Pet Insurance?

AnnetteH · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:01 pm

Has anyone ever had success with pet insurance for guinea pigs? I have looked at some plans but they don't seem to cover much of anything.

Sassfra · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:18 pm

Dunno about guinea pigs....it's awful for dogs (doesn't cover anything and they'll swear up and down that a laceration needing stitches is a "pre-existing condition").

Equine insurance is a life saver...covered almost my entire colic surgery bill.

codyNpatches · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:46 pm

I have been looking too, but from what I have read, it isn't worth it. Maybe if you had a huge heard?

For just my two pigs, I am trying to save up an emergency fund.

kristina · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:20 pm

I live in Sweden but I have insurance on my pigs.

Last week I had a lump removed on Wille and the insurance company covered more than half the amount on the bill, about 350 U.S dollars (if my math is correct, 2500 SEK).

GuineaPinny · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:21 pm

It is the only way I can afford my guinea pigs. I pay $9 a month per pig, and they paid $650 on a $1150 bill (two of the things they didn't cover). I really recommend VPI-Veterinary Pet Insurance.

They don't cover preexisting conditions, but they were very nice when my pig passed.

codyNpatches · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:29 pm

GP, do you have a deductible each year per pig?

GuineaPinny · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:37 pm

Yes, it's $50.

codyNpatches · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:50 pm

Ok, I still have not called them. I need to. I still don't know what I want to do.

AnnetteH · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:53 pm

What kind of plan do you have. What things are covered?

pig wrangler · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:16 pm

I have policies on all my pigs from VPI pet insurance.

My vet told me that it was the only pet insurance company that he had seen that was worth the cost. He works at an animal hospital and specializes in exotics. He deals with insurance every day, and said that VPI does not give the pet owners the run around, and extreme levels of grief before paying out on a claim.

I did some research and have to say that I agree with him. Thank God that I have not had to use the insurance yet.

I pay $75 a year per guinea pig, and they cover nearly all conditions and have a low deductable.

Here is the link that covers guinea pigs, you can download a PDF file with the cost and coverage information :

http://www.petinsurance.com/Plans-And-Coverage/Birds-and-Exotic-Pets.aspx

codyNpatches · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:21 pm

Do they reimburse you after you pay or does it work like people insurance, you pay what is left over?

I don't quite understand the maximum limits at the top and then some of the numbers below that are much higher?

rshevin · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:34 pm

As you've seen here a few people like their insurance, but many of us recommend putting the same monthly fee into a savings account instead. Many of the insurance plans require you to pay up front and be reimbursed (if they decide to) so you still have to have the cash.

GuineaPinny · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:42 pm

Nine a dollars a month in a savings account won't add up though, if you have a condition that pops up right away (or even after a year).

It depends on your doctor with VPI. They are willing to pay you and have you then reimburse your doctor.

AnnetteH · Post » Tue Mar 30, 2010 6:29 pm

Well you sold me. I signed up.

pig wrangler · Post » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:02 pm

I have 10 full time pigs (no fosters), so insurance is a must. One contagious disease or infestation could cost thousands.

GuineaPinny · Post » Wed Mar 31, 2010 2:48 pm

That's great! I'm glad you started this thread too, it reminded me to sign up my new pig.

tara8301 · Post » Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:27 pm

Awesome, thanks for posting this. Any experience I've had with pet insurance has been companies hassling me about signing up my dog, but none of them would cover the pigs. I'm definitely going to look into this and probably get some coverage for my piggies.

rpaws · Post » Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:35 pm

I was paging through my AAA magazine late last night and there was an article about being able to use your AAA card to get a discount on pet insurance.

I don't remember what I read - will have to review it.

pig wrangler · Post » Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:57 pm

It is amazing, but my company started offering pet insurance to their employees this year. They don't pay the full permium, but we do get a discount.

Ironically, they will probably drop human insurance in place of Obama-care...

Kermie831 · Post » Wed Mar 31, 2010 7:45 pm

My vet's office said if you have a limited number of animals, it may be beneficial, but if you have a large family, its not worth it. I tallied what my per month cost would be... one and a half times my mortgage. I laughed and said if I could apply as a decent sized business, it might be worth it ;) Care credit owns my soul.