topic Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE in Pet Lovers

PET INSURANCE ADVICE

eddyandme — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:27:04 GMT

Want to purchase a pet insurance policy just to cover anything catastrophic, God forbid. Happy Paws was my first choice. However, aside from being very expensive, when I called for information, my boy had a broken back when first rescued, couldn't get a straight answer from the rep and she really wouldn't check into the coverage - no policies cover pre-existing and trying to find out what types of problems the insurance would attribute to pre-existing.

Anyways, I signed with Embrace as the rep was most helpful. For example, arthritis in the area would not be covered; and, she promised that within twelve days, the company would get the medical history from my vet and after reviewing would advise me as to what wouldn't be covered due to the prior injury: at that time, I can cancel and get a refund should I choose.

Though I've read many reviews (on many companies), I'd appreciate input from fellow pet lovers, as I trust your experiences/opinions more that just online reviews. I know insurance companies are notorious for not paying claims, and I could put that sum aside, but, if you're hit out of the blue with something major, I'd never be able to cover it. Embrace pays up to $15K annually which I thought was pretty good.

Thanks for your opinions,

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

NickNack — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:42:59 GMT

I got health insurance a year ago for my dog, who is now four years old. I went with Healthy Paws because they covered congenital conditions, had an annual deductible rather than per incident deductible and unlimited lifetime benefits. It was the cheapest from the ones that I compared to it. It was rated no. 1 in the list that I found from Consumers Advocate. I did consider Embrace as it was highly rated, too. I can understand your going with Embrace after talking with the representative.

I have filed a couple of claims, but nothing major. They did pay my claims promptly, and you can submit them online or by mail.

I'm so sorry that your pet had a broken back. That sounds just awful. I hope he recovered completely. It's wonderful that you rescued him.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 15:12:40 GMT

When I got my Bogey and took him in for his first checkup, I asked the office personnel who had the best insurance. I also asked the Vet. Although they had different companies' brochures in the office, they all said Embrace was the best, in their opinion. So, Bogey is insured by Embrace.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

eddyandme — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 15:16:15 GMT

@NickNack

Thanks, NickNack, you did get the best. I checked the ratings also, but, I trust everyone here's opinions much more. Embrace doesn't have the unlimited - that's why I preferred Happy Paws, but, I'd like to have some idea of how much would be considered non-covered. What I also liked about both these insurers is that there's an annual deductible, not a deductible per incident; also, they cover acupuncture if recommended by the vet. I had had Banfield Insurance before for my Jade which they call insurance, but quickly found out it really wasn't insurance. So, aside from vet bills I had Tufts and the acupuncture doctor bills too - with no insurance! That's why I'm a little leary this time and looking into it as much as possible. Fortunately they accepted Shadow and he can stay on with them indefinitely. Embrace got rated down 'cause they don't accept dogs of a certain age.

Shadow-Jaden's recovered amazingly well. Bit of a 'problem' with his back legs - forgot what the vet called it - but, to look at him, you'd never know he was once paralyzed. He jumps and runs and plays and is truly enjoying life! SCR actually rescued him just in time as he was on the e-list. I'm sooo grateful for that and their fantastic surgeons for he is such a special soul!

Thanks for your assurance, NickNack - I feel much better now!

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

zanna — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 15:39:16 GMT

I just cancelled Healthy Paws on both of my 8 yr old cats after carrying it for 18 months. They paid out less than $40 during that time. Recently I've had a couple of larger vet bills for one of my cats and it just seemed like Healthy Paws found a way to weasle out of everything. If they found even a mention of a condition in a previous medical history, such as watching for a condition, they considered that pre-existing. I decided to cut my losses.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

SeaMaiden — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 16:18:04 GMT

I have been with PetPlan since my Golden was 11 months....she is going on six now. Never had to use it, but, it is rated highly. Here is a website that compares the top insurance co. for pets in 2016.

http://www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance/best-pet-insurance.html?matchtype=e&keyword=pet%20insurance&adpos=1t1&subid=google&gclid=CLG_8aXdscwCFVKDfgodP7kPTQ

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

HappyDaze — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 16:36:08 GMT

@zanna wrote:
I just cancelled Healthy Paws on both of my 8 yr old cats after carrying it for 18 months. They paid out less than $40 during that time. Recently I've had a couple of larger vet bills for one of my cats and it just seemed like Healthy Paws found a way to weasle out of everything. If they found even a mention of a condition in a previous medical history, such as watching for a condition, they considered that pre-existing. I decided to cut my losses.

