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

[kate1064]

I'm in Scotland, i did look into insurance when i got Bo last June. I looked at lots of policies and couldn't decide on one-i also thought £16 a month was a lot as i dont work. Some limit the amount you can claim in a year or per illness. So to date shes not insured.
When i got my first bichon Sophie (1994) she was insured and did need an operation and other treatment but then the policies went up each year and in the end i cancelled it as it was up to £16 a month which going back all those years seemed excessive to me. I always knew that if something happened to any of my fluffs i would find the money somehow-or borrow from my mum 

[Alison]

Thats terrible Ken.No wonder you were mad.Its only the top level of Abby's covers genetic causes and our vet said her problem could be although not definate.
Our Westie wasn't and had tons of problems.We used to spend a good £50 a month on her.It was all autoimmune problems though and I'm sure they would have put an exclusion on the rest once we'd made a claim for some of them.
It is hard.I wish there was an NHS for pets.My cats aren't insured as we have 4 and it would be too expensive.I have had a few big bills,but we just live with those.Alison

[Schnoppy]

Thats terrible Ken.No wonder you were mad.Its only the top level of Abby's covers genetic causes and our vet said her problem could be although not definate.
Our Westie wasn't and had tons of problems.We used to spend a good £50 a month on her.It was all autoimmune problems though and I'm sure they would have put an exclusion on the rest once we'd made a claim for some of them.

Thanks Alison. I appreciate your thoughts regarding Der Perfesser.  

Having spent a fair amount of time in hospital at Dorset..I can say that Human medical care in the UK hospital system made far more sense than it does here in the States.  In the US, it's a complete mess as it is dominated by big money and insurance.  I know. I am dealing with mountains of redundant bills from a recent stay for a infectious insect bite...and I cover myself with private medical insurance!!!  With the UK - it took one phone call to my healthcare provider in the US and it was done in a flash for thousands of £'s worth of orthopedic surgery.

In short, perhaps the UK general philosophy of care in medicine partially extends itself to pets also as the experiences of members @ Bichon Ca suggests a far more equitable approach to our little pals?     That being said the insurance £ amount paid by UK residents is not inexpensive.  I am happy that Abby's condition was covered by insurance as £ 4000 is a big bill.  Schnoppy's cataract surgery (out of my pocket) came out to around £ 4500 including pre-tests and other visits. Again insurance - complete 100% denial...for everything related to his cataract condition even though he is "technically" a rescue dog with unknown heritage. 

Speaking of Schnoppy - the specialist saw him recently and gave him a clean bill of health for his eyes. The advanced acrylic lenses gives him a wonderful view of the world now.  Surgery was the greatest gift we could have given the little guy, and ourselves. 

Cheers,

Ken - The Human

[Andrea]

I have done a lot of research on the pet insurance and Trupaniion appears to be the best.  They advertise that genetic conditions are covered unless it is a pre existing condition.  I am waiting to see if Lily- who had the bi lateral hip surgery- pays for her surgery.  I think that her parents have trupanion.  If it pays, I might think about investing in it.  I am worried with Noah having the bladder crystals, if at any time he develops stones, they would not pay for the surgery becasue they would consider it pre-existing.  The trupanion has an extra premium for hip dysplasia if you get the insurance before the dog is a year old.  I would consider this. Just not sure if like Annie said to put the premium payments in a saving account every month and have a fund for emergencies.

[Alison]

I'm so glad Scnoopy is ok now and had such a caring owner.I work in the NHS so am a supporter.Its got its downside,but at least its the same for all and I can offer an equitable service even if not without care of costs ( we all dream of that).Alison

[anth75]

I have trupanion for my 2 bichons which comes to around 90 a month no deductable and they pay 90%. We just recently got surgery on my lilly and the bill came to 3200.00. We sent in the initial estimate and that got approved so we are waiting to get reimbursed. And someone had mentioned that pet ins. Don't cover genetic disorders, they are worng. Trupanion does and that's why I went with them and luckily I did because my lilly had perthes disease which is considered genetic and it is covered. I did A LOT of researce on this and I would recommend trupanion. You will have to pay up from and then ger reimbursed but its better that getting zero back. Good luck

