After reading SunsRocketfan's post, and his decision and others in the thread and who I know, I'm considering the insurance. But have heard some bad reviews. Anyone use insurance? PetPlan? Their website calculator priced my mixed-breed, 20-70lb, 12 yr old at $70/mo. That's a lot, but I've spent nearly $3k in the last two years on just random illnesses. Right now, she has been examined with a clean bill of health, so I don't think I will get screwed by pre-existing conditions.
Based on your numbers I looked up your quote. Looks like you are talking about the Silver plan. Limit on this for your dog is $14k, with 80% coverage (reimbursement) and $200 deductable Your annual premiums are going to be $840. Your deductible will be $200 The plan will cover 80% of the rest. $3000-200=$2800 * .2 = $560 out of pocket. So your total out of pocket for this plan will be $840+$200+$560= $1600 to cover $3000 in expenses based on your dog's history. Your out of pocket if you spend less than $200 at the vet will be $840 for premiums + anything under $200, so probably around $1000 just to have the insurance and not use it. I couldn't justify that on the slim chance I might spend $3k.
70/month seems steep. Hit up your local congressmen to make a push to put a stipulation in the affordable care act to also include pets.
I don't have insurance, but have had the wellness plan on my dog since I got him 7 years ago. I was paying $16 a month until some expensive blood tests were needed. They upped my plan to $32 a month, did the tests, then I called in and they dropped it back down to $16 the next month. Its saved me quite a bit over the years.
Similar here. The Pet Insurance was too much, but I did a Wellness Plan with Banfield (yeah, I know, they suck - I don't use them anymore) and that was cheaper than paying for one costly visit out of pocket. That dog has been very healthy of late, so I took him off the Wellness Plan a couple years ago. He's kind of sickly and always has been but he's in good shape right now. Yearly trips to Fulshear Animal Hospital for a full check up and teeth cleaning are enough for now.
Been paying 40 for 6 MO Boston Terrier. Don't know how I didn't do this before, I spent at least 1200 alone the first 8 months I had my Rottie.
I picked Bronze, but did 90% reimbursement. That's why it looked like Silver. Hate to jinx my dog, but why you say "slim chance" for a 12 yr old? I would say it's within reasonable betting odds.
I had previously used pet's best insurance and they were okay when I used him for my dog's ACL surgery. This time I am paying out of pocket. Something else to consider and use if you have a unexpected vet bill is care credit. http://www.carecredit.com/ Depending on the amount.. they offer 6 month, 12 month and 18 month interest free payments.
