Pet Insurance.. do you have?

[Draco]

I am looking into pet insurance for my two kitties.. and I'd like some personal experience stories from you guys!

Which insurance do you have?
Are the yearly checkups "Free" or with copay or usual vet charges?
How much a week with how many cats (if you don't mind sharing what you pay!)

any advice or warnings? Is it worth it in the end?

 

[ritz]

As with all insurance, the devil is in the details. For a good primer, check out/buy the July 2011 issue of Consumer Reports; they review pet insurance as well as pet food.
I have PetPlan. The yearly premium for one cat (Ritz, female, approximately two years old) is around $240 with a $50 deductible per illness/injury. I bought insurance for the "what ifs", for catastrophic type illness/injuries, e.g., cancer.
It does not cover routine office visits, wellness visits, yearly shots or any type of dental cleaning, even if for gingivitus (found THAT out the hard way). The insurance company may want complete records of any office visits; the insurance company exclude pre-existing illnesses for a set period of time (for example, parasites--roundworms). Actually, most insurance plans do not cover routine visits; if they do, the premium is higher. Ask the company representative how they define "per illness". Ritz has been having GI/poop now maybe urinary problems; I don't know if the insurance company will say the "poop" is one illness and the urinary another. When you get ready to submit a claim, make sure the vet words the office notes and INVOICES carefully; the operative word is "sick visit" not "office visit".
I will be submitting a claim for the urinary/poop problem in a couple of weeks and can post an update.

 

[Draco]

Originally Posted by Ritz

It does not cover routine office visits, wellness visits, yearly shots or any type of dental cleaning, even if for gingivitus (found THAT out the hard way).

I found some insurance charges additional for routine visits, and to me, their price is not worth it. I added to $140, per year per cat for the routine insurance.. and the vet bill is generally much less than that for me. Not really worth it for me, and that's what I really wanted.

I can't quite afford paying $16-30 bucks a month, per cat, at this time for the "What ifs" accidents and such. Knock wood nothing happens, lol

 

[carolina]

Originally Posted by Draco

I found some insurance charges additional for routine visits, and to me, their price is not worth it. I added to $140, per year per cat for the routine insurance.. and the vet bill is generally much less than that for me. Not really worth it for me, and that's what I really wanted.

I can't quite afford paying $16-30 bucks a month, per cat, at this time for the "What ifs" accidents and such. Knock wood nothing happens, lol

I do have insurance (PetsBest) for my 3 cats (not for the latest, Gracie, as she can not be insured because of HT), and thank God I have!
My insurance is AMAZING, I have only great experiences to share. It will not cover dental and routine visits - dentals, including gingivitis and stomatitis - but that was never news to me or small print. They are very transparent, very black and white, and very clear on what they pay and what they do not pay.
They pay all illnesses, tests, including cancer, specialists, MRI, prescriptions, emergencies, etc. They do have a small budget per cat for behaviorist, may I need, acupuncture, and even chiropractor. They also pay euthanasia.
It is a HUGE peace of mind - it saved Bugsy's life. If it was not for insurance, I can say 100%, I could simply not afford to keep him alive.
With pets, IMHO it is not "if" it will happen, it is when... and I am sorry to say, but if you are not able to pay $16-$30 a month per cat, I am really worried for you.... You should have this money for your cats - being for insurance or in a savings account - because it WILL happen. And the last thing you want is to be in a bind and have to put your baby down because you don't have the money to pay for your vet bills.
Gracie is the only older cat in my household - she is the only one with HT. Besides that, she had an emergency dental surgery December 31st, one month before I rescued her. Lucky had a blockage out of the blue. She also has anal gland issues from time to time. Hope had an IBS bout that nearly killed her - that lasted a couple of months, a couple of emergency vet trips, several vet trips, treatment, and was very expensive. Bugsy has Stomatitis, had several ER visits due to colitis, ER due to UTI, URIs, ER due to high fever, vet visits due to not eating, and a chronic diarrhea brought on by his UTI treatment that is going on 9 months. Besides that, medication reactions, vaccine reactions, etc.
Again, DO put money aside, because things WILL happen... do not knock on wood and just hope for the best.... IMHO, if you run on a tight budget, having insurance is really your best bet. A GOOD insurance. There are insurances and insurances out there.....
My insurance pays fast and never, ever denied me a policy.... not once... and I used it. For all my cats. I submit my claim right from my computer so I don't even need to wait for mailing time... They pay by direct deposit so I don't cash the check either. Customer service is phenomenal. For Bugsy's World record diarrhea, I have been to the vet NUMEROUS times (last time this past Friday, just submitted the claim today) - I paid one deductible (you pay once per incident/illness), and every time I go for a follow up I only pay 20% of the bill, they pay the 80%.
Where I am out of luck is his dentals - the last one put me out $700.... But it is what it is.... I know that no matter what, they will always be taken care of.... That is one bill I will never ever default.

