Pet Insurance - Please advise

Removable Mind said:

Sorry Win...????

Click to expand...

The highlighted portion "Pet health care is damn near the cost of people care."

I know pet care can be expensive, but no way I buy it's that expensive. Am I mistaken?

Winchester said:

The highlighted portion "Pet health care is damn near the cost of people care."

I know pet care can be expensive, but no way I buy it's that expensive. Am I mistaken?

Click to expand...

You're right. It's expensive. But they apparently have policies that don't do a lot other than say office visits and shots, common meds. When you add all of the other important things like surgery, chronic illness, etc, those policies are like you say, "damn near the the cost of people care."

But I would think it has to do with volume. I have, on rare occasion, seen TV ads for pet insurance. They don't quote prices. But you know it's gonna be expensive.

If insurance companies were smart, they'd push pet health care insurance a much lower cost to raise the volume of people who buy policies....and then like they do with people insurance for cars, health, etc...raise the premiums a little every year and in 5 years they'll be making billions.

And people should get 5 years worth of KY after buying those policies. :lol:

Hell, it's almost impossible to get dental insurance that is worth a damn.

Dragonfly said:

Anybody really looked into pet insurance? Or have you bought it?

Thoughts on it's value to both your bank account, and your mental status?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments and posts. :mrgreen:

Click to expand...

I've had dogs all my life, since 5yrs old until 2 years ago when my last dog passed away and have never had pet insurance. I've always found it more convenient and less costly simply to put $50 a month into a "pet medical bills" savings account I create with each new dog I've owned. The money is always there and readily available for emergencies and I simply use other funds for the basic care you'd normally provide a pet such as annual visits, shots, grooming, etc.

A couple of things related to pet insurance:

1. At least here in Canada, perhaps in the US as well, you have to foot the entire bill for any pet care you experience and then submit it for reimbursement to the insurance company. If you have a large bill, you're still going to need the money to pay so you'd better have resources or a savings plan such as the one I noted above or you may be stuck unable to use the insurance anyway. You could also ask your vet if he/she will waive payment and wait for the insurance to pay up but most won't do it having some experience with non payment issues.

2. Some vets - my anecdotal experience - are inclined to over treat pets whose owners have insurance - lots more procedures and medications than if you as the owner are footing the bill and resistant to the sales pitch. If you have insurance, the guilt trip vets play is even more intense.

But hey, I live in Canada where everyone loves insurance and is pretty much over insured for everything. You really can't be hurt by having insurance if you can afford the monthly premiums.

To me pet insurance is kind of like extended warranties. Coverage is so low that over the course of your lifetime you'll probably never get back what you put in.

An analogy for me is tires. I always get pressed for road hazard warranty. "What are you going to do if you hit a nail?", I always get asked. "I will pay to have it fixed. And that has happened a couple times in my life, and the money I spent was nowhere near what I would have spent for road hazard had I bought that every time I got new tires.", is always my answer.

They always leave me alone after that.

Dragonfly said:

Anybody really looked into pet insurance? Or have you bought it?

Thoughts on it's value to both your bank account, and your mental status?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments and posts. :mrgreen:

Click to expand...

So I'm fortunate in that I get free Vet care. At worst I will get it at cost. I'm related to my vet. That said...about 6 months ago my dog had gastrointestinal issues. She ended up having diarrhea and vomiting so bad that I had to take her to a local vet for emergency care. I walked out $300 later after fluids and tests. And it could have been worse.

When I took her to my relative...my relative informed me that the procedures that had to be run on her to finish the diagnosis...were $500 (free for me). Plus an X-ray from her eating a mango a year before that...$300 or so as well (but free for me). According to my vet...my relative...it is NOT unheard of or a bad idea for people who can't afford a surprise bill. And you need to know what is covered and what won't be covered.

The bill can get expensive fast. I honestly think I put it on par with having dental insurance. Not quite necessary if you take care of what you got, but anything can happen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks folks, let's make a list here.

1) This is regarding health insurance for dogs
2) It's not about keeping old, dying dogs alive longer
3) My dogs are 3-ish years old - they're rescues so I don't really know how old they are
4) My dogs are part of my family - they don't get thrown away and replaced if something goes wrong
5) I understand monthly payments, deductibles, and reimbursement
6) CanadaJohn's separate pet account sounds like the best idea

What I was looking for was some actual experience with it.
I don't need to be talked out of getting insurance as I'm as skeptical as anyone about it.

