[Jewl]

Re: Pet Insurance

Hi everyone, I'm new to the site. It looks like there is a ton of info on here that is so beneficial. I just lost my 15 year old Beagle named Desi on Christmas Eve. I recently adopted another sweet little Beagle girl and her name is Maggie. Desi had a lot of allergies, anal gland issues..a few little things and a couple of surgeries, which totaled up to quite a bit of money over the years that I had her. So I'm considering pet insurance. I have already had Maggie in the vet for her ears (ear wax build up) but the bill with Heartworm medication came to over $ 100.00 and it seems everytime I walk through the front door it's $ 100.00. Don't get me wrong I have a great vet and they helped me tremendously with Desi but the costs can add up quickly. Any comments or experiences with certain insurance companies would be welcome!

Thank you! Jewls

 

[beaglesmom]

I've looked into it - but with ten dogs to "cover" it would take my whole social security check just to pay premiums - just not cost effective for me. You might do a "search" for pet insurance, compare prices, and what is (and isn't) covered, and see if it would be of benefit to you. I think most have a deductible and don't pay for vaccinations, etc. There are several companies out there - I don't have it, but I'm sure some of the members here do have it. I agree that costs can mount quickly - if Maggie is a YOUNG dog it would be less expensive - most charge by "age" of the animal. Since I have ten dogs ranging from 9 months old to almost 8 years old .....!
Anyway, welcome to Beagle World!

 

[Murphys Dad]

Welcome to BW! So sorry for your loss of Desi but expect that Maggie is keeping you busy and occupying that empty space. I also have a Maggie who I adopted at about 1 year of age and she is now almost 13. In hindsight, I wish I had had pet insurance -- many, many thousands spent over the last years. I had checked out a few, including AAA, when she was older but, as beaglesmom said, they charged by age and it was too expensive to consider. The policies do vary greatly -- those that do not cover routine care are, of course, less expensive. If I were considering it today, I think I would get a policy that did not cover routine care -- my budget can handle planned expenses. It's those unexpected events which end up costing mega bucks that I would like to insure against. I have always commented to friends that I am shocked when I can leave the vet's office for less than $100 and, I too, have a great vet who tries his best to save me money.
When you get a chance, do post an introduction in that section. If you're up to it, share some memories of Desi and we would love pictures (of both Desi and Maggie).

 

[jassy]

Hi, I also have a Maggie. She is about 18 months old now. I have Petcare Insurance for her. It is accident, illness coverage only not routine care although I think they might have a plan that includes routine care. I looked at a lot of plans and this one did not have any breed specific exclusions for beagles. When I purchased the original policy they wanted to underwrite at the time of my first claim. I refused that and told them I wanted all exclusions in writing. I have a 12 month exclusion on removal of decidious teeth (she had to have some baby teeth pulled), and a 12 month exclusion on her right rear leg. She had some pain in that leg as a pup but the vet couldn't find anything and she has had no trouble since. Thankfully, I haven't needed to make a claim so I don't know how rapidly they pay. In another group I belong to a lot of people have VIP insurance. That pays on routine stuff but is not as good on the big things and has lots of exclusions. Other people in that group have started animal emergency accounts and deposit the premium in there. Whatever you do read all of the fine print before you buy anything and get all exclusions in writing. Let me know what you find. Its been almost a year since I bought mine and I would be interested in knowing if there is anything new or better available.

 

[BeagleBabe]

We have a couple topics regarding pet insurance that you might find helpful:
http://www.abeagleworld.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=15;t=000005
http://www.abeagleworld.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=15;t=000020

 

[Jewl]

Thank you for the greetings and all the great info on insurance! I have read that it is a good idea to just start an "emergency" savings account instead of paying the premiums for insurance. That might be the best way to go...that way if it's not used you are at least earning a little interest(little being the key word!) At least it's not going into someone else's pocket. My Maggie is 5 years old. I would love to post pictures, but not sure how to yet. Any help in that area? Thanks again for the warm welcome!

 

[Zookeeper]

Dave and I were discussing pet insurance last night. With this recent scare with Duke, he's now had 2 ER visits totalling $1,000. Though I haven't looked into the policies to see what they would have paid in these cases to know if it would be cost effective, I plan to. Though they may not insure Duke when they see all the ER trips for eating what he shouldn't!