into it further when businesses reopen on Wed.

Thanks! Can't say how much valuable information I've gotten off this forum!
 

carolina

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Hey, Carolina,

Do you know if you get any referral bonuses? If any of us buys from Pet's Best and they give referral bonuses, I certainly think you deserve it.

I put in Poppy's info on their website and got $25.48 USD/mo for an 80/20 plan, default choices and no health maintenance provisions (vaccines, diagnostic testing, etc.). Since she's getting older, I'll look into it further when businesses reopen on Wed.

Thanks! Can't say how much valuable information I've gotten off this forum!
They do have a referral program, but whatever... That's not my deal here :lol3:
I Don't know the names of anyone here, don't know who gets insurance or not, so..... to answer this question..... I am not making anything on this :nod:
I do refer people to Pets Best because I tuly, truly believe they are the BEST. And like anything I had experience with, that were good, or bad, I will share my experiences about it......
The reason why I know so much about Pets Best is because unfortunately, I used them a LOT. And on the same token, the reason why I LOVE them, is because everytime I used them, they were nothing but outstanding.
So..... yeah, when it comes to pet insurance I will talk about them because I know how crucial it can be when a huge bill hits..... And I have seen pet parents come here to TCS desperate looking for insurance when it was too late..... and had to make a very painful decision I don't ever want to be faced with.....
The referral thing? Don't worry about it.... Having Poppy taken care of makes me happy enough already :hugs:

PS - I would ask about the new plan - the $100/once a year deductible with the $10,000 (or another amount you choose) maximum per year, renewable every year. I really do think it is a better plan fo Poppy. But Call them - they are excellent, and will guide you through. Ask them all questions you have.... Good Luck!
 
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raintyger

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They do have a referral program, but whatever... That's not my deal here

I Don't know the names of anyone here, don't know who gets insurance or not, so..... to answer this question..... I am not making anything on this

I do refer people to Pets Best because I tuly, truly believe they are the BEST. And like anything I had experience with, that were good, or bad, I will share my experiences about it......
The reason why I know so much about Pets Best is because unfortunately, I used them a LOT. And on the same token, the reason why I LOVE them, is because everytime I used them, they were nothing but outstanding.
So..... yeah, when it comes to pet insurance I will talk about them because I know how crucial it can be when a huge bill hits..... And I have seen pet parents come here to TCS desperate looking for insurance when it was too late..... and had to make a very painful decision I don't ever want to be faced with.....
The referral thing? Don't worry about it.... Having Poppy taken care of makes me happy enough already

PS - I would ask about the new plan - the $100/once a year deductible with the $10,000 (or another amount you choose) maximum per year, renewable every year. I really do think it is a better plan fo Poppy. But Call them - they are excellent, and will guide you through. Ask them all questions you have.... Good Luck!
Sorry, certainly not trying to imply you're making money, but I really do think that if me or anyone else buys, we should put down your name in the referral area. And I wanted to post it in the thread so everyone would put your name down in the referral area, too. If I buy I'll send a PM asking for your real name.

Thanks again!
 
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