Has anyone ever had a good experience with it? Can anyone talk me into getting pet insurance?

My dogs will most likely, and hopefully live at least another 10-12 years minimum.

Dragonfly said:

Anybody really looked into pet insurance? Or have you bought it?

Thoughts on it's value to both your bank account, and your mental status?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments and posts. :mrgreen:

Click to expand...

It has already been asked...but it is really important...what kind of pet insurance are you asking about?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dragonfly said:

Thanks folks, let's make a list here.

1) This is regarding health insurance for dogs
2) It's not about keeping old, dying dogs alive longer
3) My dogs are 3-ish years old - they're rescues so I don't really know how old they are
4) My dogs are part of my family - they don't get thrown away and replaced if something goes wrong
5) I understand monthly payments, deductibles, and reimbursement
6) CanadaJohn's separate pet account sounds like the best idea

What I was looking for was some actual experience with it.
I don't need to be talked out of getting insurance as I'm as skeptical as anyone about it.

Has anyone ever had a good experience with it? Can anyone talk me into getting pet insurance?

My dogs will most likely, and hopefully live at least another 10-12 years minimum.

Click to expand...

The fact that you're getting no positive responses and a plethora of negative responses might be your answer. Sounds like you're looking for approval to purchase it.

Dragonfly said:

Thanks folks, let's make a list here.

1) This is regarding health insurance for dogs
2) It's not about keeping old, dying dogs alive longer
3) My dogs are 3-ish years old - they're rescues so I don't really know how old they are
4) My dogs are part of my family - they don't get thrown away and replaced if something goes wrong
5) I understand monthly payments, deductibles, and reimbursement
6) CanadaJohn's separate pet account sounds like the best idea

What I was looking for was some actual experience with it.
I don't need to be talked out of getting insurance as I'm as skeptical as anyone about it.

Has anyone ever had a good experience with it? Can anyone talk me into getting pet insurance?

My dogs will most likely, and hopefully live at least another 10-12 years minimum.

Click to expand...

I can tell you that the young lady who delivers the mail in my neighbourhood had a new puppy about 3 years ago and she had pet insurance - good thing - because within the first year the dog became very ill and had just under $10,000 in emergency vet bills and is now on medication for the rest of his life, all covered by the insurance to about 80% of cost. Without that insurance, she would have had to put the puppy to sleep but instead she has a pet she loves all the more because he's a survivor and a great little dog and it's particularly good for her because her older dog passed away suddenly.

But again, that's anecdotal and far from the norm. If you're afraid of the catastrophic illnesses or serious accidents then insurance is for you but if you're prepared for the everyday costs and occasional large bill - usually no more than $1000 - you're ahead of the game in the long run if you put the monthly insurance premiums in your own separate bank account rather than feed the insurance company's profits.

CanadaJohn said:

I can tell you that the young lady who delivers the mail in my neighbourhood had a new puppy about 3 years ago and she had pet insurance - good thing - because within the first year the dog became very ill and had just under $10,000 in emergency vet bills and is now on medication for the rest of his life, all covered by the insurance to about 80% of cost. Without that insurance, she would have had to put the puppy to sleep but instead she has a pet she loves all the more because he's a survivor and a great little dog and it's particularly good for her because her older dog passed away suddenly.

But again, that's anecdotal and far from the norm. If you're afraid of the catastrophic illnesses or serious accidents then insurance is for you but if you're prepared for the everyday costs and occasional large bill - usually no more than $1000 - you're ahead of the game in the long run if you put the monthly insurance premiums in your own separate bank account rather than feed the insurance company's profits.

Click to expand...

Greetings, CJ. :2wave:

I have been convinced for quite a while that there is a large invisible billboard-type sign that only cats can see, and it has a big arrow on it that points to my house. Any animal that gets dropped off - dumped - anywhere near my house will find its way to my deck, and believing it has found a safe haven, decides to stick around. BTW, I don't have pet insurance.

