pet insurance-again
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Re: Pet Insurance
You have to remember that the profit motive for the insurance company is to deny claims and delay payments and lose paperwork. My brother is a dentist with a large practice. They had two people in his office setup just to deal with insurance companies. Even with pre-approvals their success rate of reimbursement is only 70-75% on the first submittal. And these people know how the system works! They DO spent large amounts of time talking to insurance reps, resubmitting documents, and refaxing again the same info to get the claims filled. One blank spot on a form can kick out the form as denied. So don't feel bad that you seem to have to do these same things for your individual claims. This is just standard operating procedure for an insurance comp. Jim LaFrom San Jose, Ca now get out there and work dem workn'dogs
Pet Insurance--My Experience
Sue wrote: > My boy has a lot of problems so I am seriously > considering it. What to do? It's a tough > decision because having already spent a lot of > money in his five years, I would hate to spend the > $$$ for insurance that did not come through when > needed. Please be aware that with any pet insurance company, they will NOT cover a condition that is "pre-existing". If your dog has shown symptoms and it is already noted in their medical file, that illness will not be covered by the insurance policy. There is also a 30 waiting period for coverage to begin; any disease that presents itself before the end of that waiting period will also be excluded. (This is a standard practise for all insurance companies--not just for pets--so that people don't take out insurance after they know they have a large claim to make.) I had to fight with a company called VETINSURANCE (They are also in the US) to have my claim paid. I switched my Della over to this company from PetPlan Insurance because VETINSURANCE appeared to have better coverage, premiums and deductibles. Della hadn't been sick, other than cruciate surgery and had no illnesses recorded on her medical file even though she was 8 years old at the time. Six months after changing companies she developed symptoms of Hystiocytosis (she had turn 9 years old by this time). She died two months later at the end of October 2002. I had submitted a claim to VETINSURANCE for the diagnostic work testing that was done to determine her illness (approximately $1200.00)in September 2002. VETINSURANCE tried to tell me that blood work that had been done in November 2001 indicated that she had this cancer at that time (This was a geriatric screening blood test showed that showed slightly above normal Lymphocyte levels--Stress from having blood drawn can raise this level.) I challenged their theory and had the Oncologist write a letter stating that the November blood work was totally unrelated to the cancer. The specialist also explained that lymphocytosis was not a confirmation of MH, particularly with no other symptoms present. VETINSURANCE's Veterinary adviser still rejected my claim and sent it to a Specialist Clinic somewhere in BC for another opinion. The Specialist Clinic said they were not qualified to challenge my Oncologist's assessment. Della's file was then sent to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Guelph Ontario for a third opinion. Guelph confirmed my Oncologist's assessment that if Della had had MH in November 2001 she would have died before I even took out the policy with VETINSURANCE. VETINSURANCE finally paid my claim in April 2003. Needless to say I canceled the coverage on my other two dogs with this company as soon as they refused to pay Della's claim in October 2002. I now use PETCARE which has been very good. The claims I have had with them have been paid within 5 days of submitting the paperwork. Both PETCARE and PETPLAN will tell you up front in writing what conditions your dog will be excluded from coverage when you take out a policy. VETINSURANCE waited until I had made a claim and then went back through my dog's medical history to find something they could try to link to it to show it as being "pre-existing" so they didn't have to pay. In the meantime they were collecting my premiums monthly leading me to believe my dogs would be covered for any illness. If you are going to take out Pet Insurance, shop around and talk to other people who have used the company. In Canada, I would recommend PETCARE above the other two companies. Although their monthly premiums are higher for Bernese, they seem to be the best at paying up when you need them. As someone on the list already mentioned, PETPLAN (the other company in Canada) tends to increase the co-insurance rate (from 20% to 50%) once you make a large claim--so PETPLAN pays out less each time you make a claim. Make sure you know how the company works, what you pay in premiums, co-insurance, deductibles and what you get back. They all have different rules. READ THE FINE PRINT. That's my experience, Robin = Robin Camken Ottawa, ON, Canada E-mail <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> __ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: Pet Insurance
