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dotcomkari

dotcomkari

The Deaf Superstar
Joined
May 24, 2012
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Okay with a new furry addition joining my family , a 7 month old chocolate lab/pit mix ... named Everest Bean .. I've considered getting pet insurance. Vet bills are outrageous!!! I've never used it before and need some advice

Does anyone use pet insurance?
Which one works best for you?
What does it cost?
What does it cover?
Do you like it or wish you didn't get it?
 
I have mixed feelings. I didn't get pet insurance for my dog because I could "afford" vet bills if they came up. That was technically true but then my dog had a serious spinal compression and the vet mentioned a $2,000 MRI and $10,000 surgery. That would have been a hard pill to swallow even if I could theoretically afford it. Fortunately, it turned out my dog didn't need those but it did make me reconsider insurance a bit. If anything, it would take some of the hesitance out of getting major procedures done that I might have otherwise had. On the other hand, pet insurance is pretty expensive and gets more expensive as your pet gets older (and when you typically need the care). I've heard of people who take the pet insurance money and put it in a separate bank account to be used for pet medical bills but I imagine that takes a lot of discipline.
 
Yay for a new furry addition! Love the name! Sorry no pet insurance here but hopefully you get the info you need.
 
dotcomkari said:
Okay with a new furry addition joining my family , a 7 month old chocolate lab/pit mix ... named Everest Bean .. I've considered getting pet insurance. Vet bills are outrageous!!! I've never used it before and need some advice

Does anyone use pet insurance?
Which one works best for you?
What does it cost?
What does it cover?
Do you like it or wish you didn't get it?
Click to expand...
My friend had it for a few years for her cats and they always seem to deny the charges so she gave it up as it wasnt worth it as the insurance never paid their claims.
 
Never had it for any of my 3 Havanese.

I have a line item in my budget for pet expenses. Actually 2 lines items: Dog: Veterinary which includes prescriptions/grooming and Dog: Food/Other which includes any kennel expenses if needed. Thankfully I have not had any major issues with any of the dogs.

I've also heard that many times the charges are denied.
 
I’m not sure how pet insurance compares between different countries. I live in the Netherlands, and we’ve never taken out pet insurance. It’s pretty expensive, and if your pet stays healthy (...or pretty healthy), you end up spending way more than you would on vet bills. And, you cannot wait to take one until you think you might need it. e.g. you have to take one before your dog turns 5, and ofc most health issues in dogs show after that age.

If you’re unlucky and your pet develops health issues later in life, you might still end up paying less out of pocket, depending on whether it needs surgery or long-term, expensive medication.
Personally, I think the best approach is just to put aside the amount you’d normally pay for insurance, especially if you don’t already have savings. We used to set aside money each month for unexpected bills (not only the vet). Luckily, our pets never needed anything too expensive.
 
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