Since I can't and won't let any animal go hungry, I feed them. Because I have no idea of their history - I have two cats of my own to worry about - I take them to my vet and have them checked out, and get them their shots, and fortunately I have been able to take them to a large dairy farm about 20 miles from me which is owned by a family friend, where the cats get all the milk they want and in return they keep his barn mice free for him. Win-win. I have been a "middleman" for seven homeless cats over the past few years, so I've done my part to help what I consider innocent victims of circumstance. The universe is wise, is it not, because why else would I ever know a dairy farmer? I'm a city girl....

radcen said:

The fact that you're getting no positive responses and a plethora of negative responses might be your answer. Sounds like you're looking for approval to purchase it.

Click to expand...

I think her financial circumstances matter quite a lot. As well as her breed of dog. And how much a month she would be paying .And the copay too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

radcen said:

The fact that you're getting no positive responses and a plethora of negative responses might be your answer. Sounds like you're looking for approval to purchase it.

Click to expand...

I'm getting what I figured I'd get.
Not looking for approval, just wondering if ANYONE has anything positive to say about pet insurance.

polgara said:

Greetings, CJ. :2wave:

I have been convinced for quite a while that there is a large invisible billboard-type sign that only cats can see, and it has a big arrow on it that points to my house. Any animal that gets dropped off - dumped - anywhere near my house will find its way to my deck, and believing it has found a safe haven, decides to stick around. BTW, I don't have pet insurance.

Since I can't and won't let any animal go hungry, I feed them. Because I have no idea of their history - I have two cats of my own to worry about - I take them to my vet and have them checked out, and get them their shots, and fortunately I have been able to take them to a large dairy farm about 20 miles from me which is owned by a family friend, where the cats get all the milk they want and in return they keep his barn mice free for him. Win-win. I have been a "middleman" for seven homeless cats over the past few years, so I've done my part to help what I consider innocent victims of circumstance. The universe is wise, is it not, because why else would I ever know a dairy farmer? I'm a city girl....

Click to expand...

Good morning Lady P,

Another reason why you're a great lady. As I always say, any person who cares for animals is a great person no matter what else is going on in their lives. Now, all you need is a vet in your family and you'll be set.

Have fun today!!

Dragonfly said:

I'm getting what I figured I'd get.
Not looking for approval, just wondering if ANYONE has anything positive to say about pet insurance.

Click to expand...

I'm sure there are some who do it and are glad they did. And, like any insurance, it's a gamble that you'll ever get back in benefit what you paid, let alone more. But, if policies are as restrictive as many here say, that's worth noting as well.

It could be that you're looking for peace of mind, and to be honest there's value in that, too.

Dragonfly said:

Anybody really looked into pet insurance? Or have you bought it?

Thoughts on it's value to both your bank account, and your mental status?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments and posts. :mrgreen:

Click to expand...

Do it.

My 4-year-old cat was diagnosed with a degenerative heart condition called HCM that was basically undetectable at routine exams, unless you just HAPPENED to listen to her heart at the exact moment she was having a valve flutter. We never caught it until she had a Grade 3 murmur.

Her heart scans, which she now requires routinely, cost £600 a pop. And that's just the scans. That doesn't include her medications and BP monitoring.

Wanna know the crappiest part?

HCM is actually really, really common. So are some pretty unfortunate diseases for dogs.

You never know.

MaggieD said:

Pet insurance is great for vets and, MAYBE, great for people who can afford it. It's great for vets because they can raise their prices. May be great for pet owners because, if their pet has a catastrophic accident or illness, they will perhaps save some money.

It's horrible for pets because vet prices will raise, and those who can't afford insurance will end up putting dogs to sleep or, even worse, letting them suffer an agonizing death. Our local vet charges $400 to euthanize a dog. More if you don't want to take its body home to bury it in your yard. Disgraceful. And the cause of much suffering.

Click to expand...

I guess I am lucky to be in Mexico.

One of my dogs finally gave up. I think she was like 17 years old, but it is hard to tell hen they come from the street as adults.

Anyway, I took her to the vet and they gave her an IV. They fed her that night but her body started shutting down.

With all the medicine, the euthanization and the disposal, it cost me around $43.00 US dollars.