 

[Draco]

ohh, don't get me wrong, I will be getting it. just not at this time. Hopefully my raise will make the monthly fees workable! And I do have lots of emergency money set aside for them. I am not worried if anything should happen!

 

[dorriscatlover]

I have Pet Assure instead of regular insurance. It's 25% off any bill at their networked vets. I have only one cat, and it's $7.95 a month. My only warning is that you HAVE to go to one of their vets, so just make sure there is a vet near you. But it is DEFINITELY worth it. It totally paid for itself already.You can even use it along with regular insurance, so it's a win-win situation.

 

[anita1216]

I do not carry pet insurance, but I do have 10k in CareCredit available should the need arise. It has come in very handy having a cat with HCM and needing two heart scans a year plus his medication. What makes it nice is if I dont have the money for a vet visit, onto the CarCredit it goes and I have 6 months interest free to pay it off.

Its also been nice because our dentist also accepts CareCredit and with both hubby and I needing some fillings done/replaced, it made that much easier to afford our coinsurance portions.

I don't suggest this route if you cannot afford to pay balances off fairly quickly, the interest rate is high (24%

)

It is peace of mind for us though

 

[catwoman87]

Originally Posted by Draco

I found some insurance charges additional for routine visits, and to me, their price is not worth it. I added to $140, per year per cat for the routine insurance.. and the vet bill is generally much less than that for me. Not really worth it for me, and that's what I really wanted.

I can't quite afford paying $16-30 bucks a month, per cat, at this time for the "What ifs" accidents and such. Knock wood nothing happens, lol

I really wish I had pet insurance... My feelings were the same as yours... My cats are all under 5... Why would I need pet insurance now?

My 2 year old cat went into kidney failure a week ago. Why? Maybe an infection due to bacteria.... She was as healthy as a horse... She still needs more tests but it looks like it was an infection and NOT a chronic condition.

Anyways, I have paid 1500 so far... and we aren't even finished yet. I really wish I had pet insurance.. I will definitely be looking into it now.

 

[carolina]

Originally Posted by catwoman87

I really wish I had pet insurance... My feelings were the same as yours... My cats are all under 5... Why would I need pet insurance now?

My 2 year old cat went into kidney failure a week ago. Why? Maybe an infection due to bacteria.... She was as healthy as a horse... She still needs more tests but it looks like it was an infection and NOT a chronic condition.

Anyways, I have paid 1500 so far... and we aren't even finished yet. I really wish I had pet insurance.. I will definitely be looking into it now.

That's exactly it - Bugsy's problems started when he was young.... He is just turned 4 now. Thank GOD I got insurance on day one he came to me. his vet bills are on the multiple thousands.

 

[kattiekitty]

I never had pet insurance before as I worked at a vet and that was kinda my insurance. When I moved and temporarily didn't work for a vet, I got insurance for my dog and two cats. I have a rabbit and three birds though that the insurance doesn't cover. I have Pets Best like Carolina does. Knock on wood I haven't had to use it yet, but my dog is 11 yo and starting to slow down a bit so it is good to know that should the need arise, i can take him in and get him on meds for arthritis. Right now he is doing fine on the supplements and change of diet.
I liked Pets Best because the premiums are low and they don't do a benefits schedule like others do. I used to see the paper work for VPI and it was such a hassle and clients didn't get as much back from their claims. Also they deny more claims than other insurances. They do cover the exotics, but I looked at the benefits schedule and in reality it wasn't worth it. Egg binding would only get you 400 dollars back. I know very well that egg binding surgery and all that goes along with that can be several thousand dollars at a qualified vet.
I have a savings that I use for them I did have care credit but, one of the big bills I couldn't pay in time and got hit with the huge percentage rate. I paid it off and don't use it any more. Luckily the birds have been pretty healthy, and I only had one incident with my rabbit that I was able to take care of on my own at home with SQ fluids and baby gasx. rabbits are prone to colic and so that is a common medical emergency with them as is wool block.
It is good to hear that Pets Best seems to be a good insurance. Like I said I haven't had to use them yet, but I have peace of mind when I do.