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Re: Pet Insurance
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Re: Pet Insurance
I have had positive experience with VPI .. I have it on both my boys and when each had incidents 1.5 years ago, I was very happy with my VPI insurance. BEFORE I filed the claim I gave VPI customer service a call and asked what I needed to make sure and have. The main thing was a diagnosis. Without a diagnosis they cannot cover much. So I went back to the vet and let her know what I needed .. in the one case it was flysnap seizures .. she thought it over and came back with psycho motor seizures. I submitted claims and receipts for all the specialists we went to after to rule out anything else .. and everything was covered. Same with my other boys issue .. but his was more cut and dry - his stick eating incident - resulted in a Retrobulbar Abscess. .. everything was covered, even the Canine Eye Specialist seen to make sure we didn't have any residual damage to the eye or third eyelid. I have the Standard care rider .. so I get coverage yearly for the normal blood work, heart worm test, office visits and the 'required' vaccinations. So as my boys sleep beside me on my day off, I and very thankful that if another 'event' takes place I do not have to worry about how I am going to afford it. As with many insurances VPI does not cover known congenital issues with the breed as listed by some standard Vet resource texts of known congenital issues for each breed. But for everything else that might happen, in my opinion .. pet insurance it's well worth it. VPI will eventually add a rider for congenital / hereditary issues .. but its not available in my state yet. .. once it is we will be adding that rider to our policies. Teresa, Patriot and Romeo Albuquerque, NM - Original Message - From: "A. Sufi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 9:23 PM Subject: Re: Pet Insurance ARGH! How true!! I am having SUCH an ongoing headache with Veterinary Pet Insurance! We bought a policy for Zeus when he was 7 weeks old (he will be 2 this month), and have only just recently had cause to file a claim. On November 1, Zeus cut his paw wide open while running and required many stitches, x-rays (etc.) and extensive follow-up. My vet faxed the requested paperwork to VPI and they said they didn't receive it.my vet faxed it again.VPI said they didn't receive itwe mailed it certified AND faxed itVPI finally received it. By now was months later, and now, just TWO DAYS AGO I've received a check for $72.60 reimbursement for a total $829.85 Vet bill!! ARGH Obviously I will be fighting that one. Now he just tore his knee cap out, and I just can't wait to see what they will have to say about THAT.. Antoinette & Zeus San Ramon, Ca. > As Shakespeare would say, "Ah, there's the rub!" > What is a "good" one? If your dog has serious problems that the company > can > claim is "genetic" or "congenital" (in their mind they are the same, even > though we and the vets know they are not!) the treatment will not be > covered, no > matter how long you have been a client or how much you paid for the policy > or > how many independent veterinary specialists challenge the denial of > coverage. > That eliminates all surgery or treatment due to arthritis, dysplasias and > spondylosis. They consider all of those to have a "genetic or congenital" > origin. > It does appear from previous emails to the list that our Canadian members > have a much better selection of companies or coverage than we do in the > States. > > Anne Copeland (Flash CGC, TDI, 8 11/12 yrs. old Berner; Gypsy CGC, TDI, 2 > yr. > old Cavalier) > Northern Illinois Annes4, Corr. Sec. BMDCA > "If one will begin with certainties, one will end in doubts; however if one were content to begin with doubts, one will end in certainties." Sir Francis Bacon
Pet Insurance - money poorly spent?
