Pet Insurance

[LifeofRubie]

Hey, All! I was wondering who out there has pet insurance and how much they like it? We have VPI Basic Wellness with Nationwide right now and I've been super pleased with their turn around and ease of submitting claims. We started with the basic to get a feel for both Rubie and the insurance. Now that we know how Rubie is (in all her sock swallowing glory!), I'm considering going full bore and getting the maximum coverage that includes: all accident/illness, hereditary, cancers, routine visits, etc. I know hindsight is 20/20 but I really wish I'd had it with my last Dobie (he cost me about $5000 in the 1.5 years I had him).

Their max plan is about $900/year with a $250 deductible then 90% reimbursement for everything which sounds painful but just on tither, flea/tick/heartworm, and the few extra visits we've had this year, I've spent over $1250 ($240 of which has been reimbursed by Nationwide). She is scheduled to have her spay and gastropexi in January but I might consider pushing that back until we decide on whether we want to up her plan.

I know some people think pet insurance is silly but I don't ever want money to be a deciding factor in my pets health and well-being. Just like home/renters and auto insurance, seems silly to dole out all that money when you don't use it but by gosh are you glad when you need it and have it! Thanks all

 

[LifeofRubie]

*EDIT: I did do a search for Pet Insurance but most of the stuff that came up was several years old. Wanted to get a fresh take on things!

 

[MischasMomma]

Following... we've never had pet insurance, it's just a cost we really can't afford monthly. we both do however have a care credit card, which we have set aside for medical emergencies for the animals. plus with having 3 dogs and 2 cats, it would REALLY add up to have coverage on everyone.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Following... we've never had pet insurance, it's just a cost we really can't afford monthly. we both do however have a care credit card, which we have set aside for medical emergencies for the animals. plus with having 3 dogs and 2 cats, it would REALLY add up to have coverage on everyone.

Yeah, I have the care credit card, too. I can imagine insurance would get quite expensive with 5! I will say that the basic insurance paid for itself and then a little bit, more. I think it was $215 to buy and I've been reimbursed for $240. Not sure if that's because of extra puppy costs or what. That one had no deductible.

 

[maddie9955]

I also have VPI insurance, Major Medical Plan only. We pay $390 per dog each year and is worth every penny! We paid about $2000.00 in bills for Loki last year and got most of that back.

 

[LifeofRubie]

I also have VPI insurance, Major Medical Plan only. We pay $390 per dog each year and is worth every penny! We paid about $2000.00 in bills for Loki last year and got most of that back.

Oh, good! I was considering that one but it didn't seem to cover spay or gastropexi which would be nice. What about foreign material, etc.? And doesn't cover any vacs, heartworm/flea/tick stuff, routine stuff? (I know some people are against these things but Rubie goes to dog parks and boarding so they are required!).

 

[maddie9955]

Oh, good! I was considering that one but it didn't seem to cover spay or gastropexi which would be nice. What about foreign material, etc.? And doesn't cover any vacs, heartworm/flea/tick stuff, routine stuff? (I know some people are against these things but Rubie goes to dog parks and boarding so they are required!).

It did cover most of her spay because she had an enlarged uterus. It did not cover gastropxi. I guess if you get the wellness plan it will cover the vacs and other routine stuff, to me that's not the stuff that I cant afford.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

I just got the full coverage plan with Nationwide. We have a Care Credit card as well but the limit on it is only $12,000. and with Gracie's illnesses we spent over $30,000. in the last 4 yrs. of her life. It is definitely worth it. You have to pay back 100% of the Care Credit so the insurance is well worth the yearly fee.

 

[WiglWerm]

@Tropicalbri's , funny I was just at the vet today and picked up a Nationwide pamphlet.

 

[LifeofRubie]

@Tropicalbri's yeah, I know Rubie comes from good, health tested stock but the prevalence of genetic and hereditary issues makes me so nervous. I'm so sorry about your girl. I don't have the full backstory but I hope she's doing well!

@maddie9955 I certainly agree; the expensive, unplanned stuff is definitely worth insurance but knowing I can get reimbursed for the routine stuff is icing on the cake, I think.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

@Tropicalbri's yeah, I know Rubie comes from good, health tested stock but the prevalence of genetic and hereditary issues makes me so nervous. I'm so sorry about your girl. I don't have the full backstory but I hope she's doing well

She passed away August a year ago. She battled paralysis, cancer, GDV, numerous skin related issues and DCM took her abruptly when we were at the vets office. She was still on chemo. What a strong and wonderful dobie she was. I still find myself crying over her just at the mention of her name.

 

[LifeofRubie]

She passed away August a year ago. She battled paralysis, cancer, GDV, numerous skin related issues and DCM took her abruptly when we were at the vets office. She was still on chemo. What a strong and wonderful dobie she was. I still find myself crying over her just at the mention of her name.

