Introducing The Pet Insurance and Health Care Blog
Welcome to The Pet Insurance and Health Care Blog, a collaborative effort by the makers of Dogster & Catster and Trupanion Pet Insurance.
The need for a blog of this type occurred to us recently when we were sitting around discussing pet insurance. An often disputed topic, we began looking around a bit, only to discover that despite all the information on the Internet there still wasn’t a single place dedicated to an open dialogue about pet insurance. So we decided to start this blog.
Our goal is to foster a discussion open to all topics concerning pet insurance. We aim to elevate pet insurance standards so that the pet health care industry better serves the actual needs of pets and their owners. By posting information about the state of pet insurance and health care, we are hopeful that readers will feel comfortable sharing their opinions and discussing their experiences with others. We encourage you to speak positively or negatively about any company, health care provider, website, or facet of the pet health care industry – all we ask is that you report factually.
The long-term purpose of this blog involves documenting pet insurance standards as they evolve over time and using what is shared and learned here to help make these practices better in the future.
We’re also happy to answer any general questions we can about pet insurance and pet health care.
So please check back with us regularly and feel free to comment, contact us and link to our entries.
Welcome aboard! We hope that you benefit from the information that is posted on this blog. If you’d like to subscribe to updates via RSS feed, you may do so here.
Interesting. This is a good idea. I have always been skeptical about pet health insurance, so am eager to see what follows.
Hey there – welcome to the neighborhood! Glad to see someone else finally blogging about pet insurance apart from me over at the Embrace Pet Insurance blog. The more, the merrier I say.
I’m looking forward to some interesting dialogue going forward. I’m sure the Dogster and Catster members will have some interesting thoughts on pet insurance.
I acquired a new puppy as a foundling. We took him to Banfield Clinic on recommendation from a friend. While waiting, I was reading brochures and found their wellness plan. I insured him on our first visit and I have been very pleased that I did. The vet found that my little guy had the mange and many of his visits were -0- cost to me but the bills were from $600 to $900. each. My last visit was $980 and I had to pay $128.00 so I figure I’m ahead of the cost game. I don’t hesitate to recommend Banfield Clinic and their wellness plan.
I adopted an 18 month old french bulldog and got pet insurance for him right away. Lucky that I did because Winston had heartworm, along other treatable intestinal parasites. Long story short, none of his treatment was covered because they determined this a pre-existing condition. Be wary of how they term things, because this condition was not predetermined by any vet before I adopted him and got the insurance. He contracted this disease during his foster time in Oklahoma (which is a whole story on its own) and the larvae did not become detectable until he was in my care. Needless to say, I was frustrated and canceled the insurance. Now, one year later, Winston is in an Intensive Care Unit recovering from a serious back surgery that is costing me close to $8,000. Although I kick myself for canceling the insurance, I have serious doubts about whether this surgery would’ve been covered anyway because I’m sure they would classify this as a congenital disorder. Basically, don’t get insurance unless your pet is into extreme sports because they only cover freak accidents, cancer and about 10% of vaccinations.
Hey Lyn,
I’ve actually seen a few comments on Banfield’s wellness program, and so far all good things. I’m glad to hear that this is working out.
And to clarify for everyone else, Banfield does not offer any type of insurance, but rather a wellness program that covers routine procedures such as shots and teeth cleanings.
Erin,
That is extremely interesting that the company was able to deem it pre-existing even though you say that it didn’t show up until you had him. Just so I’m clear, did he show any signs or symtoms before you got the insurance or before any waiting periods were up?
Also, to clarify, there are a few companies now that will cover both hereditary and congenital disorders. If you do decide to ever get pet insurance again, I would recommend doing some research and really digging in to each company. I wouldn’t be afraid to ask questions! And to also be mindful of how easily those questions are answered…
Happy recovery Winston!