THIS is exactly why I don't bother with pet insurance anymore and I just put away an amount every month to help cover any super crazy expenses. I have tried several types over the years and they all seem to do this. The only thing they actually covered was a broken leg one of my dog's had and only because they couldn't figure out a way to say it was pre-existing or genetic, lol! I thought about all the money I paid into them only for them not to cover hardly anything and I thought with all that money I gave them I could have paid my vet bills!

I also had a dog where we had to have several tests and xrays to try to determine what his condition was. They would not pay for any of these things until we got a diagnosis. Then when we got the diagnosis, they considered it genetic and didn't pay a thing. I thought they should at least pay for part of the testing in order to determine a diagnosis but nope, they don't. I wonder what happens if you never can determine a diagnosis, which has happened with a couple of the dogs we've fostered. I bet they don't pay for anything in those cases either. Worthless.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

eddyandme — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:09:07 GMT

@SeaMaiden

Thanx, that's what I went by yesterday.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

Carmie — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 20:35:51 GMT

I have PetPlan for my two dogs. I purchased it soon after I got them. One of my dogs needed an MRI and surgery and five days hospitalization and I was reimbursed almost $8000 for one year alone.

Now I use it for her medications and office visits. They always pay within a few days with no problems. I have an insurance background, so I always send the required paperwork with the claim.

My other dog has never used her insurance, but I am glad that it is there for her if she ever needs it.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

eddyandme — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 22:50:22 GMT

@Carmie

That's exactly why I went with a high deductible and max payout. I can live with the routine visits/shots, etc., but once you hit those emergency procedures or cancer treatments (imo there seems to be an abundance of cancer in our furbabies nowadays) one gets blindsided by the hospital/procedure costs and, I hope, pet insurance will greatly help out.

I, too, worked for an insurance co many years ago. OGC, corporate taxes, so didn't leave me with the knowledge you have in this field!

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

Carmie — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 22:51:03 GMT

@HappyDaze wrote:
@zanna wrote:
I just cancelled Healthy Paws on both of my 8 yr old cats after carrying it for 18 months. They paid out less than $40 during that time. Recently I've had a couple of larger vet bills for one of my cats and it just seemed like Healthy Paws found a way to weasle out of everything. If they found even a mention of a condition in a previous medical history, such as watching for a condition, they considered that pre-existing. I decided to cut my losses.
THIS is exactly why I don't bother with pet insurance anymore and I just put away an amount every month to help cover any super crazy expenses. I have tried several types over the years and they all seem to do this. The only thing they actually covered was a broken leg one of my dog's had and only because they couldn't figure out a way to say it was pre-existing or genetic, lol! I thought about all the money I paid into them only for them not to cover hardly anything and I thought with all that money I gave them I could have paid my vet bills!

I also had a dog where we had to have several tests and xrays to try to determine what his condition was. They would not pay for any of these things until we got a diagnosis. Then when we got the diagnosis, they considered it genetic and didn't pay a thing. I thought they should at least pay for part of the testing in order to determine a diagnosis but nope, they don't. I wonder what happens if you never can determine a diagnosis, which has happened with a couple of the dogs we've fostered. I bet they don't pay for anything in those cases either. Worthless.

PetPlan does not cover pre-x conditions, but they do cover genetic conditions. My dog has a genetic disease and they have always covered it with no questions.

