Dog insurance (moved from the NC forums) (allergy, vet, surgery)

[TarHeelGal30]

Does anyone have insurance for their dog? Can anyone recommend a carrier?

[sls76]

I've used two different companies. One was VPI. The other is the one you get through Kroger (Pet First). The reason I like Pet First is because I have two dogs and the premium for the second dog is about $10/month ($40/month total) even though the benefits double. It almost pays for itself with our annual visits and shots plus Heartgard and Fronline Plus reimbursements. I don't think it's as good of a deal with just one dog.

My dog is a great example of why having pet insurance is a good idea. She's six and had bladder stone surgery, double cataract surgery and major issues with her teeth. Unfortunately, I stopped our pet insurance after having it for a year and just picked it up last year (so her conditions are all preexisting and not covered). We've probably spent close to $6000 on surgery for her.

[NCBoyMommy]

We used to have VPI but they actually dropped my oldest dog a little over a year ago (age 7). So after that we went with the Banfield insurance and it works out well for their annual stuff and dentals.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by NCBoyMommy

We used to have VPI but they actually dropped my oldest dog a little over a year ago (age 7). So after that we went with the Banfield insurance and it works out well for their annual stuff and dentals.

My understanding is that the Banfield plan is a wellness plan and not insurance. I would do research on the difference and make sure you get what you're looking for because there are some horror stories on the web about Banfield (from uninformed consumers who thought they were buying insurance).

[TarHeelGal30]

Thanks for the suggestions! My company offers a 5% discount through Embrace and VPI however not knowing anything about Pet Insurance it's a bit confusing! Are shots and spaying covered?

Do you have to see the Banfield Vets at Petsmart in order to receive their insurance?

[sls76]

Originally Posted by TarHeelGal30

Thanks for the suggestions! My company offers a 5% discount through Embrace and VPI however not knowing anything about Pet Insurance it's a bit confusing! Are shots and spaying covered?

Do you have to see the Banfield Vets at Petsmart in order to receive their insurance?

It looks like VPI covers $100 of spaying if you get their Premier plan. Shots should definitely be covered. The way my policy works is they reimburse so much for certain shots and if it's more than that that's out of our pockets. I'm sure if you call them they can explain how it works and what is / isn't covered. Who knew dogs get acne?

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) - What's Covered

[NCBoyMommy]

Originally Posted by sls76

My understanding is that the Banfield plan is a wellness plan and not insurance. I would do research on the difference and make sure you get what you're looking for because there are some horror stories on the web about Banfield (from uninformed consumers who thought they were buying insurance).

We have the Optimum plan and it covers all your wellness/annual stuff and then gives a discount on all other services and free office visits. The only catch would be that it's only good at Banfield. So when we went to VSH and NCSU to have our dog diagnosed and treated for Addison's that was not covered. Now that he's back at Banfield to get his shots and medications that is all covered. So it is what we were looking for. We have 4 pets and the Banfield plan is CHEAP!!!

We really didn't have very good luck with VPI. They were bad about denying claims and like I said they dropped our oldest dog when she got "too old".

[NCBoyMommy]

Originally Posted by TarHeelGal30

Do you have to see the Banfield Vets at Petsmart in order to receive their insurance?

Yes you do.

[ADVentive]

We have had policies on both of our dogs at PetsHealth for years.

Pet Health Insurance - Free Online Quotes, Enroll Online, Online Client Resources and Pet Insurance Research Center

[ShepsMom]

Personally, i consider pet insurance is not worth my attention.

First of all, what exactly does it cover? I can tell you for sure it will not cover any predisposed/genetic conditions, such as HD, Blindness, and other stuff, depending on the breed.

Vaccinations: of course it will cover vaccionations and vet visits. I only vaccinate my dogs once in 3 years for rabbies, any other vaccines are worthless and cause more bad then good.

Will it cover flea/tick control treatments?

Will it cover blood work, allergy tests, etc??
Just few things to consider.

For me, it will be cheaper to pay ones a year for a vet visit and full blood work, then to pay every month.

My female had a surgery because she bloated, do you think pet insurance would cover that? I can bet your butt it will fall under genetics/predisposed condition.

So, if someone can provide me with any potential benefits/savings by having pet insurance, i'd be glad look into it.