 

[Draco]

thank you everyone for posting your advice and experiences

You'll be happy to know that both of my cats are now enrolled under PetsBest insurance. Sure, they're on the basic plan with $250 deductable.. but if I get a raise, I'll bump them up. but for now, they have something!

 

[just mike]

Originally Posted by Draco

thank you everyone for posting your advice and experiences

You'll be happy to know that both of my cats are now enrolled under Best Pets insurance. Sure, they're on the basic plan with $250 deductable.. but if I get a raise, I'll bump them up. but for now, they have something!

Glad you made a decision on what is best for you and the 2 meezers. I don't have it myself but a couple of my friends do. Their best advice was to read the fine print and make your best choice. Sounds like you've done it already

 

[Draco]

Originally Posted by NutroMike

Glad you made a decision on what is best for you and the 2 meezers. I don't have it myself but a couple of my friends do. Their best advice was to read the fine print and make your best choice. Sounds like you've done it already

Fine print, and looking at other's experiences. I even called a few vets and they said either PetsBest or VPI.. then user experiences point to PetsBest, and I decided to go with that! Cheaper, and less confusing too

What really pushed me is seeing Picasso still under the weather with a possible cold. My mind got worrying that Monet might catch the cold since I can't seem to keep the two apart anymore! It's a huge peace of mind there now.

 

[Ms. Freya]

I'm glad you found one that will work for you.

I would like to get it, but the reality is that my guys are all pretty much uninsurable. We talked seriously about this after we lost Cotton because his bills at the end drained our animal care emergency funds, but in the end we couldn't ensure them all anyway, so we're back to setting moeny aside for emergencies.

 

[Draco]

Originally Posted by Ms. Freya

I'm glad you found one that will work for you.

I would like to get it, but the reality is that my guys are all pretty much uninsurable. We talked seriously about this after we lost Cotton because his bills at the end drained our animal care emergency funds, but in the end we couldn't ensure them all anyway, so we're back to setting moeny aside for emergencies.

why can't they be insured? do they have previous health issues or something?

 

[carolina]

Originally Posted by Draco

Fine print, and looking at other's experiences. I even called a few vets and they said either PetsBest or VPI.. then user experiences point to PetsBest, and I decided to go with that! Cheaper, and less confusing too

What really pushed me is seeing Picasso still under the weather with a possible cold. My mind got worrying that Monet might catch the cold since I can't seem to keep the two apart anymore! It's a huge peace of mind there now.

I am so glad you went with PetsBest!
I have been with them from day 1 for my 3 kitties, and they have been fantastic through and through. With all Bugsy's health issues, I upgraded their plans - they are on a very good one, up to $7,500 per incident - that will cover pretty big stuff. PetsBest is very black and white, there is no surprises, you will find out soon, their customer service is outstanding, their claim form is SO simple! I advise you to sign up to direct deposit so the claims are deposited right into your checking account. And by the way, they DO offer the choice, if your vet accepts it, to pay your vet directly, so you don't pay the bill upfront. They are the only insurance that does that. You need to download a form, have your vet sign it, and send it with the claim.
You can file the claims by scanning it and uploading it into your computer - don't even need to send it by mail. Your vet doesn't even need to sign it. There is a field for the diagnosis, and vet notes, needed be (i.e. following up on blood tests, etc.) . I think you mad a very wise decision.... I am very very happy with it.

