Pet Insurance

[CFEonline]

Do you have this, use it? Any anecdotes of it being useful or useless? Companies to use or avoid?

Vet prices seem more transparent and reasonable than human health care. It seems that major Ortho issues will run $10-15k, and major oncologic issues $25-50k. Just starting to look into various companies, premiums and exclusions to see if it's worth the insurance or better to self insure.

[StarTrekDoc]

Nationwide for our golden. Only used twice but worth it for peace of mind on dollar cost averaging for that big surgery or illness in the future for her

[Anne]

I do not. Looked into it initially (rescue puppy on resident salary) but decided against it as I was comfortable with self insuring. She is turning 11 and has had pretty good health overall and think I have likely come out ahead or broke even with self-insuring without having to deal with the paperwork. I would have no problem financially or emotionally covering a 5 figure bill for her if the result was a better life for her. I would have a hard time taking heroic measures to prolong her life if she was going to be in much pain so would not pursue certain interventions in that situation. She is a mixed breed (100% mutt) and from what I understand that probably lowers her risk of health issues overall, so something to think about if you are looking at a particular purebred.

[Hatton]

Never had it. I just paid $3500 for knee surgery on my rescue darling. I am skeptical that the speciality vet surgeons would accept it.

[G]

My current dog has had an elbow and both knees done. This made me run the numbers, the break even would be between the first and second surgery. Like Hatton alluded to, there is a benefit to being cash pay...my vet said the 5th limb would be free.

[fasteddie911]

We have healthypaws. Purchased as a puppy and it has more than paid for itself by now. I could see us eventually dropping it though and just paying out of pocket. Either way it can come out ok, really depends, you just never know. Ours we get reimbursed by insurance after paying the vet, so vet isn't part of any insurance transaction. The rules are pretty clear what is/isn't covered and has been pretty straightforward and easy so far for us.

[StateOfMyHead]

I've also never gotten it and have financed 4 knees on 2 dogs. My friend a vet said it is worthwhile and should cover the ortho specialty type stuff as well. They use ASPCA. My plan will be to do it on the next rescue-whatever we get.

[sando23]

I also have healthy paws and at 2 years I've come out ahead due to a minor orthopedic issue and one illness. As mentioned, they reimburse for the vet bill and I've never had any trouble - I get an email receipt and upload it, quickly get a response about how much I'll get back. Would highly recommend it if a 4 figure vet bill would be difficult to handle

[CFEonline]

What made you choose healthy paws out of curiosity?

[fasteddie911]

I cross-shopped with a few other highly rated companies (forget which ones though, sorry) and healthypaws had the best rates.