I'm so sorry It's so hard when they leave us; especially when they're such fighters. Tobes gets me in to tears, too, when I really start thinking about what a smart, handsome, sweet boy he was.

 

[NikiL02]

I'm glad you brought this up. Knowing dobermans can have health issues later in life and the fact that our FIRST day with Nero was a trip to the emergency vet, I've wanted to get some pet insurance for him too.

Do you find it's worth the wellness coverage too?

 

[LifeofRubie]

@NikiL02 I think that's what I'm still deciding. Just to have Dingo taken to the vet to induce vomiting for the most recent sock incident cost $100. The basic wellness insurance will cover 2 physical exams up to $25 each ($50 total) so I should be able to get $25 back but then I'm maxed out on that. I've already maxed out everything I can and still have 5 months left before my policy renews. It's been great for the routine stuff but if she got hurt or diagnosed with anything, it wouldn't cover it. I think that's where the "Whole Pet with Wellness" is the one to consider. It is expensive but it's an expense I can plan for and should cover routine and unplanned events. These dogs!!

 

[strykerdobe]

We have 24PetWatch for Yago. It used to be Purina Care. We don't have or get the wellness. We got the $20,000 a year policy. Its just for injuries and sickness. Its been good. But they only allow $1000 a policy period for Holistic Health Alternative Therapies. One major complaint is that they take tooooo long to reimburse you up to 60 days!!!!!!!!!!

So we went with Trupanion this time for Zara. Once again no wellness. Although they have a deductible (which ever one you choose) for each illness or condition that has to be met. But if its the same condition and continuous you only have to pay the deductible 1 time for life. Like if she developed DCM then you would only pay the Deductible once for the life of the pet. They reimburse 90%. We did add the Holistic care on. Which covers supplements and alternative therapies. It gets added on up to your yearly coverage that you choose. There is no yearly limit on Holistic care like 24PetWatches $1,000.

Some questions to ask. Sometimes you can printout the policy and look and read it. Look under EXCLUSIONS & LIMITATIONS!

Do they have a yearly Deductible or per Condition?
How much they Reimburse? Usually 70, 80 or 90%
How often rates go up? Are they based on the age of the dog or area you live?
Coverage for Alternative Therapies and Supplements?
Waiting periods?
Obstructions? How many do they cover in a policy period? Sometimes they will only cover 1.
ACL's If one goes bad will they cover the other leg?

 

[LifeofRubie]

All very good questions! I will say Nationwide (formerly VPI) has an extremely quick turnaround. I usually get a check in the mail within a week of submitting my claim. I also like that Nationwide seems to be very clear on what they will and willnot cover.

Their Major Medical has a $250 deductible but caps how much you can spend per condition. The Whole Pet with Wellness is advertised as $250 deductible/year, 90% reimbursement after that with unlimited annual maximum. I believe their waiting period is 14 days but we're already policy holders so that might be waived.

Here's the 'short list' of their coverage (it does specify BOTH knees but not how many obstructions):




Here's what they exclude:



You've certainly given me some great questions to ask! For now we've moved Rubie's spay and gastropexi back until it's time to renew our policy. The vet said it was going to be $385 (before blood work, medication, etc., etc.) which still seems VERY reasonable, but might as well apply it toward our deductible for the year and I could throw in a teeth cleaning, too. Insurance games, GEEZ!

 

[strykerdobe]

Another Pet Ins to look at is Petplan they seemed to be good also. Their is an Annual Ded. you can choose. Also 70, 80 or 90% reimbursement. But no wellness plan.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Another Pet Ins to look at is Petplan they seemed to be good also. Their is an Annual Ded. you can choose. Also 70, 80 or 90% reimbursement. But no wellness plan.

The company by boyfriend works for gets a discount to Nationwide but I am certainly open to other options! I'll check it out

 

[strykerdobe]

The company by boyfriend works for gets a discount to Nationwide but I am certainly open to other options! I'll check it out

Yes one of our friends just mentioned it to us. He also works for a company that offers it also. I would do some searching on how people like it. Since someone mentioned it was VPI before. Heard not so good things about VPI. But since Nationwide took them over maybe they got better. Looking at the site VPI is still the Underwriter of the Insurance in California.
It looks like a good Insurance. The Whole Pet with Wellness looks good!

My biggest concern with pet insurance are the ones that don't cover or have a limits for Alternative Treatments for Holistic Treatments and Supplements.

 

[MeadowCat]

I have Embrace for both dogs, $500 per year deductible (per dog), $15K per year coverage, 90% reimbursement, covers all genetic/hereditary diseases. I've been more than pleased with the coverage and know a LOT of Dobe owners who are, too, including some that have unfortunately had to deal with things like DCM meds, which can cost hundreds of dollars a month (covered).