Do You Have Pet Insurance for Your Bichon? Could you share experiences with it?

[Rawfed (Ella)]

I was in no way suggesting not paying the vet.I simply meant not having the means to pay until the insurance money came in would not make me delay emergency treatment.
Alison

I know exactly what you mean!  I would do the same, if I didn't have the money to pay, I wouldn't tell them until my dog was ok and then I would make a payment plan with them, otherwise, they will just refuse, I'm guessing. So I'd rather my dog be saved and worry about the money after. It's not that I wouldn't pay, I would! I'd be grateful, but I wouldn't want money to come between my pet being saved or not. But I am not sure if they can keep your pet until you pay. Can they? Can a vet refuse to release your dog to you if the bill is very high and you can't pay?

[Annie36]

I think it is best to work out the financial part before hand. That way there is no hard feelings when payment is not made like the vet thought. Honesty up front and I am sure most vets would work out a payment plan for you. I would go to the bank if I had to for a loan. I have no idea if they can keep your pet for nonpayment....never thought about it before. I am sure it is different from state to state though..... I may have to go google this one.

[Alison]

I wonder if that would work for my 17 year old ? I'm sure I could think of something to take him to a private hospital for.I could refuse to pay and they could happliy keep him for a few months   ( I would go back in the end,honest!!!) .Alison

[Alison]

Will Abby's second surgery be as extensive?  Any thoughts that the insurance company will not pay for a second operation or has it already been approved.?

Yes it'll be the same for the 2nd leg we think.We're going back on the 10th so I'll know more then.Insurance has already approved treatment and this an on going claim so we should be ok.I wouldn't want to delay and give them a chance to exclude though.

Alison

[anth75]

I wonder if that would work for my 17 year old ? I'm sure I could think of something to take him to a private hospital for.I could refuse to pay and they could happliy keep him for a few months  ( I would go back in the end,honest!!!) .Alison

i bet you would ;.)

[Raewync (Rae)]

I think you all should move to New Zealand.  I had never bothered with insurance, thought it was a rip off, and with Hannah she was never sick until just before she died, for her the final surgery cost $1300.  It was money we did not begrudge even though we knew the outcome would not be great.  She didn't cost us a cent in her life outside shots, so over her 9 year life that final bill was less than insurance.

BUT, Hope is a different dog.  She was a clutz from day one, we knew this pup would be trouble when she got her head stuck in a tree at 7 weeks old.

At puppy class we were given a months free insurance, then the rep called around and discussed options.

Bronze, silver, gold plan, surgery only etc.

We felt Hope would be the type to break a leg or something and we best cover her.  It only cost $118 for a year to cover Hope for any surgery and pathology etc related to surgery.  The excess was $100 per claim.

When Hope got her tumor removed, the final bill was over $1000.00, they paid us out every cent, less the excess and without question, and very quickly.  I just provided all the reports from the vets plus my own run down of what happened, because it said they would only pay pathology that led to surgery not after surgery.  But when I said the vet would have to operate twice to do that and it would cost more, they never questioned they just paid it all.

We reinsured Hope this year, the cost was up a little as they had made a mistake with the premium last  year, she was meant to be breed specific, as some breeds are, but it was still only $147 for the year.  Not sure if we will keep insuring her as she gets older or not, but it is great peace of mind knowing we can go ahead with surgery and not have money worries.

Our plans are all laid out very clear.  Each one shows you how much they will pay out for each claim, like say a bowl obstruction, they will pay up to $2000.00, they are clear on what they will not pay for too.  No fine print.

I guess like everything in life there is no right or wrong answer, just what you feel comfortable with

[anth75]

i think trupanion may be the only company that will cover genetic disorders. that was why i chose them and glad i did. alot of people make the mistake of not doing their homework and just get the first insurance they see. i am glad i did because this surgery wouldnt have been covered and we would be out over 3000.

Keep us apprised. The final proof is when you get that reimbursement check. Call me a cynic, but knowing how US insurance companies try to wriggle out of things...

got my check in the mail today and they paid 90% of everything including x-rays from my vet and intial visit with surgeon! i would DEF recommened tru-panion!