Based on what I've read and experienced, if you live in the U.S. you should NOT get pet insurance (Canadians seem to have better luck with theirs). Pet insurance does not help in an emergency because you still need cash on hand to pay the vet, and you will not be reimbursed by the insurance company for several months, after you've spent way too much time collecting and sending paperwork, sitting on hold on the phone, staving off collectors for the bills you didn't pay in order to pay the vet, and experiencing increasingly high blood pressure and headaches from the frustration of it all. In the end, if you are reimbursed at all, it will be a fraction of what you expected. Do NOT believe what these insurance companies write on their web site and in the enrollment materials--it is nothing like reality. I have never seen a company that was so different from what it said it was than Veterinary Pet Insurance. In any other industry there would be a class action lawsuit in no time, but I think we dog nuts don't have the time or money for such a thing. On the other hand, if you do a forced savings account, you will have money on hand to pay the vet at the time of an emergency. Even if it's not the full amount, vets are usually willing to work out short-terms payments, or you can do the health care credit plan to pay off an emergency. You won't have headaches and hassles--you will be in total control. So set up a separate savings account just for pet medical bills, and if you work for a company, have money automatically deposited into that account before you even get your paycheck. It may be hard to keep your hands off this account, but just remind yourself how important it is. It is worth it for your dog's health and your own! Alice Madar [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sedona, AZ
Re: Pet Insurance
ARGH! How true!! I am having SUCH an ongoing headache with Veterinary Pet Insurance! We bought a policy for Zeus when he was 7 weeks old (he will be 2 this month), and have only just recently had cause to file a claim. On November 1, Zeus cut his paw wide open while running and required many stitches, x-rays (etc.) and extensive follow-up. My vet faxed the requested paperwork to VPI and they said they didn't receive it.my vet faxed it again.VPI said they didn't receive itwe mailed it certified AND faxed itVPI finally received it. By now was months later, and now, just TWO DAYS AGO I've received a check for $72.60 reimbursement for a total $829.85 Vet bill!! ARGH Obviously I will be fighting that one. Now he just tore his knee cap out, and I just can't wait to see what they will have to say about THAT.. Antoinette & Zeus San Ramon, Ca. > As Shakespeare would say, "Ah, there's the rub!" > What is a "good" one? If your dog has serious problems that the company > can > claim is "genetic" or "congenital" (in their mind they are the same, even > though we and the vets know they are not!) the treatment will not be > covered, no > matter how long you have been a client or how much you paid for the policy > or > how many independent veterinary specialists challenge the denial of > coverage. > That eliminates all surgery or treatment due to arthritis, dysplasias and > spondylosis. They consider all of those to have a "genetic or congenital" > origin. > It does appear from previous emails to the list that our Canadian members > have a much better selection of companies or coverage than we do in the > States. > > Anne Copeland (Flash CGC, TDI, 8 11/12 yrs. old Berner; Gypsy CGC, TDI, 2 > yr. > old Cavalier) > Northern Illinois Annes4, Corr. Sec. BMDCA > "If one will begin with certainties, one will end in doubts; however if one were content to begin with doubts, one will end in certainties." Sir Francis Bacon
RE: Pet Insurance
Hi Mike, I find the increase in your deductible outrageous! You might like to investigate PetCare and see what they would charge you for a monthly premium. Given that your gastro claims have been related to sock ingestion they might just put an exclusion on that. Shop around:-) Rose -Original Message- From: Mike&Deanna [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: June 18, 2003 7:24 PM To: berner-l Subject: Pet Insurance Consumer reports aside, we are VERY glad to have signed up for pet insurance. We're with PetPlan in Canada, and took the "Champion" plan (while he'll never see a show ring, Vandal's a champion to us). It includes coverage for preventative measures (vaccine, microchip, dental) as well as neutering (in just six short days Vandal - lick 'em while you got 'em!). Anyway, to date we have received from PetPlan over $1300 in refunds, beyond the annual $200 deductable and 20% co-insurance. We've had some (okay - many) gastro-intestinal issues to sort through, so trips to the vet have been more frequent than we would like. Our monthly premium is $65. Sadly, we have been informed that while we still have coverage for life, the co-insurance will be bumped to 50%, meaning that they will only cover half of all costs effective July 1, to be reviewed every 6 months. Even at 50% we would have received our premiums back this year. Still, the peace of mind alone is worth $65. We will never make a choice based on cost, only what's best for Vandal. Mike, Deanna and Vandal p.s. hi Tess - 1st birthday coming soon!