The secret to buying pet insurance is to buy it before your pet has an illness or problems. You can't wait unti your pet is ill, then decide to insure them. Of course, accidents can always happen and it's nice to know that they are insured.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

GOODBYEGIRL — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 23:02:56 GMT

I have had VPI (now NATIONWIDE) for the past 12 years. During those years I have insured two boxers and 2 shelties.

I have been very pleased with the service, the reimbursements, and the promptness of the company.

They are always available to answer my questions, can build any type of policy you desire and you have the option to change your coverage at the end of each policy year.

You can get online quotes or call them to talk to an agent.

They are very nice. I also love the fact that my vet does all my paperwork and most times, the paperwork is faxed to Nationwide before I even leave the office.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

eddyandme — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 23:10:45 GMT

@Carmie

I adopted Shadow from Second Chance Rescue NY. Shadow had been found wandering the streets of Manhattan dragging his hind legs. Because he was paralyzed - some slime had broken the little boy's back - ACCNY had put him on death row. Fortunately, he got rescued and received wonderful medical/rehab treatment. Although he can walk, run, jump and play, one cannot be restored 100%. I understand ins cos are out to make a profit, but I do wish some consideration would be afforded to rescue babies to at least not totally deny coverage in these special cases. I'm sure more people would rescue these babies if some type of coverage would be extended to pre-existing conditions in these situations. Anyways, got a policy for my baby and we'll get by fine. Thanx, for sharing.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

eddyandme — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 23:13:47 GMT

@GOODBYEGIRL

Thanx. Never heard of Nationwide, but I will keep that in mind. I had a boxer year's ago - great breed!

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

NickNack — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 23:23:05 GMT

@eddyandme It just breaks my heart what happened to Shadow before you got him.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

Carmie — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 23:46:10 GMT

@eddyandme wrote:
@Carmie

I adopted Shadow from Second Chance Rescue NY. Shadow had been found wandering the streets of Manhattan dragging his hind legs. Because he was paralyzed - some slime had broken the little boy's back - ACCNY had put him on death row. Fortunately, he got rescued and received wonderful medical/rehab treatment. Although he can walk, run, jump and play, one cannot be restored 100%. I understand ins cos are out to make a profit, but I do wish some consideration would be afforded to rescue babies to at least not totally deny coverage in these special cases. I'm sure more people would rescue these babies if some type of coverage would be extended to pre-existing conditions in these situations. Anyways, got a policy for my baby and we'll get by fine. Thanx, for sharing.

You're an angel of mercy. That poor fur baby got a wonderful second chance with you.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

eddyandme — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 00:28:20 GMT

@NickNack@Carmie

I was heartbroken, too, when I read Shadow's story on facebook. But, I'm the LUCKY one - seeing his love for me and total happiness in his life now is just a very special gift. I was devastated when I lost my Jade and I truly believed she brought Shadow to me and he constantly puts a smile on my face and constantly bestows snuggles and kisses on me. And he's blossomed within himself: he now realizes that he is truly a very special, precious soul.

They say the furbaby we need always seems to find us, so we help each other. I just wish more babies would be rescued and kill 'shelters' would be closed. I'd take them all in if I could. But, can't really donate right now so I joined AmazonSmile and have them donate to SCR - figure it's better than nothing!

Sorry, didn't mean to spiel. But, I do want to thank you for your very helpful postings!

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

NickNack — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 01:12:38 GMT

I donate to a rescue site through AmazonSmile, too @eddyandme. I wish everybody knew about it.

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

feline groovy — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 02:12:12 GMT

@Nicknack wrote:
I donate to a rescue site through AmazonSmile, too @eddyandme. I wish everybody knew about it.

ITA @NickNack; mine is the ASPCA. Super easy, since it's automatic when you make any purchase.

Kisses to Frankie... 8)

Re: PET INSURANCE ADVICE

NickNack — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 12:23:26 GMT

@feline groovy wrote:
@Nicknack wrote:
I donate to a rescue site through AmazonSmile, too @eddyandme. I wish everybody knew about it.

ITA @NickNack; mine is the ASPCA. Super easy, since it's automatic when you make any purchase.
Kisses to Frankie... 8)