Pet Insurance?

[EBD]

I have just adopted a new kitten and I am interested in getting health insurance for her. My last two cats died young after major illnesses that drained my savings account, so I have no cushion if this one also gets some freak disease (god forbid).

I've looked on the web at a few policies, but I don't know anyone who has pet insurance so I don't know which ones are reputable and easy to use. Do any of you have insurance on your animals, and can you recommend an insurance company?

I'd post a picture of the kitten but she is still hiding under the bed.

Thanks!

[makbike]

EDB:

I personally have not had any first hand experience with pet insurance but I do know that several clients who used the clinic where I worked had taken out policies on their pets. I think they used VIP and seemed to be happy with the company. VIP, if I remember correctly, offers several different policies which in turn vary in cost and coverage. I do know that if you are going to take out a policy on an animal it is best to do so when they are very young for once they have a "pre-existing" condition VIP and other companies will not cover them. As with any big purchase shop around and read all the fine print. You might also contact the clinics in your area and ask them for feedback. You might also ask them to contact their clients that have policies and request that they have the clients contact you (they probably won't give you names and phones numbers so ask to work the contact backwards). Good luck and enjoy your new addition!

[LBTC]

Mak said pretty much what I would have!

Congratulations on the new fur-baby! We do want to see pictures soon!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Bluetree]

EDB...

We got pet health insurance for our dog through the local pet hospital. As a pup, her premiums were $50/year, which covered injury and illness, but not genetic defects (we had her scanned and background checked before we got her, she seemed OK there).

It did not cover her annual shots/checkups, which were mandatory to keep the policy in effect. She is 14 now and the premiums are now $160/year, still a good deal considering how many bloody fights she's had with raccoons, large rats and other yard-invaders.

Our animal hospital did not offer plans for cat owners, however. I'm not sure if it was because they thought cats were more of a liability. Check with your local clinic. They may have plans to offer. Good luck!

EDIT: Oops, just confirmed with my mother... the premiums are $360 a year. We're still ahead on bills, though.

[Ninabike]

Humm . . . New kittens (or cats), they are so smart. They always know right where the bed is and go under it. That's until they find out that the top of the bed is much more comfortable. Congratulations on your new baby!!

[snapdragen]

Chloe is covered by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VIP) - she has the premium plan, with a cancer rider. My last corgi - Rikki, died from Lymphoma. Having insurance for her saved me from depleting my bank account.

Chloe is almost 9 years old now - my premiums are $42/month.

[Offthegrid]

I read a lot of financial books -- by Suze Orman, Dave Ramsey, David Bach, etc. Their general consensus is that you are better off putting aside a little bit each month and then you'll have the money to pay for routine care and whatever illnesses/surgeries/etc. come along. You'll also be earning a tiny bit of interest on the money. And whatever you end up not spending you'll be able to keep.

For example, if premiums are $42 a month, you'd have more than $4,500 saved by now, minus whatever you took from the account to pay for routine care.

Just offering an opposing view. You have to decide what is right for you.