infinity
Junior Member
Posts: 65 
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Post by infinity on Aug 7, 2014 6:31:11 GMT
We just got a puppy, he's only 2 months old and we are looking at Pet insurance. Does anyone have this? If you have this and you used it does it really work or are there catches to it? Thanks in advance
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Post by BeckyTech on Aug 7, 2014 7:08:55 GMT
I have it but have not used it, but I did use this comparison chart to help me figure out what was available, what was important to me in a plan, and what I wanted to purchase. Some considerations include per incident vs. no-matter-what coverage. Then there are hereditary conditions (some plans cover those, some have limits, some don't cover them at all.) Also I threw out anything that limited me on where I could go. I might want to go up to the Veterinary teaching hospital (one of the best in the country) or to the surgeon (who costs a bit more but whom I have complete faith in) at the specialized hospital near me, rather than where an insurance company might want me to go. I have heard other peas comment very favorably on Trupanion (I think), but I'll have to defer to others for actual experiences. ETA: I will say that I deeply, deeply regret not having purchased pet insurance in the past. |
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Post by lovetodigi on Aug 7, 2014 11:12:00 GMT
We have the Wellness Plan through Banfield. It is great, especially with a new puppy because it includes spay/neuter. Also covered are a comprehensive exam and all vaccines, plus free office visits. We have our three dogs and cat on the one that covers teeth cleaning. Here is a link to the puppy plan. If you check the box on the left, on the webpage, it will give you prices. |
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,947
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Post by peppermintpatty on Aug 7, 2014 11:31:14 GMT
I did some research recently and you have to realize that the Wellness Plan for Banfield covers all the usual stuff that is done at a checkup, in full. It basically is a plan that you are prepaying for the services. I was going to do it but I would have to leave my vet and I haven't read the best things about Banfield. I know people like them but I have heard some bad stuff about their lack of care. I am still weighing my options.
Now pet insurance is just like your health insurance. You have a deductible, you have a lifetime max, you have a coinsurance amount. Take the teeth cleaning, most insurance will only pay up to $250 for cleaning. Well, my vet charges between $700-$800 for a cleaning so once I meet my deductible of say $1000, I haven't saved a penny. The daily expenses that people want to use pet insurance for are just not there. You are better off paying out of pocket. You are basically paying for a plan and hoping that your dog will have to use it. Those plans are for if your pet has a catastrophic illness. If the breed is prone to problems then I would look into it. Otherwise I would think long and hard. I did find a policy that was quite comprehensive yet it would have cost me over $2600/year! Other than that, all the plans didn't cover much and I would still be on the hook for a lot.
What I am looking for is something to defray the cost of the teeth cleaning so I may suck it up and do the Banfield thing for a year and see how it is.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,987
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Post by Nanner on Aug 7, 2014 12:24:27 GMT
We are with Trupanion, but haven't had to use it, fortunately. I don't believe they cover your standard teeth cleaning at all. At least not in Canada.
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akathy
What's For Dinner?
Still peaing from Podunk!
Posts: 4,546
Location: North Dakota
Jun 25, 2014 22:56:55 GMT
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Post by akathy on Aug 7, 2014 12:36:30 GMT
When Stella was a pup I considered pet insurance and talked it over with my vet. He said that he didn't think pet insurance was worth it. I'm glad I didn't get it because in the 7 years I've had her I've only had to pay for routine care and the insurance would've cost me more than what I've paid.
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