Anyone have experience with Veterinary Pet Insurance?

supabeast

I have two dogs. One is generally totally healthy and stays out of trouble. The other has arthritis in one knee, a bad joint in the other, reacts badly to medications, and gets sick a lot because he eats everything he finds on the sidewalk that smells remotely like food. Right now he’s in the hospital racking up at least an $800 bill because of some nasty stomach trouble. The bill will probably get substantially higher.

So I think I want to insure this dog against the inevitable catastrophic vet visit that might break the bank. Veterinary Pet Insurance appears to be the only option. Does anyone have any praises or horror stories to share, or know of other options?

Feral

I have VPI. I actually get it through my employer, believe it or not.

They're okay. They haven't given me any problems but they haven't wowed me either.

Just make sure you print out a blank claim form before you go to the vet. Have the vet sign the claim form for you, then you mail in the claim form and your receipt and the insurance company will reimburse you. It's not like human health insurance where they pay the doctor directly or like car insurance where they'll mail you a check before you get your car repaired. You have to pay your vet bill up front and then wait for VPI to reimburse you. It usually takes about two months for them to get a check back out to me assuming I get all the paperwork in on time.

2868

Only pleasant stories here. I use PetCare, because they covere everything except routine care which is what you want.

I had a hip replaced for one dog, they paid promptly and the entire requested amount.

My other dog, came down with Osteosarcoma, and even though he succumbed to the illness it was a relief to know that I did every thing for him because I wasn't afraid of the bills. He saw specialists, and got every chance because of petcare.

petcare

From what i understand VPI doesn't cover big things like hip dysplascia or genetic problems.

Six

Most people I know with dogs have VPI. A good friend of mine would be out ridiculous amounts of money without it, as his King Charles Spaniel was broken from the word go.