RE: PET INSURANCE
Hi Linda, Always a personal decision and if one has the self discipline to save a specific amount each month towards future emergencies related to one's dog that is good but unfortunately most families might find another "emergency" and use those funds! As a matter of interest I would like to make a case here and show why insurance might be a good course:-) Here in Canada we have two main companies, PetPlan and PetCare, for a premium less than $40 per month you get good coverage for all illnesses and accidents excluding pre-existing ones. That said $40 per month multiply by 12 months multiply by 10 years (being hopeful with longevity here) comes to a total of $4800 for the life of a ten year old dog. Now that might seem like a lot of money but one cruciate surgery gobbles up $2000 and an emergency torsion costs up to $4000 and cancer treatment can very quickly exceed $5000. One eaten sock and intersussception can cost upwards of $2000 and any overnight stay in the ICU for a diagnostic workup for mystery illness starts at $350 for care alone. Lets say the medical crisis occurs at age five years then there is only $2400 in the pot, not very much really and there would most likely be follow up care perhaps for the remainding surviving years. Generally speaking the odds of having wasted the money on premiums are low and at the end of the day will be recouped for medical costs. I would recommend puppy owners invest in insurance for at least the first two years of the dog's life because this is the timeframe orthopedic problems are going to emerge and again re-invest in insurance for the late middle years and onwards. As a breeder it helps give me peace of mind knowing that my buyers will be able to consider life saving treatment for emergencies. Rose T. (and no I'm not an insurance salesperson:-)
Pet Insurance
Consumer reports aside, we are VERY glad to have signed up for pet insurance. We're with PetPlan in Canada, and took the "Champion" plan (while he'll never see a show ring, Vandal's a champion to us). It includes coverage for preventative measures (vaccine, microchip, dental) as well as neutering (in just six short days Vandal - lick 'em while you got 'em!). Anyway, to date we have received from PetPlan over $1300 in refunds, beyond the annual $200 deductable and 20% co-insurance. We've had some (okay - many) gastro-intestinal issues to sort through, so trips to the vet have been more frequent than we would like. Our monthly premium is $65. Sadly, we have been informed that while we still have coverage for life, the co-insurance will be bumped to 50%, meaning that they will only cover half of all costs effective July 1, to be reviewed every 6 months. Even at 50% we would have received our premiums back this year. Still, the peace of mind alone is worth $65. We will never make a choice based on cost, only what's best for Vandal. Mike, Deanna and Vandal p.s. hi Tess - 1st birthday coming soon!
Re: Pet Insurance- Consumer Report
In a message dated 06/18/2003 8:59:26 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << With a good plan one doesn't have to go cheap on veterinary care. >> As Shakespeare would say, "Ah, there's the rub!" What is a "good" one? If your dog has serious problems that the company can claim is "genetic" or "congenital" (in their mind they are the same, even though we and the vets know they are not!) the treatment will not be covered, no matter how long you have been a client or how much you paid for the policy or how many independent veterinary specialists challenge the denial of coverage. That eliminates all surgery or treatment due to arthritis, dysplasias and spondylosis. They consider all of those to have a "genetic or congenital" origin. It does appear from previous emails to the list that our Canadian members have a much better selection of companies or coverage than we do in the States. Anne Copeland (Flash CGC, TDI, 8 11/12 yrs. old Berner; Gypsy CGC, TDI, 2 yr. old Cavalier) Northern Illinois Annes4, Corr. Sec. BMDCA
RE: Pet Insurance- Consumer Report
Aargh!! Be careful when reading these types of articles and remember that they are talking in averages. Your average dog maybe lives to twelve years, middle height and middle size with just the basics of problems. NOW let us consider the Bernese, much as I love the breed the big health issues that can quickly bankrupt an owner are hip and elbow dysplasia, sock eating with resulting intersusception of the bowel, bloat with torsion, ACL stifle injuries, and cancer. Whether to buy or not to buy insurance is like playing Russian Roulette, just as with our health plans if we grow old with no health concerns and die in our sleep one night then those premiums are lost. BUT one big health issue and at least you don't have to scurry around to see if you can afford it. Murphy's Law:-) If you have it you don't need it and if you need it you don't have it! As a breeder I strongly recommend my buyers invest in insurance, not because I anticipate health problems but it provides a cushion of financial comfort if the need arises. With a good plan one doesn't have to go cheap on veterinary care. Rose T.
