Pet Insurance..Worth It or Not? (horses, animals, abused, discount)
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Has anyone ever elected to purchase Pet Insurance...I read one women's response to VPI Insurance and she said not to sign-up and just stash away some money each month for a rainy day in case a problem arises with a pet...
Location: Comunistafornia, and working to get out ASAP!
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We had a lady that worked with us, she would let her dog sleep with her, brush it's teeth, take it to the groomer, paint its nails, and have a picture of it on her desk. I thought to myself these kind of deluted people would make great "pet insurance" customers I would have made a buch of $$.
But this is just yet another dark picture of how America has slipped into this twisted amoral state.
Not for me. The cost you would pay a year is way more than what you would usually pay in a years worth of vet bills. My worst year was last year with $1000 in bills (with unfortunately both animals dying). Normally I maybe pay $100 a year for routine stuff. This is for just a few pets though. If I had a kennel or more horses I think I would get it.
Most pet insurance has small yearly limits, excludes pre-existing conditions (and if your pet is diagnosed with something this year it will become next year's pre-existing condition), many vets do not accept the pet insurance so you would still have to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement, premiums go up based on the age of the pet, and some older pets are excluded.
If there is a Banefield near you, they offer a yearly program. It is pretty expensive, but you no longer have to pay the fee for office visits. They include 1 surgery per year, and some discounts. Banefield is like any other place, and some are better than others based on the actual personnel.
I also recommend putting some cash away in a seperate bank account for emergencies. For me, this is a more sensible approach.
I purchase all of my grooming supplies, heartworm/flea control, treats, etc. online and save a ton of money.
Oh, and my dog sleeps with me, gets her nails painted, and there is a picture of her on my desk. I am smart enough to have researched this subject and found that it was not right for me.
I have four dogs and found that pet insurance was not a good idea for me, I take them to the vet yearly and keep some money for emergencies put away.
I have pictures of my dogs on my desk, in my house, in my truck, they get groomed, teeth brushed and two sleep with me.
My dogs are cleaner, better behaved than most kids.
My daughter feels that being able to take care of animals is a privledge and that anyone that abuses animals should be abused.Not taking care of your animals is immoral.
Thanks for all your responses...think I will sit this one out and just stash the loot away...Also, would love to know the site for grooming supplies etc...Thanks....
I also steer away from pet insurance. I have two dogs, who sleep with me, eat a super premium diet (human grade food & naturally preserved rather than chemically preserved, without "by-products"), get their bathes every other month and get their teeth brushed along with going for car rides when the weather is optimal.
I figure if you take quality care of them and they see their vet regularly (once a year until senior and twice after htting seniorhood), then you're already saving tons of money.
I have friends who actually have credit cards that are just for use for their pets
You may want to check out PetAssure. They are a pet wellness program not an Insurance company. You pay a yearly fee (cheap) and you get 25% off at the Vet instantly. There is a network of participating vets. You would have to go to their site to find one closest to you. No forms to fill out, no deductables. It also applies to grooming places and pet supplies. I have two dogs and two cats. My yearly fee is $154.00. I spend over $300 a year on heartworm pills alone, not to mention annual visits and exams. The fee pays for itself and in an emergency it's nice to know I get a 25% discount.
Regards, Tom
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