[Schnoppy]

I have trupanion for my 2 bichons which comes to around 90 a month no deductable and they pay 90%. We just recently got surgery on my lilly and the bill came to 3200.00. We sent in the initial estimate and that got approved so we are waiting to get reimbursed. And someone had mentioned that pet ins. Don't cover genetic disorders, they are worng. Trupanion does and that's why I went with them and luckily I did because my lilly had perthes disease which is considered genetic and it is covered. I did A LOT of researce on this and I would recommend trupanion. You will have to pay up from and then ger reimbursed but its better that getting zero back. Good luck

That someone is me.  Have a look at my threads regarding cataracts and you'll see the exclusions for my policy.  

I had a look at Trunpanion.  Not bad and I don't see the ridiculous clause I had in my policy for genetics.  I picked up the stupid policy at the ASPCA where they were pushing it.

Ken - the Human

[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.

[Schnoppy]

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...

[marilyn]

Insurance ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Mr Harry and Poppy are insured as you all know Mr Harry  had bladder surgery in Oct the total bill was £996 he was insured for  £500 less £50 excess!!!!  which I didn't realise till i tried to claim...read the small print....  now he is now  not covered for this condition should it re occur............needless to say I was not a happy mummy,these dam insurance companies take you money and then have the audacity to haggle when ANY condition arises...........needless to say I cancelled that Policy.

We are now insured for £6000 and any underlying condition is insured for life(except the bladder which I had to tell them about or the policy would be Nul and Void )

Marilyn

[Princess Lucy Loulou (Tina)]

I'm in the UK and with Virgin,so not sure if that will help.
I pay about £16 with £60 excess and £6000 cover per condition.It doesn't have a time limit.I think the thing to avoid is where has a limit of a year to claim from diagnosis then the condition is no longer covered.
I had insurance for Abby and was about to cancel it and save up the preiums when she was diagnosed with luxating patella so I didn't.Just over  a year later it needed surgery and cost £4000 so I was delighted we had it.I suspect my premiums will go up next year,but it was so lovely to be able to have the best surgeon without worrying.Alison

I agree Alison, I got caught out with that one, either £4,000 or 12 months  Unfortuanatly the 12 months came first and now I have to pay for her meds which she could be on for life  Changed to Direct Line and got the same deal you have Alison.  I pay £28 per month but that's for two 

[pam]

I didn't realise that Abby's surgery cost so much Alison.  Titch's cost us about £1600 for her cruciate repair which I thought was bad enough.

We have debated insurance time and time again.  Had thought of just putting the money away but just as well we stuck with the insurance.  It costs different amounts for all 4 of our dogs - with Pepe's being the most expensive because he cost the most!  Weird or what?  He is also the oldest and that affects the premium. 

We have claimed for 3 of the 4 dogs - Titch's cruciate, Bengy's lump under his eye ( about £600) and Poppy's lump on her head (about £600).  We have to pay up front and then claim it back from the insurance company.  The vet used to do all the paperwork but now you have to do it yourself.  Haven't had any problems with the claims thank goodness.

Pam

[Lizzie]

MMMM - this thread makes interesting reading.  I do not have insurance as with 10 bichons can you imagine the cost.    When I got my first bichon Barney and then Ben - I took out the Kennel club insurance and was paying £30/mth. (Remember I'm going back 17yrs) This kept going up each year and when the dogs reached 6yrs of age the Kennel club told me I was no longer insured.  It didn't make sense as when the dogs get older is when you may need the insurance.  I suppose it was not in their best interest.  Another clause which was in the policies is that if a b*t*h is in whelp and there are complications - they are not covered,    So now I just pay the vet as and when.   He's lovely actually because if there is a huge bill he'll let me pay something each month.

[Alison]

I didn't realise that Abby's surgery cost so much Alison.  Titch's cost us about £1600 for her cruciate repair which I thought was bad enough.
  Pam

They made the patella groove deeper and moved the tibial crest and pinned it for the transferred bone to heal in place.It was more involved than we initially hoped it would be.All for the best the way its worked out.We were lucky to have such a well known expert locally.
Alison

[Andrea]

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.?