PET INSURANCE
Please check the JULY issue of CONSUMER REPORTS for an objective review of Pet Insurance.After being undecided about this for a few years, I find CR's information in line with my decision to save funds in a separate account for Berner emergencies. If I need it, it's there. If I don't, the money is still in MY account and not the insurance company's.Every owner must decide for themselves but I was grateful to see the industry evaluated by an organization I trust. Peace, Linda Seaver & Belline in Bedford, NY
Pet Insurance
I have done some extensive research on this issue, and found "Petshealth care plan" to be the best for us. Their website is easy to get around, and the 3 levels of plans are very easy to understand. The most important part, to me, is that they consider Cancer a normal illness, not a heredity disease. As with all things, it's important to call and talk with them. Just my two cents! Daaisy, Chance and Oliver (with Caymus and Mx always in my heart)
Pet Insurance- Consumer Report
I just thought I would mention that Consumer Reports, July issue has an article on "pets & vets". They also compared pet insurance vs. no insurance and basically conclude that for the most part pet insurance isn't really worth it. It was interesting to read the article, so I thought anyone considering pet insurance might like to read it as well. It also gives pointers on ways of saving money on your vet bills. Chat Soon, Linda
RE: Premier Pet Insurance
Hi Pat, I would ask the company what conditions they include in congenital anomaly! Sounds like a catch all for a lot of exclusions. The premiums sound very cheap so question if your premiums go up and how much if you make a claim, and is there a co-insurance. Rose -Original Message- From: P. Buickerood [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: March 7, 2003 8:50 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Premier Pet Insurance We are anticipating the adoption of a Berner puppy in our household w/in the next few months and we will be getting Pet Health Insurance. Unlike the other company frequently mentioned on the list Premier Pet Insurance plans do not exclude hereditary diseases or breed specific conditions although they do have an exclusion for "congenital anomaly". I'm guessing that an umbilical hernia might fall into that category. Their least expensive plan is $12.65 a month and covers basic preventive care, spaying and neutering and illness up to $8000 a year. Has anyone in the US had experience with the Premier Pet Insurance plans? = Patricia Buickerood __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more http://taxes.yahoo.com/
Pet Insurance
Since the Pet Insurance question has surfaced again, I have a question to ask those that use plans other than VPI. Every year or so as my VPI policies come up for renewal I check around for the various pet insurance carriers. Many of the plans I find cannot provide quotes or policy information because "they are changing underwriters". In some cases I never hear back from the firm, or its MONTHS before I get any information. So if your insurance carrier changes underwriters frequently does that dramically change the policy from year to year? Does this cause delay in paying benifits? Are their billing issues? I have been with VPI since Patriot was a baby, I am happy with the claims I have submitted and prompt payment of those claims. I do have the 'Routine Care' rider that covers yearly stuff, and am about to utilize it for blood tests, and the like. Have I had issues with VPI .. one small one. Last year when they were upgrading thier computers, I was 'double' billed, I called they explained what and why and corrected the issue. ... the next month I wasn't billed for that dog, I called they indicated that they were in the process of upgrading so the 'billing' would be delayed a bit... it took 7 months for them to bill me for that dog again. Since I have the premiums taken directly from my checking account it just got handled eventually .. but it was a bit annoying. my .02 Teresa, Patriot (3.5) and Romeo (23 months)
Premier Pet Insurance
We are anticipating the adoption of a Berner puppy in our household w/in the next few months and we will be getting Pet Health Insurance. Unlike the other company frequently mentioned on the list Premier Pet Insurance plans do not exclude hereditary diseases or breed specific conditions although they do have an exclusion for "congenital anomaly". I'm guessing that an umbilical hernia might fall into that category. Their least expensive plan is $12.65 a month and covers basic preventive care, spaying and neutering and illness up to $8000 a year. Has anyone in the US had experience with the Premier Pet Insurance plans? = Patricia Buickerood __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more http://taxes.yahoo.com/
Pet Care Pet Insurance
Does anyone on the list have Pet Care Pet Insurance? If so could you please email me privately with details pertaining to how fast your claim was handled, what did they cover (i.e.cancer, heart, digestive, injury), did they reimburse 70%, 80% or 100%, were they personable to deal with and so on. Thank you for any input. Kelly Weir and Hope http://home.twmi.rr.com/skylinebmd/index.html/hopeindex.htm
