Insurance

[Allison Dry]

Hey Y'all!
So, as some of you know I am new to this website and am not sure if I am doing it right, but I have a question.
I get my pup Saturday and am looking for some pet insurance that is not outrageously priced but covers it all. I am in Tennessee if it makes any difference.
Thanks,
Allison

 

[Ddski5]

There are many kinds from AKC, Nationwide, PetFirst, HealthyPaws, Embrace, etc.... I reviewed them all.

I sat down and wrote down the pros/cons of each one along with what mine needed and ended up deciding Embrace was the best fit for me. The main reasons were:
1. It has a yearly deductible rather than visit deductible.
2. They cover hereditary conditions.
3. Good customer reviews on processing claims.
4. If you don’t submit a claim the year you are covered, then the next year your deductible is reduced.

I was on the fence of getting insurance, back and forth for months until finally I called and did it. I am glad I did, shortly after getting out of the grace period, Ragnar swallowed a sock and had abdominal obstruction surgery. All in all a ~$4,000 situation. I filed and three weeks later I received 90% back, the premium I chose.

Do a search for pet insurance, other members use Nationwide and others I believe.

 

[GennyB]

The first thing I'll say is insurance is a must IMO. Next take a look at some comparison sites like this 10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2018 [Updated]
Pet Insurance Comparison 2018: Who's Best? | CanineJournal.com

Next you have to decide what is important to have covered. You can sort of pick and choose. Hereditary conditions are must with this breed. I have no doubt you can find a policy that will fit your budget.

 

[Allison Dry]

There are many kinds from AKC, Nationwide, PetFirst, HealthyPaws, Embrace, etc.... I reviewed them all.

I sat down and wrote down the pros/cons of each one along with what mine needed and ended up deciding Embrace was the best fit for me. The main reasons were:
1. It has a yearly deductible rather than visit deductible.
2. They cover hereditary conditions.
3. Good customer reviews on processing claims.
4. If you don’t submit a claim the year you are covered, then the next year your deductible is reduced.

I was on the fence of getting insurance, back and forth for months until finally I called and did it. I am glad I did, shortly after getting out of the grace period, Ragnar swallowed a sock and had abdominal obstruction surgery. All in all a ~$4,000 situation. I filed and three weeks later I received 90% back, the premium I chose.

Do a search for pet insurance, other members use Nationwide and others I believe.

Thank you!
I am just looking around for one and trying to find real people that have used it and if/how it went. Price isn’t really a huge deal I just don’t wanna dump a lot into it.

 

[Allison Dry]

The first thing I'll say is insurance is a must IMO. Next take a look at some comparison sites like this 10 Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2018 [Updated]
Pet Insurance Comparison 2018: Who's Best? | CanineJournal.com

Next you have to decide what is important to have covered. You can sort of pick and choose. Hereditary conditions are must with this breed. I have no doubt you can find a policy that will fit your budget.

I agree, especially for this pup. I find it needed as well!!!

 

[My2Girls]

We have Nationwide for both our dobies. You can do everything on-line. The claim forms are pre-filled with our dog’s information, I have the vet email me the invoice and medical notes and I submit everything electronically. It has definitely paid off for my two. I initially had both the wellness and medical but after the first year I dropped down to just the medical insurance. The wellness portion was not worth it. Also if you have a Costco membership, Nationwide offers a discount.

 

[strykerdobe]

The best thing is to talk to others who have pet insurance. Then I would look at that companies policy. Look for Exclusions and read them. I know one insurance company they only allowed only one Obstruction per policy period. For me with a puppy that was not a choice. Puppies can get into everything. Some will have a waiting period on joint issues. But if you have them Vet checked they will waive the waiting period. I would also have your Dobe vet checked every year.
Then decide on deductibles and amounts of Reimbursements. Reimbursements can range from 70%, 80%, 90%.
Which will all effect the monthly payments. Also paying for a whole year sometimes will be cheaper.
Also ask the company how much will premiums go up as the dog gets older and at what ages???

 

[GennyB]

Also paying for a whole year sometimes will be cheaper.

We pay ours annually and it's a significant discount.

 

[GennyB]

I am just looking around for one and trying to find real people that have used it and if/how it went.

To answer your question I don't know where we would be without it. I highly recommend it! My female is young and pretty healthy. Thank God no obstructions, just one illness that was expensive to diagnose. My male just turned 8 last month. With him we definitely made a good decision. When he was younger it was more injuries. A year ago he was diagnosed with Occult DCM. Meds alone could bankrupt some people.

 

[strykerdobe]

I will always tell someone who is thinking about getting a Doberman. Get pet insurance!

Doberman owners and Dobes are already at minimum 50-60% chance of their dogs getting DCM some time in their life.
Our boy was diagnosed with Occult DCM at 6yrs old. He has been on meds since then. Vetmedin, Sotolol,
Enalapril, Spironolactone and Thyroid meds.

Depending on what meds they need to take. It could be upwards of $300 a month.
Vetmedin about $106 for 10mg BID for 25 days worth.
Then if you want to also help treat with supplements it will be above the $300 a month.
A friend of ours her Dobe who has DCM. She can’t take Mexiletine because it’s hard on her Liver. So they are trying a different anti Arrhythmic drug called Procainamide HCI. This one costs $162 for 33 day supply.