I still have 5 street dogs that are getting up there.

radcen said:

This is me. And besides, I don't think extending their life is fair to the pet. I think it's selfish because it's the whim of the person. (Most cases, there are always outliers.)



We paid $150-$200 a few years ago. That included them dealing with the body. (I needed to be there for him, but I didn't want a spot to be "There he is." for the rest of my life.)

Which is kind of strange, considering normally getting out my vet's door for less than $100 for the most minor thing is a major victory.

Click to expand...

I look for a change in personality before making that decision. I have a dog with tumors on her but they are not affecting her internal organs, so I am not doing anything about it. When they lose that spark, then it is time to act.

Winchester said:

Cite, cause no way.

Click to expand...

Well, my dog needs a dental cleaning....a CLEANING, and its projected to cost about a grand.



so, no cleaning for my dogs teeth, lol. I'll brush it with a tooth brush.

Removable Mind said:

That's pretty inexpensive. That's pretty incredible that you didn't have to pay for the euthanization.

My dog's vet had been his doc since he was like 2 or 3. My dog was at home in his bed when she euthanized him. I was glad that we could do it at our home. So I thought her fee was reasonable. I had to take him to a pet crematorium about 25 miles away. It's on a lake in a sem-rural area. They were nice folks. The urn we picked was only like 20.00 in addition to the cremation, which as I said earlier was 100.00.

But I haven't gotten another dog. Don't think I can go through that again. Too fricking sad. It's like losing a kid.

Click to expand...

Euthanization is just a small amount of the right drugs to overdose the animal.

Why would that cost $400.00 or more for a small injection?

SmokeAndMirrors said:

Do it.

My 4-year-old cat was diagnosed with a degenerative heart condition called HCM that was basically undetectable at routine exams, unless you just HAPPENED to listen to her heart at the exact moment she was having a valve flutter. We never caught it until she had a Grade 3 murmur.

Her heart scans, which she now requires routinely, cost £600 a pop. And that's just the scans. That doesn't include her medications and BP monitoring.

Wanna know the crappiest part?

HCM is actually really, really common. So are some pretty unfortunate diseases for dogs.

You never know.

Click to expand...

To put this into perspective for people, that's about 900 USD per heart scan.

polgara said:

Greetings, CJ. :2wave:

I have been convinced for quite a while that there is a large invisible billboard-type sign that only cats can see, and it has a big arrow on it that points to my house. Any animal that gets dropped off - dumped - anywhere near my house will find its way to my deck, and believing it has found a safe haven, decides to stick around. BTW, I don't have pet insurance.

Since I can't and won't let any animal go hungry, I feed them. Because I have no idea of their history - I have two cats of my own to worry about - I take them to my vet and have them checked out, and get them their shots, and fortunately I have been able to take them to a large dairy farm about 20 miles from me which is owned by a family friend, where the cats get all the milk they want and in return they keep his barn mice free for him. Win-win. I have been a "middleman" for seven homeless cats over the past few years, so I've done my part to help what I consider innocent victims of circumstance. The universe is wise, is it not, because why else would I ever know a dairy farmer? I'm a city girl....

Click to expand...

It is not a billboard, it is just that word gets around town between the animals that you are pro-cat.

I would think it is also the smell of cat food at your house.

My house was the same. I still have 5 street dogs and I lost count of the cats that have come and gone, their decision.

KevinKohler said:

Well, my dog needs a dental cleaning....a CLEANING, and its projected to cost about a grand.



so, no cleaning for my dogs teeth, lol. I'll brush it with a tooth brush.

Click to expand...

Milk Bones.

Having some large size dogs with their own breed specific issues, our vet bills are up there. We decided that pet insurances are not worth it but we rather set some money aside every month. We are disciplined about it and it has worked well for us, and the pups are happy and healthy.
Now if anyone could invent a hands off pooper scooper, that would be awesome.

KevinKohler said:

Well, my dog needs a dental cleaning....a CLEANING, and its projected to cost about a grand.



so, no cleaning for my dogs teeth, lol. I'll brush it with a tooth brush.

Click to expand...

Dental bones and nylabones. They really help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

blackjack50 said:

Dental bones and nylabones. They really help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

We have a GSD (eight in OCT). I occasionally use a thumb nail on the canine teeth and the large molars. It's surprising how well it works.