Kenny's dilemma, Pet Insurance and more
Hey all. I've been lurking since last summer, ever since my wife and I were certain that we were going to get a Berner. I have often thought of posting and have enjoyed many threads in the list, so here goes nothing. Deanna and I settled on Berners after many years of research, first with Saints, then Leonbergers and finally Berners. We wanted a big dog, and the temperament and looks of the Bernese settled it. I love Goldens as well (they are the cutest puppies ever), but do agree that they are too common. There are at least 8 in our immediate neighbourhood. We brought Vandal home with us in September 2002, after many wonderful visits and discussions with Rose Tierney. It was Rose's V litter, and after Voodoo was poo-pooed by Rose, and Vog was rejected by my wife, we went with Vandal. If you were to see the baseboards in the house you'd see he lived up to his name. Thankfully the undesirable chewing has stopped, and Vandal has become a wonderful companion. Nothing seems to bug him - he was easily housetrained with the crate, he's wonderful in the car, he's friendly with other dogs, kids and adults, and he has taken to obedience training very nicely. We still have work to do, but he's only 8 months old. We've made rush trips to the vet twice - once for PNOS (Paranoid New Owner Syndrome) and once after he swallowed a sock (which seems to run in Rose's lines - Vandal is definitely the son of Phoebe). We have PetPlan insurance in Canada, which has been great - one-year's premiums and annual deductible were almost covered in the sock-eating episode alone; his vaccinations, microchip and routine dental/physicals are covered, as will his neutering. We are glad that we will never have to make a health-related decision based on cost, but only one what is best for him. I can't speak for the U.S., but I would not even consider having a dog without insurance here. While hair is everywhere, it bothers neither Deanna nor I. Regular brushing helps, but only barely. Our biggest expense, as others have shared, is our new PTS (Puppy Transportation System), which Toyota was quite happy to sell to us. He's also the first living thing I've met who eats faster than I do. I tell you, Vandal has added so much more than he's demanded. Even though I am up every morning at 6:00, spend my lunch hour coming home every day for a feeding, and have spent more time on my kitchen floor in the last 6 months than I thought possible, it's always to be with a wonderful puppy who gives unquestioning affection in return. As an added bonus, I have lost more than 20lbs from the daily walks, and I always have someone to listen to me describe, in detail, all the curling shots I almost made. Having read a lot of Berner-l email, I have come to two conclusions: 1) thanks to this list, someone owned by a Berner is never in it alone; and 2) hug your Berner every day. Thanks, Rose, for trusting us with one of your pups, and Kenny - if YOU want a dog, get a dog. If you want a great dog, get a Berner. Mike, Deanna and Vandal.
Pet Insurance in Sweden and Code of Ethics
Here I go again about the Breeders' Code of Ethics over here : ) . this time in regards to pet insurance in Sweden. A majority of dog owners as well as many cat owners have pet insurance here in Sweden. One interesting conditional clause in my Griffin's policy is in regards to hip and elbow dysplasia. This clause is common to all pet insurance policies available over here. If a dog owner has a breed of dog where there is a national breeders' genetic/health program in place, and where the conditions of the Breeders' Code of Ethics have been met in accordance with the Swedish Kennelklubb (SKK), then insurance coverage for medical costs is far more extensive if the dog develops HD or ED. If one has purchased a pup from a breeder who has not complied with the COE and has not done the proper clearances in regards to the parent animals, then the policy only covers the costs of diagnostic procedures. Cecilia Ståhl & Griffin in Stockholm ps: Griffin is doing fine now his rhinoscopy Jan 10th went fine and no tumour in the nasal cavity was found ; )
Pet Insurance
Does anyone know how the Berners fit into this category? Does the cancer rider guarantee coverage for cancer treatment for our breed? 2. Congenital or hereditary defects or diseases - such as patellar luxation (as referenced in current veterinary literature such as current Veterinary Therapy, Medical and Genetic Aspects of Purebred Dogs and Textbook of Small Animal Internal Medicine. Benefits are available by endorsement with acceptance of additional premium (that's verbatim from my policy). We are getting ready to get our fist pup and are considering insurance. But with all the known health problems in the BMD, I wonder what they would exclude as "genetic aspects". Wendy Kirk Pioneer, CA Nikki Von Edison (GSD) Widerhalls Fully Involved Sequoia (GSD)Certified Arson Dog Ilsa Vom Frolich Haus (GSD) Registered Therapy Dog
Pet Insurance
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Pet Insurance