 

[Draco]

Originally Posted by Carolina

I am so glad you went with PetsBest!
I have been with them from day 1 for my 3 kitties, and they have been fantastic through and through. With all Bugsy's health issues, I upgraded their plans - they are on a very good one, up to $7,500 per incident - that will cover pretty big stuff. PetsBest is very black and white, there is no surprises, you will find out soon, their customer service is outstanding, their claim form is SO simple! I advise you to sign up to direct deposit so the claims are deposited right into your checking account. And by the way, they DO offer the choice, if your vet accepts it, to pay your vet directly, so you don't pay the bill upfront. They are the only insurance that does that. You need to download a form, have your vet sign it, and send it with the claim.
You can file the claims by scanning it and uploading it into your computer - don't even need to send it by mail. Your vet doesn't even need to sign it. There is a field for the diagnosis, and vet notes, needed be (i.e. following up on blood tests, etc.) . I think you mad a very wise decision.... I am very very happy with it.

Thank you Caroline! With your words, I am sure I won't be regretting my decision!

 

[Ms. Freya]

Originally Posted by Draco

why can't they be insured? do they have previous health issues or something?

Yeah. All of my guys are special needs...Wendel's the least insurable because he's FIV+. To be fair, we could possibly insure Sybil, but because she and Freya live with Wendel...
Cotton would have been great to insure, but his biggest issue was the ongoing dental problems, which are not always covered and we definitly pre-existing.

It's not actually too bad - we stash money every paycheque and have an extra credit card that's only for kitty emergencies.

 

[konstargirl]

I have pet insurance for Misa. It only covers the basics though.

 

[resqchick]

Originally Posted by Carolina

I do have insurance (PetsBest) for my 3 cats (not for the latest, Gracie, as she can not be insured because of HT), and thank God I have!
My insurance is AMAZING, I have only great experiences to share. It will not cover dental and routine visits - dentals, including gingivitis and stomatitis - but that was never news to me or small print. They are very transparent, very black and white, and very clear on what they pay and what they do not pay.
They pay all illnesses, tests, including cancer, specialists, MRI, prescriptions, emergencies, etc. They do have a small budget per cat for behaviorist, may I need, acupuncture, and even chiropractor. They also pay euthanasia.
It is a HUGE peace of mind - it saved Bugsy's life. If it was not for insurance, I can say 100%, I could simply not afford to keep him alive.
With pets, IMHO it is not "if" it will happen, it is when... and I am sorry to say, but if you are not able to pay $16-$30 a month per cat, I am really worried for you.... You should have this money for your cats - being for insurance or in a savings account - because it WILL happen. And the last thing you want is to be in a bind and have to put your baby down because you don't have the money to pay for your vet bills.
Gracie is the only older cat in my household - she is the only one with HT. Besides that, she had an emergency dental surgery December 31st, one month before I rescued her. Lucky had a blockage out of the blue. She also has anal gland issues from time to time. Hope had an IBS bout that nearly killed her - that lasted a couple of months, a couple of emergency vet trips, several vet trips, treatment, and was very expensive. Bugsy has Stomatitis, had several ER visits due to colitis, ER due to UTI, URIs, ER due to high fever, vet visits due to not eating, and a chronic diarrhea brought on by his UTI treatment that is going on 9 months. Besides that, medication reactions, vaccine reactions, etc.
Again, DO put money aside, because things WILL happen... do not knock on wood and just hope for the best.... IMHO, if you run on a tight budget, having insurance is really your best bet. A GOOD insurance. There are insurances and insurances out there.....
My insurance pays fast and never, ever denied me a policy.... not once... and I used it. For all my cats. I submit my claim right from my computer so I don't even need to wait for mailing time... They pay by direct deposit so I don't cash the check either. Customer service is phenomenal. For Bugsy's World record diarrhea, I have been to the vet NUMEROUS times (last time this past Friday, just submitted the claim today) - I paid one deductible (you pay once per incident/illness), and every time I go for a follow up I only pay 20% of the bill, they pay the 80%.
Where I am out of luck is his dentals - the last one put me out $700.... But it is what it is.... I know that no matter what, they will always be taken care of.... That is one bill I will never ever default.

One question, does the premium go up every year as the cat ages? I was doing a comparison and Trupanion says everyone elses premium goes up. Trupanion looks good, but they don't offer routine care as an option. (Not that I'd be willing to pay if it was and very expensive) I did like that Petsbest would cover his neuter if I did go with routine care.

Ugh. This is frustrating. I also can not even close to afford the canine insurance now that my dogs are older.