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Pet Insurance
Good Morning all, I was asked by someone from the list to post a summary of the responses that I received privately regarding pet insurance. Karen and Thor "I purchased VPI insurance for my Berner when he was 12 weeks old. I did receive some benefits from it. At 10 months he was diagnosed with bilateral elbow dysplasia that required very expensive surgery. I breathed a sigh of relief that I had insurance, scheduled the surgery, and then found out that they do not cover anything considered to be a genetic related illness. I got nothing for any type of claim related to the elbow dysplasia or the surgery(about $4000.00 of expenses). Just some food for thought if one of the reasons you are purchasing insurance is to help out if your Berner develops one of those problems that are inherited and known to Berners." "My only complaint (I have VPI, Veterinary Pet Insurance) is that they will exclude from what's covered anything that the dog has been previously treated for (in my older dog's case, he had flea bite dermatitis when we first got him, so that was excluded for the future). The plan I have has a $50 deductible per "incident," so the insurance is really used for BIG problems. The only time I've used it is when my younger pup at 4 months ate a huge amount of an old couch; the emergency vet visit for that cost $178; after filing, we quickly got reimbursed for all but $50. So that worked out well... Also, I think if you read the fine print you will find that conditions considered inherent to the breed (such as dysplasia) will not be covered. I recently spent a lot of money on xrays and a CT scan for my puppy because of suspected elbow dysplasia. Even though I've filed, I strongly doubt any of that will be paid; it's considered "genetic." I think insurance is good if you count on it to handle some of the big things (bloat perhaps, or a real illness) but probably doesn't pay when it's just routine care and the occasional case of pinkeye, etc." "I don't have the insurance but wish I did. Unfortunately I never really thought about it until my Berner was two years of age and then it was too late as he has what would be considered a preexisting condition. I advise everyone that pet insurance is something that they should SERIOUSLY consider. I know my next Berner will be insured from the day I bring him home."
Pet Insurance
I just recently had to take my berner to the vet for a small problem... Afterwards I was on the net and decided to do a little research on pet insuranceIt sounds to me like it might be a good idea to get this insurance for future visits. I would like to get the opinions of anyone on the list that actually has pet insurance. Thank you very much for all your help Karen, Jim and Thor.
pet insurance
I was wondering if anyone can tell of their experiences with pet insurance: the realities vs the myths.Cancers covered/not covered.etc. Thanks, Debbie Hennes
RE: Pet insurance
Reposted for the digest members, it was completely garbled for some reason!! -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2002 10:55 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Pet insurance I was found by a Berner boy in August and I did indeed purchase pet insurance for him. I went with www.petinsurance.com. So far I have been very happy with the plan. I purchased the Superior Plan with a cancer rider. (Hopefully never have to be used!) I can go to any vet any time. There are rules to be followed but so far I have no complaints. I decided to purchase insurance after running up $5000 in vet bills over a three month period only to lose my two Chow Chows. The cost is about $300+ per year I forget exactly, but the Superior Plan also covers several routine items. I figure if I am lucky enough to have my Berner Boy for 10 years it will still only be $3000 out of pocket. One big incident and the insurance will have paid for itself. I have already been reimbursed $190 this first year so only $110 or so till it covers iteself this year! Check out the website it is very informative. Kristin O'Neill South Boston, MA
Pet insurance
I was found by a Berner boy in August and I did indeed purchase pet insurance for him. I went with www.petinsurance.com. So far I have been very happy with the plan. I purchased the Superior Plan with a cancer rider. (Hopefully never have to be used!) I can go to any vet any time. There are rules to be followed but so far I have no complaints. I decided to purchase insurance after running up $5000 in vet bills over a three month period only to lose my two Chow Chows. The cost is about $300+ per year I forget exactly, but the Superior Plan also covers several routine items. I figure if I am lucky enough to have my Berner Boy for 10 years it will still only be $3000 out of pocket. One big incident and the insurance will have paid for itself. I have already been reimbursed $190 this first year so only $110 or so till it covers iteself this year! Check out the website it is very informative. Kristin O'Neill South Boston, MA
pet insurance
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Pet Insurance
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